ghongmary: Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

ghongmary: Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Sometimes interviews are essentials to see others perspective of societal issues or concern. I had to ask three friends what they understood by culture and   diversity.

My first friend explained that culture to her meant recognizing that all children are unique, they have different talents and abilities and styles of learning; and respecting these differences to understand the cultural backgrounds of children means acknowledging the existence of diversity.

The second friend defined culture “as the way of life of different ethnic groups with a focus on the social values, family values, beliefs, religion, rituals, and behavioral characteristics. Diversity and culture were kind of synonymous”.

And the third friend summed up to say “Culture is simply the understanding of the different food, songs, and lifestyle of other people who are different from your own culture. And diversity is when you have people from different countries or parts of the world who have different beliefs, and speak different languages”

 From the answers shared by my friends, it was evident that they were all aware of what culture is and what constitutes culture in a way. My friends were right to point out that culture   recognizes the uniqueness in each one of us.  This can be seen in children as they construct different identities based on the environment and family backgrounds (Smidt, 2006; Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).    In addition, they were cognizant and aware of the social values and family values that were components of a culture which to me are essential characteristics of culture. What people need is to develop an atmosphere where these cultural differences can be appreciated, understood, and respected in its own right. Awareness will also reduce the tendency to stereotype others that may make them appear less than fully human and leads to misinformation (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).

 What   I did not get from my friends’ definitions were the expansion of the need for each person to understand self first and their own culture in order to be able to appreciate someone’s culture and reframe from prejudices. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of their own culture until they experience another and  that is when cultural clash begins; as Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010 ) indicate, people focus on the  “surface culture” (p.56) and forget that culture is much more deeper and more significant than  what they see and define.

            The more I think about culture and diversity, the more I become tolerant of the differences I encounter each day.  I become less judgmental about others behavior or  way of life whether they wear   sagging pants , covering themselves with tattoos, eating snakes, or dogs, or carrying their babies on their heads feels just  right with me.   Indeed, I have gotten pass my cultural shocks and become more adaptable to working with anyone regardless of their cultural background. What is foremost is the relationship and interactions that are harmonious and values each one’s identity.

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).

Smidt, S. (2006). The developing child in the 21st century: A global perspective on child development.

         New York, NY: Routledge

My Family Culture

If a major catastrophe  devastated  the infrastructure of my country (God  forbid  it) and I had to relocate permanently to  another host country with only three items to take  it would be the most awkward situation to be  in  because limiting oneself to one change of clothes and three  small items would  be more traumatizing. However, In order to survive sometimes one has to get out of a dilemma tic dream land and face the reality,

            Three items I would take that I hold dear to my heart and represents my family culture would be: The “Kaba attire”: This is a beautiful decorated fabric with colors and patterns. It is a free wear that could be used in any occasion. It brings out the dignity and respect of the woman in my society. This would be among my clothes to stay connected with my culture and identity. Others would identify me with the kaba daily.

The first most important item would be a mini album that we cherish as a family. This has a collection of my great grand parents and the first pages have a recapitulation of the family tree and lineage. This would help me stay connected with information and of course pictures of entire family members dear to me. The second item I would like to take would be a jewelry box that contains precious fine jewelry and necklace that was customized by my great grandmother. Some of the jewelries are preciously decorated with beautiful colorful beads and gems, and ornaments which cannot be easily found today. These are traditionally called “jikidas” During traditional marriage I was made to wear them after I was adorned with cam wood and it is kind of a continuation of my matrilineal heritage and   most valued treasure.

Last but not the least item to take would be a small decorated basket an example of the cultural heritage of the Menchum ethnic group in the North West region of Cameroon. It has a lid made of the same material and decorated that is given to every Aghem girl who gets married as a sign of responsibility and motherhood. It has two beautiful cowries that represent a husband and wife then other cowries around the bottom of the basket that represent children and other family members.   The decorated basket symbolizes the hospitality of welcoming anyone who comes to the home when you least expected and the idea of always keeping some food in the basket for strangers who might knock at your door hungry Thus, a constant reminded to the woman as a cultivator and nurturer to her family and community.

However, if upon arrival I were asked to give up two other items it would be disheartening but I would relinquish the basket because it is for every girl in my particular society with the hope that eventually it could be replaced. What would be more difficult to let go would be the “jikidas” and the album because these two are personal family treasures. I guess I would have to plead with the host country to keep it.

In conclusion, I would say that family ties are made more meaningful with family treasures that have been handed down from grandparents. It makes one feel connected to the ancestors through handed down relics. Therefore, parting with such items can be very daunting. I feel like letting go is dehumanizing me from who I am, and from what defines my personality.