This assignment ask us to call, write to, or talk to at least three friends, family members, acquaintances, and/or colleagues. Include at least one person who you believe is in some ways culturally different from you (a different gender, race, class, religion, abilities, age, etc.). I asked the following people about culture and diversity.
Friend
What is your definition of culture?" Culture is how we talk, walk, the way we see the world around us."
What is your definition of diversity? "Diversity is a combination of all the different types of people in the world. based on race, religion, language."
Family Member
What is your definition of culture? " Culture is one's behavior in a particular group of people such as the way they sit, foods, the way they talk, things they do on holidays"
What is your definition of diversity? " diversity is everything that makes you different in your life
Colleague
What is your definition of diversity? "Culture is the differences that we see in people"
What is your definition of culture? " Diversity is how you see yourself by the way you were reared and your family background"
Over the past three weeks we have been studying that some pieces of our culture is easily seen such as the music we listen to , the clothes we wear , and the food we eat and even what holidays we celebrate, but I have learned that culture is more than skin deep, there is what is called deep culture and that the part of our cultures that is seen such as our tradition, beliefs and values we use with our families. “ When early childhoods educators think about culture, they think about the surface things that are easy to see, taste and define.” (Derman-sparks L and Olsen Edwards J.).
After this week reading and videos and what I have learned so far about culture and diversity none of the people I asked about the definitions mentioned deep culture, surface culture or family culture, power, or social identity. No one mentioned how we can help children understand the differences in each other. I have learned so much about culture and diversity. I think that all educators should be able to use the knowledge about culture and diversity to help them in their classrooms.
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves
It is neat to see the different responses. I took note to how your friend described culture with some of the underneath characteristics (walk, talk, etc.) but then defined diversity using more broad characteristics such as race. I like the family member's definition of diversity, keeping it simple yet interesting. I agree that most people not studying or taking a class on diversity and culture will most likely use broad, sometimes, narrow characteristics to define the terms. I think this shows that culture and diversity are two terms that deserve to be pushed into society with more information than what most people think about. Perhaps this can lead to a better diverse nation because the people will be more informed and more open-minded about the diverse cultures around them.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog this week. I also did not have a lot of "deep culture" mentioned in my conversations this week. That really taught me that many people do not understand. I have learned so much this week and I know that I will be a better teacher and person for all of it. Thank you for sharing the informaiton you found this week.
ReplyDeleteRhonda
I see you have some smart friends and family members. It is importamt that everyone understands what cultrue and diversity are. Anyone who can't answer really don't know.Thanks
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