Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Definitions of Culture:

Person #1 – Culture is the arts. Diversity means different.

Person #2 – Culture is the beliefs, and the way of life of a group of people. Diversity means that everyone is unique.

Person #3 (Culturally different from me) -  Culture is the behavior and the beliefs of an ethnic group. Diversity means different people.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?  

All of the answers above, with the exception of the arts I have studied in my Perspective on Diversity and Equity Course. The definitions that I have received are basically similar. The definitions summarize the fact that individuals have a unique cultural identity. Being diverse (different) and unique represents that.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission? The definitions were very vague. However, the fact the family culture and diversity exists, was omitted.

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics? 

Considering other people’s definitions of culture and diversity has encouraged me to pay more attention to culture and diversity. Some may not think it is important. However, living in a diverse world, it is important to know, consider, respect, and assist in cultivating the culture of others to help bring balance and congruence. 

My Family Culture

If I had to stay in a country different from my own and could only take three small items, the three small items that represent my family culture that I would take with me are:

1. My Bible (small and pink in color)
2. My Cell Phone (white iphone 6)
3. My Throw Blanket (leopard print)

Those three items mean a lot to me. The first item I would take with me is the Bible. My family and I are very religious and we live our lives by the Word of God; focusing on doing good every day. The Bible is filled with instructions on how to live a blessed life. The second item I would take with me is my new cell phone: iphone 6. My cell phone represents having the ability to communicate at all times. We are communicators! My family share just about everything which makes us close knit. In addition, my iphone is filled with pictures of my family and I, which would give me the opportunity to see them at all times. The third and final item that I would take is my favorite leopard print throw blank. It is not because of the print, but it is because of the warmth it brings. My family is very caring and warm. We share our warmth with others by being caring and friendly; helping any one in need.

If I were told that I could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items that I brought with me, I would choose to keep my cell phone. I would feel a sense of loss because representations of my culture have been taken from me.

As a result of this exercise, I learned that my family and I have created and fostered a very positive family culture. Diversity and cultural differences do not diminish my culture. I not scared to be placed within a culture different than mine, doing so helps me to continue to understand others and embrace differences.