Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

            This week's assignment was to interview three people and ask them what the terms culture and diversity meant to them.  I interviewed four people and I will tell you what there responses were.  The first person was my mother, who plays a very important part within my knowledge of what I believe.  She defined culture as many different forms of color, style, creed, communities, nationalities and religions.  Diversity is the beliefs that a person has obtained from the religious aspect that they are a part of, also it is a way of life and how others conduct themselves within the public arena.  Next, I interviewed my aunt.  Her philosophy was similar.  Culture, to her, is a person's background or way of life.  The mere fact she has to have greens and rice every new years is simply a part of her culture.  Also, she included the what a person does things and the beliefs they have is a part of their culture.  Diversity is being able to appreciate others beliefs.  She used, "when in Rome do as the Romans" as her example.  Then, I spoke with a younger cousin.  He views culture as a way of life, way of thinking, tradition, foods and language.  Diversity was the different ways that people think, and the different methods that people have for handling events that occur in life.  Finally, I spoke with a family friend.  He said that his culture will always include ministry, church and the workplace.  He also views culture as allowing others to be stressful.  Diversity is being able to understand people, knowing that everyone is different, accepting others beliefs and acknowledging the different races.  I thanked them all for their input.

            So far in this class we have already had some very intriguing topics.  Within the first week we discussed our social identities and it forced me to think "who am I?"  Having to create ten I am....was a challenge all within itself.  But, it allowed me to really consider who I am and acknowledge that I need to carry myself in a manner where others can see that this is what I think of myself.  Next, we discussed our individual family dynamics.  What specifics about your families culture stands out and how does outsiders feel about these differences.  I realized three are the top three things that stands out with my family: religion, discipline (respect), and togetherness.  Others can view my family and see that when times are hard we rely on each other and our religion to get us through.  It has worked this far.  We have tapped into valuing culture and recognizing deep culture, discontinuity and invisibility.  However, when have not covered some of the different things that can be used in the classroom, but hopefully that is coming.  I am excitedly waiting for the discussion on biased and the "isms."  I peeked and that is coming up and I can't wait to get into that conversation.  Bias always comes without even realizing it is there.  Through talking with others I realized that they were all pretty much saying the same thing, just in different vocabulary.  I also feel the same way that they do.  Before taking this class I didn't realize that they take to different definitions.  But, now I am interested in tearing these two words apart to see what I can discover about both.  I will definitely keep you posted with my findings.