Perspective on Diversity and Culture

I have such a diverse collection of friends. It was hard for me to decide which ones I could ask. I knew that each of them would give me a different definition on  diversity and culture. I asked more than three friends because I was interested in what my more colorful friends thought about culture and diversity, but I am only going to post  three. Some of the definitions were not “appropriate”. Remember I said some of my friends/associates are colorful. 

Kelvin Shaw (God-Brother): He said that what diversity means to him is that he stands out amongst the crowd. It means that you are different and those differences are very apparent. He was born with polio on one side of his body. His disability has not crippled him in doing the things that he loves and wants to do. He is a college graduate, married with three children and two grandchildren, and he has his own business. He has never let his disability hinder him. It has only made him stronger. Some people with the same disability lay around and wait for their check to come, but not him. He does not limit himself to what he can and will try to do.

Kelvin Shaw- Culture is the values and beliefs that we have. We are born into the beliefs and values of our family. It is the traditions that we continue throughout life because that is what our family did. He said that he still uses wood for heat because his grandfather always did. He puts it into a furnace on the outside of his house. 

Sharina Campbell (Colleague): Diversity is when you are willing to experience new things. Your likes and dislikes may be different from you family members. You are labeled different because you don’t listen to the same music, eat the same food, or dress the same as other people. you are accepting of the things around you and less likely to judge. She said she is diverse because she is a lesbian and is open about her relationship. She said that she knew she was different when she was 15 years old. Her siblings accept her, but her mother does not.

Culture- The family that you are born in. It is everything that makes you who you are. Your culture is what you identify with. It is your family, where you live, how you celebrate special occasions, dress, eat, and so much more.

Doris Bansah (Friend): Diversity is being different in an environment that is full of similarities. She is from Ghana. She has learned to eat and dress the way people do in America because she was always looked upon. She has chosen not to teach her children her native language because they were born in the United States. 

Culture- Taking on the habits and beliefs of the environment around you. It is adapting to the cultures that you live with. She is an American Citizen now and is trying to learn about our culture. 

Kelvin has not allowed society to label him. He has never thought of himself as “Handicap”. I have never heard him use that word. He has always found his own limitations by attempting a task and finding out for himself is he can do it. When people stare at him it doesn’t seem to bother him. 

Sharina is very open about her sexuality. Her partner also works for the agency. They both welcome all questions. In the beginning I was uncomfortable being around her, but I had to come to grips with my own biases. Sharina does not categorize herself as being gay. She says that she is free to make choices and that is what she chose. 

I do not agree with Doris’ decision about not teaching her children about their culture. Yes they were born in the United States, but being African is still a part of their culture. I can only hope that one day she will come to understand that it is important that her children know who they truly are; all parts of them. 

As I talked to them, I didn’t notice the emotional and motivational aspects of social identity. All of them are comfortable and confident people. They have established careers and personal lives. I am so proud that they have not let society stop them from being true to themselves. We are all part of a diverse culture. I might not agree with the same things, but that is what makes us unique.