Perspectives on Diversity and Culture 

This week I asked three friends to share with me their definitions of culture and diversity.  Roger is a former pastor and Allan is in the military.  Tina is a colleague of mine. 

Roger’s definition of culture was all things that uniquely set one group of people apart from others - food, customs, clothing, art, whatever.  There can be some crossover between cultures but there must also be differences to define each as a separate culture. 

Allan’s definition of culture was those characteristics that we use to define ourselves as part of a larger group.  Can be defined by our religion, socio-economic standing, home nation, race, or even hobbies and interests.  We aren’t limited to one culture; we can belong to more than one culture.  For example, military members tend to have their own culture, but within that military culture there are sub-cultures such as those who are airborne qualified, or who are combat veterans. 

Tina’s definition of culture was one common age or religious group, belief, habit, etc. that people share that are the same.

 

Roger’s definition of diversity was any and all traits and cultural distinctions which separate one group or individual from the others. 

Allan’s definition of diversity was the inclusion of others with no regard to their difference, ie. race, religion, national origin, etc.  We can also tie diversity back to culture.  Since our culture is a “grouping” of sorts then the acceptance of those who don’t belong to our culture is a form of diversity and inclusion.  One of the advantages of diversity and inclusion is the broader spectrum of viewpoints, ideas, and opinions that those different backgrounds bring to the group. 

Tina’s definition of diversity was the various age and religious groups, habits, etc. that people have the option to participate in – a subgroup or characteristic of culture.

 

*From what I have studied thus far about culture and diversity, the responses regarding culture do touch upon how particular groups of people live.  For example, some of the responses refer to surface culture characteristics such as foods and clothing, whereas other responses are more directed to deep culture characteristics such as beliefs, religion, and hobbies. Each of their responses to what is diversity also touch upon its relationship to culture. 

*In my opinion, I feel that in their responses to diversity what was omitted was that in some cases you have little or no choice with regard to some of your social identities which impact your individual diversity.  For example, you are born with a certain skin color, and you share this color with some people but not everyone.

 

*In thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity, I realized that we share similar viewpoints on these topics. We see the relationship between culture and diversity.  We express our culture in everything that we do throughout the day.  That is why it is so important to respect others that are different from us.  We need to learn to appreciate these differences and appreciate that the way we do things is not the only way.