Perspectives on DIversity and Culture

Jen- Culture is a person’s way of life, such as their age, clothing, economic status, and family heritage. Diversity is the degree of change and/or variance to the amount of various cultures.

Sheila-Culture is all the things that make a person who they are. Diversity is all the differences in society from a variety of cultures.

Chris- Culture is a combination of your belief system and societal norms.  Diversity is the level of difference there is society in relation to culture.

 

Each one of the answers relates to what we have been learning in this course. Social identities and the relation between diversity and culture can be found within the definitions provided. Jen uses examples of social identities to define culture. Sheila recognizes that culture is the embodiment of social identities and how someone defines themself. The relation between culture and diversity is prominent in the definition of diversity by all three.

One of the topics we have been discussing in class which is omitted from the definitions provided is the degree of power in culture. While Chris notes that culture is related to societal norms, he does not specify any degree of power or how the norms may change depending on the diversity of the culture.

Exploring definitions of culture and diversity with other people helps me to understand just how complicated it is to incorporate culture and diversity into any program if we all have different definitions of what the two are. If everyone has a different answer to what culture is, for example, how are we to truly capture its essence and to ensure cultural awareness is present in programs? There are so many topics to explore within culture and diversity which are essential to fully gain the true aspect of these definitions. It is important for anyone working with children and families to have the information necessary regarding culture and diversity to be able to promote and enhance cultural awareness.

My Family Culture

Given the catastrophic events, I must have the picture frame that holds a photo of me with my dad at my sister’s wedding. The frame itself represents my family culture because it has a Celtic design which is indicative of Irish culture. This frame is dear to me because my father passed away a few years ago and behind the photo is the obituary from the newspaper. It is also from a special day that had all of my family together and represents our close ties with each other.

I also must take my dog, Niah with me. Even though it may seem silly or odd to some, my dog is like my child and also truly is my best friend. She is the item that represents my family culture in the ways that she will help me feel safe and comfortable in the drastic change of culture and environment. I also include her because I understand that not everyone recognizes a dog as family like I do and I must ensure that she is included.

The third item that I would need to bring with me is my box of Christmas ornaments. The box is full of my family traditions and culture. Each year my mother bought me a new ornament which has a special meaning based on what was going on in my life for the year. This means that each ornament has a unique meaning behind it while also representing the traditions that are carried from one year to the next.

If I were told I must choose between the items and pick only one to keep I truly don’t think it would be difficult for me. It has to be my dog. The other items I listed have a lot of meaning and memories but my dog is another life that I must protect. Choosing between what items to bring is rather difficult to begin with. Most of my family culture is represented by the foods we eat. When these foods are being prepared and eaten, this is the time that my family gets together to help each other and celebrate each other. This exercise has taught me that I do not have many tangible items that are truly dear to me and represent my family culture. As long as I have my family, including my dog, I know I will be okay.