Week: 3

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The first person that I asked to describe the definition of culture and diversity is my 14 year old daughter Jada Nellie Nicole Lee.  I chose to ask my daughter because I wanted to know how much she she knew about culture and diversity.  Jada's definition of culture is " where you come from and how you are raised".  Jada explained that "some of the children in her classroom are from different countries like Africa and Brazil".  Her definition of diversity is "different ethnic groups and people who come together as one". Jada states that "my school is diverse, because we are all different in one way or another, and most of the children speak more than one language".  

The second person that I had the opportunity to talk to about culture and diversity is my next door neighbor Ms. Pearlie.  Ms. Pearlie is an elderly woman who shared with me that "she thought culture was her beliefs and what her mama and papa taught her  as a little girl growing up".  She expressed that she "remember when  the girls was not allowed to wear trousers only the boys and men wore pants back when I was a kid" she said.  Mrs. Pearlie's definition of diversity " is simple that we all have differences the people who look the same are different she explained there are no two people alike in this world, we are all created to be different".

      

The last person that I an opportunity to have a conversation about culture and diversity is my co worker Soumia.  Soumia was born in the country of Morocco and has been in America for 10 years.  She expresses to me that " culture is what I was taught in my country to be educated and have a good life.  My family has a very strong culture we have traditions and believe deeply in our religion.  Soumia said  "diversity to me is America".  She explains that " I came to America because it is a free country that provides opportunities for all hardworking people.  You can find all people from all countries here in America". 

The aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are similar to the answers that I have received from family and friends. From gaining knowledge and understanding I have learned that “ a person’s cultural group is related strongly to his or her ethnicity, which reflects the place of origin and cultural background of  the person’s ancestors or relatives who lived hundreds of years ago” ( Derman- Sparks 2010).    I have learned that “the world in which you are born in just one model of reality.  Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit”.  Culture is much deeper and more significant than just costumes, holidays, foods, and objects and things that are easy to see, taste, and define in everyday life” ( Derman- Sparks 2010).  We are all the same inside but we are  also all different, we should take the time to get to know each other and celebrate our differences.    

                 

Reference:

 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).