Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

   To deepen my grasp about perspectives on diversity and culture, I listen to an 11 year old mixed Italian African American girl, a 34 year old African American female, and a 55 year old African American male give their definitions. The 11 year old definition of culture was “religion, and what they believe in.” Her definition of diversity was,” I don’t know.” The 34 year old woman’s  definition of culture, “ what, makes us who we are, our ethnic history, the foods we eat, the music we make, our languages and dialects, the way we raise our young and how we worship.” Her meaning of diversity was, “the differences between the cultures all around us. It’s good to experience a diverse community.” The 55 year old definition of culture was,” the way people live their lives day to day.” His definition of diversity was, “where nothing is dominate and the same.”
   I found some aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course included in some of the definitions. “Deep culture” such as religion, languages, and historic events are found in the 11 year old girl and the 34 year old women answers, along with some aspects of “surface culture” such as foods, and history. The 55 year old man’s answer has an aspect of “dominate culture” when defining diversity.
   Omissions of surface culture like costumes, and holidays were not included in their answers, and omissions of deep culture like showing emotion, recreation, housing arrangements, and extended family relationships were not included.
   Thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity has made me give these two words more thoughtful consideration and to have a more positive approach towards people of diverse cultures. I consider myself a good listener, and I hope after listening to my three individuals, I will be a better listener to children, families, and people of diverse cultures.