Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

     I believe culture is where your family is from and where they have grown to become, then mix in experiences from every generation because the world is ever evolving. Culture refers to how particular groups of people live. The way we eat sleep, talk, and even take care of one another (Derman-Sparks, 2010). With this definition culture seems to be defined in many ways depending on a person’s perspective. 

     A colleague of mine says “culture is where you are from and how you were raised”. A friend of mine says “culture is ethical upbringing passed down from generation to generation. A way of life for a group of people or place”. She goes on to explain place because at work, church, school, there are different cultures.

     According to the class resources thus far everyone has a similar definition just worded to fit their perception. I agree with everyone’s definition. It is almost as if culture relates to expectations. Your culture brings about certain expectations, morals, rules as to how we live. Janet Gonzalez-Mena says it may sound clichés but “culture is like an iceberg only the tip of it shows and that is the part we can celebrate but the 90% that we do not see is where the tensions come in from different beliefs” (Laureate Education, 2011).

     Diversity means differences. These differences can be age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences. Diversity is also how we accept these differences. That is how I believe culture ties into how we acknowledge differences.

     Thinking about other people’s definition of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about my workplace and my family and friends. I believe culture is what brings people together at times. Family culture may be different, but we are often intrigued by differences and amazed at the similarities we share with other people.  

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic interactions [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu