Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

“Diversity is not about how we differ.  Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.”              Ola Joseph

For this assignment, we were asked to find out from three different people their definitions of culture and diversity. The three people I asked defined culture as our heritage, or beliefs, why we do things; the way you were raised, your morals and rituals; and who you are. Culture can be referred to how particular groups of people live. It is the way we live our everyday lives, which include the language we speak, the religion or spirituality we practice (or do not), and the clothing, housing, food, and rituals/holidays with which we feel most comfortable (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 55).

They defined diversity as different cultures living together and around each other in the same community; the inclusion of different people, which sets us apart from other cultures; and how we are all different.  Summing up their definitions, diversity is recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make a individuals culture unique.

I found this assignment fascinating as each viewed culture and diversity in similar yet different ways.  I enjoyed hearing their definitions of diversity and culture as it encouraged a great conversation.   I think their definitions help me to understand how similar and different we are as individuals.    In week two the panelists offered many different descriptions of culture and diversity.   I think all sources help me to understand the complexity of both words.  In the end it is culture and diversity that makes us who we are.   And by acknowledging our similarities and differences we embrace our culture and diversity.

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).