This week I took time to call and speak with three different people in my life to get their opinion and question them about culture and diversity. I spoke with my mom, a colleague who is the director at another center, and parent at my school. These three women represent diversity in my life, from age, to religion, to geographical location.
Becky (mom):
What is your definition of culture: Culture, for me, is the network of beliefs and aesthetics and values that each of us builds around ourselves and our family.
What is your definition of diversity: Diversity is all the networks that each of us builds, each different and unique.
Elsie (colleague):
What is your definition of culture: Culture is a specific way of living/being typically in a group. Most times in a specific culture (I'm thinking of religion here), people tend to think their way is the best way, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but does narrow people's views on outside ideas and views.
What is your definition of diversity: Diversity is a group of people from different backgrounds, including race, sex, and religion. Personally, I feel diversity is how society survives, without change and people of different backgrounds coming together we would be in a stagnate way of life without excitement or adding growth to our life.
Stefanie (parent):
What is your definition of culture: I define culture as the base of family values and traditions. The culture of a person is determined by their individual beliefs, heritage, religion, etc.
What is your definition of diversity: Diversity is what makes each of us different, yet brings differences together.
The three women that I spoke to are all educated, but represent diversity and culture in their own ways. Their definitions are similar to what we have been studying in our course this week. We have learned that culture is unconscious, sometimes invisible, and is a part of every person. Each person I interviewed had a similar definition, but it reflected their individuality. I would have to say that I agree with each of their definitions, and respect what each of them had to say.
Hi Machaela
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Many of the people we interview describe culture and diversity the same way. I like the way Elsie explained culture and diversity. I see the people you interviewed did not talk about social class. Each person had similar definitions of culture and diversity. I think that most people think their culture is better than others. Growing up your culture is what you know and understand. Stefaine made a good point; diversity is what makes us different yet brings us together.
LaNea
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI like the way your colleague defined culture and diversity, it is great to see that she feels positively towards it. I can also see that some people do relate culture to religion and that's not a bad thing. we must always remember to keep an open mind because not everyone's values and beliefs are the same as ours and we could run into trouble by making judgements towards others beliefs.