Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

In obtaining perspectives on culture and diversity, I received information from a 30-year-old African-American female who is involved in a domestic partnership, a 45-year-old, single African-American female who with a school-aged child and a 21-year-old involved in an interracial relationship.

The first interviewee states that culture is "your ethic background, history and beliefs and diversity is being able to adapt to other cultures, races and beliefs.

The second interviewee states that culture is "a set of beliefs, attitudes and ideas from a group of people and diversity is the knowledge, attitudes and relationships with those whose cultures differ from one's own culture."

The final interviewee states that culture is the "practices and behaviors of one's background and diversity is being open to difference whether it be individuals or a group of things."

Collectively, I believe that all of the interviewees understand the general definition of culture and diversity. There similar idea of culture being a way of life, behaviors and attitudes and similar to what I have learned thus far. I would also add the food people eat, the music they listen to, and other daily aspects of their lives that are influenced by their culture. The interviewees discussed diversity in terms of acceptance of others and their culture. Diversity does involve acceptance of others, their culture, beliefs, attitudes, opinions and etc.

In reading and interpreting other's perspectives of culture and diversity, I believe that understanding both topics is a matter of learning and growing. I also believe that culture and diversity will be are essential in learning about human nature and most importantly, one's self.