Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

My Husband:

 Culture is what we are made up of, our heritage, our beliefs and traditions that we may have been accustomed to. Diversity is to be different and to be accepted for your differences.

My Mother:

Culture is something that defines you. It is your foundation and it starts with your religion in many instances. Culture is your way of life.  Diversity is being accepted for your differences, Understanding someone’s uniqueness.

Parent in my child care setting: (Different nationality)

Culture is values and behaviors that represent your depth. It is something that is shared with your family and may be your common ground. It can be something that is not respected by others. Diversity is being respected.  It can also be the acceptance of cultures.

There were a few terms mentioned that were similar to terms that were used in our class to define culture. Terms such beliefs, traditions, your religion and even things that define you . My mother said that culture” is your foundation and it starts with your religion”. I think was a very good way to explain how culture is the basis of who we are and our religion can speak volumes of that. Diversity was explained as accepting ones differences and this is so true in explaining the depth of diversity. It allows us to be individuals without being judged.

I think that one very important part of culture and diversity that was not touched on was the ingredient of race and gender and the fact that there is a dominant culture and how we are expected to follow an expectation. But to be completely honest before taking this class I did not ever think about the theory of the dominant culture and how important it is in our society of classes and fitting in.

I have now grown a better understanding of culture and diversity on a whole by taking this class but now I am gaining an even better understanding of the two elements and how they affect who we are as professionals in the world of early learning. We are responsible for teaching the children and we must be sure to allow them and teach them how to represent their culture and display its importance. It defines us and if that is not taught at an early age then it may be lost throughout adulthood.