This week I asked several friends and
colleagues about their idea of culture and diversity; these are the responses I
received:
“Cultural example might mean that I serve
fish every Friday, or a music fest involving parents. Or having children in
posters from different cultures around the world. Diversity means I might want
to have a lesson on all the differences with people. Different eye color, skin
color, parental systems....etc.”
“Culture:
the socio-political context of a particular place at a particular time.
Diversity: recognition of the differences within an established group or place.”
“Diversity... acknowledging the
differences we all have. Culture... a group of people with similar beliefs. For
example...teaching culture or school culture or religious culture...”
As you can see there are several variations on each words
meaning. Cultural and diversity is very personal to each person and family. No matter the definition, its understanding
at that language level hangs on a continuum. Some view culture and diversity on
a broad scale and think of it as everything we see, say and do. Why others hold
it a little narrower and look at it from the perspective of a single family
unit. In either case, it is important to understand that children will notice
these differences and sameness’s and pretending they do not exist, is not best
practice. In order for children to learn acceptance and tolerance we must
expose them to their world in a safe, caring and engaging manner, be there to
answer their questions and most importantly we must be that positive role model.
Hello Davey, I really like the comment response you received about culture. "Having a fish fry on Friday" I can personally relate to that response, because within the African American culture we truly enjoy our fish fry's! Having culture is what defines us and connects us with each other and it brings us together with other cultures, especially through food and music!
ReplyDeleteDavey,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your post. I do think that those day to day things that we do with our families make up our culture. My children will remember the things specific to our family, which isn't necessarily cultural but it is as it pertains to us as a group. We pray on the way to school, or before meals. This will be something they will remember as our culture. I also bless their foreheads before they go to bed ...this too, will be family culture. It seems this is part of the tip of the ice berg, central to us as a family not caucasians or Americans. I like the way they answered Friday serving fish. It makes culture so personal. It has to be respected that way.
Great post.
Catherine.