Saturday, January 25, 2014

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The definitions of culture I have received from friends and family refer to the different nationalities, religions, ethnicities, and native languages people speak.  Other friends only defined culture as people’s way of life, such as values and traditions. 
Diversity was described as a combination of different cultures in one community.  It refers to different cultures living together and sharing knowledge and ideas. 
            The answers I have received only include the major aspects of culture and diversity; and the examples of culture only describe surface culture, such as foods and costumes.  Moreover, culture can be different within one family; actually a second generation of immigrants usually acquires some of the aspects of the dominant culture. 

            Thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity made me realize that each person thinks about culture differently and also talks about it differently.  People have different perceptions about diversity and some of them consider it as a benefit and a new source of knowledge.  

3 comments:

  1. Hi Ghayna,

    It is amazing to me how people perceive culture and diversity so differently. Some of my friends think that culture is just about where we come from and nothing more while others feel it is race, religion, family status, social/economic status, and so forth. I like the fact that you made by saying, "Culture can be different within one family, actually a second generation of immigrants usually acquires some of the aspects of dominant culture. Great blog.

    Joyce Galloway

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  2. I look at the different cultures as an opportunity to understand people on their level and get to know more regions of this world through them. It's a positive thing!

    I like how you added that that some look at these different perceptions as a benefit and a new source of knowledge. I've learned a lot from people of other cultures and backgrounds. I think we all probably have!

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  3. My understanding of culture is expanding based upon shared perspectives and evidence based literature. I agree that form many culture is food and dress. Perhaps this is a nonthreatening way to introduce diversity to society. However, we must ensure that we are expanding beyond the stereotypes and superficial experiences. Thank you for sharing your insights!

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