Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Amanda

What is your definition of culture?

Culture is how people do things.  For example, the way a person wears their hair, body language, foods and holidays.

What is your definition of diversity?

When I think of diversity, I think of how people are different.  For example, how people are different.

Holly

What is your definition of culture?

Culture is an appreciation of fine arts, humanities

What is your definition of diversity?

Diversity in the classroom means students from different walks of life. Like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc.

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Ian

What is your definition of culture?

Culture has to do with where a person is from, what values they have and uphold, how they judge the world and how they raise their kids.

What is your definition of diversity?

Diversity is different and unique.

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      According to the authors of the text, “Culture refers to how particular groups live.  It is the way we eat, sleep, talk, play, care for the sick, relate to one another, think about work, arrange our kitchens and remember the dead” (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2011). I think Amanda’s definition came very close to what the authors say culture is because she said “It is how people do things.” Ian assumed “it was the way people raise their kids.” Comparably, I think each participant in this questionnaire expressed valid points concerning culture.   No one spoke of deep and surface culture.  From my readings, I gather surface culture is what I can observe whereas deep culture has a root which is not easily observed. 

     It appears  all participants said diversity had to do with different.  One person added unique as well.  I  thought that was a good analogy because uniqueness does have its roots in diversity.   Holly gave an example of sexual orientation, I had not thought of using this as an example of diversity. 

     From this short questionnaire, if I were to solicit more responses to the questions, I probably would have a greater variety or varying degrees of this definitions.   Personally, I have noted that cultural diversity in Language in public places.  I can remember a time when English was the  ONLY  Language printed for public views.  Now recognizing the inflow of many cultures into the United States, I observe a multitude of Language printed for Americans to view.  For example, I was in the Social Security Office, the Department of Motor Vehicle and the Office of Family Services offices and noted Spanish, French and Vietnamese Languages printed on materials.  Look how far the U. S. has come without saying, look how far we still need to go.   

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010).  Anti-Bias for Young Children and Ourselves. National Association for the Education of Young Children: Washington, DC.