I have a great deal of family members and friends that I could have pose the questions to but I decided to talk to someone whom I had nothing in common with other than the fact that we worked at the same place. *Tim is Caucasian; has parents who are racist and his friends are mostly African-American. My interest in Tim continued as I found out Tim's age which is 54. He is 21 years older than I am and for all of these reasons I decided to ask Tim the following two questions: How would you define culture and diversity? I wasn't prepared for Tim's answers but I believe that when dealing with challenging individuals, it builds your character.
Tim told me that diversity relates to those people whom he grew up in the vicinity of (Caucasian). He didn't have the luxury that most of us had which would include growing up around people of different races and ethnic backgrounds. As for culture, his response was kind of vague because again, he didn't have access to other cultures. His ideals about culture is limited which is acutally kind of sad. I think that ,as adults/parents, we have a tendency to force our own beliefs onto children which stifles their growth such as it was with Tim. Tim, although he didn't admit it to me, shared some of the same beliefs that his parents did. Also, I think that when I asked these questions of him, his mind probably began to wander about all of those people that he came in contact with who weren't Caucasian and how nice and friendly those people could have been. By him being close-minded, he omitted or left out the ability to learn about others. Perhaps, it could have made him a better person. I believe that when we observe and investigate others, it forces us to look at ourselves and examine the type of people that we are and who we want to become. Tim's answers influence me because I am now looking at myself in a different light--needless to say, I am embracing who I am and what I am and I am putting my view of myself before what everyone else thinks I am.
I like your different approach in focusing on one individual. I agree that when faced with assignments we have been required to do in this course an individual can only naturally began to self reflect over their own life. I think family members should guide their children in their culture and diversity. However, some parents are teaching their children negative behaviors and their culture is harmful. I recently experienced several students using derogatory words and said their parents use those words. I know parents are suppose to teach the child so that they will go in the right direction but this is only good when the culture is positive and diversity is embraced. Good Post
ReplyDeleteHi, Liz, this is an interesting story.It is so typical of individuals of parents who are racist however their are a few who even though,raised in the way that Tim was,are more accepting of other cultures.I hope by the questions you asked ,Tim will be more open to learning about others and their cutures.Great read.
ReplyDeleteDebra