2. What is cultural diversity? For most cultural diversity came in the form of one day where every student in class wrote about a country and bought in a dish. Though fun it does not fully show what cultural diversity is. Cultural diversity- is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but rather maintained and valued. Cultural diversity should not be put aside for one month or one day, it should be embraced every day.
3. How do you maintain cultural diversity? Realize that we are all different. Our cultures have all contributed to the world, and we have benefit from each other. Accept change-our country, our world has all changed over time because of culture. Because of the movement of ideas, and people.
4. Privilege Because we are different we sometimes over look how we all impact each other. Think of it as a web. We are all interconnected. We don't experience the same things. Like racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, classism, heterosexism, ectect. Sometimes we experience multiple kinds of discrimination. Like for instance an Asian gay male will still face homophobia like a white gay male, but their experiences of homophobia may be different because racism comes into play.
5. Privilege cont. This is called intersectionality- a theory on how socially and culturally constructed categories interact on multiple levels to manifest themselves as inequality in society. Recognize we all have certain privileges. Try to be aware of your privilege. It’s is like a race. Everyone is on a track we all start at the same time but there are hurdles. Some runners have no hurdles so they finish the race easier, others have multiple ( like gender, race, class ectect).
6. There is no other and Power Recognize there is no “other”. Yes we have multiple differences but we should not exoticize, or alienate people and their cultures as “other”.
7. Learn and Listen Learning about cultural diversity isn't easy. They are many areas to cover but the most important part is to continue to learn. Learn about different cultures through the internet and books. Listening is also important, when having discussions about cultural diversity and you are privileged try not to over take the conversation and make it about you. This shows lack of understanding. It is also rude and since you are in the position of power (socially) it is offensive, and rude. It also shows you are holding onto underserved privilege.
