This week's assignment was indeed an interesting and informative one. I had the privilege of asking four persons about what culture and diversity meant. These are the answers that I received:-
Mrs B.Anderson ( former teacher, 65years old) stated that when she thinks of the term culture she strongly believes that it has to do with one's way of living , doing and expression of self in terms of their culture, religion, ethnic beliefs and values. While diversity has to do with the similarities and differences that exist round one's beliefs and values from a worldwide perspective.
Mr. S. Bramwell (22, chef) argued that culture has to deal with one's beliefs and family values. While diversity has to do with the world itself and how one interacts with it and others.
Miss. Powell (32, lecturer) stated that culture has to deal with person's way of living and beliefs that exist and is executed by family members so as to meet the needs of the dominant society at large. She strongly believes that diversity has to do with how one sees, operates within the family and the society.
Mrs Lazo (British, nurse, 45) outlined that culture is ethnicity that exists in regards to one's gender, race, religion,beliefs and values. While diversity to her means the inclusion of family culture and the society's culture that works and upholds similarities and differences.
Based on what I have been exposed to in this course about culture and diversity I can say that the answers that I have received are somewhat near as the persons seem to have an idea and clear understanding towards the terms of culture and diversity. For example Mrs Lazo is from a different culture from the other persons that were asked the questions. Yet her answer was very profound and similar to what the others had to say. I also liked the definition that Mr.Bramwell and Mrs Anderson gave as they terminologies were clear and precise.
As I reflect on what was done this week, I can truly say that I have proven that though I may share similar social identities with others we do not necessarily share the same viewpoints at times I have also seen that everyone is unique in his or her way and depicts the whole matter of culture and diversity in the manner in which these aspects are executed in their family culture from an early stage in life.
Latoya,
ReplyDeleteWhile each person you interviewed had their own views on culture and diversity, it is interesting to see how they all touched on aspects of surface culture and deep culture. It was also interesting to see how each of them also talked about family culture. However, I was a little confused by Ms.Powell's comments about 'meeting the needs of the dominant society'. Can you explain a bit further what you think she meant?
Hi Keshika,
DeleteShe was basically speaking about the society but she used the terminology 'dominant' in placing emphasis on the word society.
Thank you for sharing these definitions of culture and diversity. While everyone had their own ways of expressing their definitions, I still feel as though they were similar in their attitudes.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your reflection on this assignment how you stated, "though I may share similar social identities with other we do not necessarily share the same viewpoints at times." I think this is critical to remember in all associations. I think many times we assume others believe as we do because they share similar social identities, but they also have many other deep cultural aspects that affect them to consider. Thanks for your post Latoya!
ReplyDeleteLatoya,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your definitions from the people you talk to. They were precise and clear as you said. We all have our own definition of what culture and diversity means to each of us. We all belong to a culture and we have beliefs, values, and religion that is a part of that system. Thanks for sharing,
Pam