In this course, "Perspectives on Diversity and Equity", I have been studying that there are many different perspectives, views, and beliefs about culture and diversity.
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, what your were brought up in. 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, but come together. To sum up their definitions of diversity, diversity is recognizing and appreciating the variety of characterisitcs that make each individual culture unique in their own way, but learning to live together in a community or group.
My thinking about this topic has been influenced by seeing how other people define culture and diversity. As an educator, I have to be willing to talk openly about the different cultures in order to help foster a positive sense of self in our children and their families, which can make a difference about diversity in our community. Also, I can help children realize that eventhough we are differnt in our cultures and traditions, but we can learn to value each other differences and learn to live together and benefit from one another.
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).
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate what you said about how we as educators must be willing to talk openly about culture and diversity. It is this willingness and open-ness that is often hard for some people and I hope that this class provides us with the experience in just that.
Thanks for sharing.
Carol
ReplyDeleteTalking openly about cultural differences with children is an important step to helping them develop healthy views of diversity. I'm also realizing that as early childhood professionals, we will also have to "un-do" some damage that may have already been done. Children pick up on which cultural identities are more accepted by the time they enter school. We may have to deconstruct negative views they may have about their own culture.