Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three definitions I collected are as followed:

The first definition that I collected was from Christy. She defined culture as our surroundings and the way one is brought up. She defined diversity as; each person having unique characteristics that individualize them from others.


The second definition was from Tamara. She defined culture as; how you are brought up to live in your family. Diversity was defined as; each person's differences.

The third definition was from Larry. He defined culture as family's beliefs and values and how people live and behave. Diversity was defined as; each person's unique differences.

When I asked them to define these words each on of them had a hard time defining these words. Christy said, "I have know idea how to define these words because I have never really thought about it before." Even though their definitions were short I believe they done a good job getting their meaning across to others.

~ Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received-and what are some examples.

From what I have gathered from each one's definition of culture, I believe we have studied on families beliefs and values, their surroundings, how their parent's raised them, were they live, and religion can be seen in these definition as it is a part of how families live. Their definitions relate to people's deep culture as it is relating to their values, beliefs, religion, and where they are from. To me these are important components to someone culture because it helps you become the person you are, how you carry yourself, and how respect not only yourself, but others as well.

~ Which aspects has been omitted- and what are some examples of such omissions?

Hierarchy was not mentioned, who is the boss of the family. Does the mom run the house, take care of the children, and handle the finances or does the dad go to work everyday and take care of the finances;
 how is the home ran- is there rules to be followed and certain disciplinary actions for certain behaviors; is the family close or does the parent's encourage the children to do for themselves as possible; and what are their roles in the family. I believe are important issues to consider when defining your culture and diversity.

~ In what ways has thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity influence my own thinking about these topics?

As I talked to each of these very different and unique individuals, I seen just that "individuals." Every person in this world views the world differently and lives life to the fullest-the way they believe is the right way. God has created us with our own different unique characteristics and that is what makes us special and who we are. It is important to figure out who we truly are and be comfortable with that because if we can't accept ourselves we will never be able to accept others for who they are. This has made me realize we have to reach deep to really get to know some one and understand them because you will never truly know someone until you stop and listen to what they are saying and this all begins with respect.