Perspectives
on Diversity and Culture
I chose to interview 4 Caucasian college interns
working towards their master’s degree in Health and Physical Education. I chose
these 4 because they have been assigned to observe In School Suspension. At
first when I asked the question they pretty much just looked at me with a blank
stare for a few seconds as though they wanted to make sure that they gave the
right answer.
After deep thought these were their answers.
Culture
Culture is the language, thoughts, and behavior that
you are brought up with within a community. (Kevin)
Diversity
What makes you different, how certain people standout
from others? (Heather)
What’s common and what’s different? (Jeff)
Difference and similarities between beliefs and
values (Forrest)
As each question was
answered the future teacher became more and more comfortable with each answer
given. I personally found their answers to be meaningful and from the heart. I
did notice that no one defined culture as a person’s race. Not sure if this was
done because I am African American and they just did not feel comfortable
talking about one’s race.
When I think about the
answers given by the future teachers I did sense that this was a topic that
each one gave much thought making sure they gave the correct answer.
With the topic on culture and diversity it can so many ways. The individuals that you interviews had alot of similar explainations which made sense. I can appriate the fact that you focused on interviewing people from the same place.
ReplyDeleteHi! Rose,
ReplyDeleteI experienced the same response from the people I spoke with, I thought it was funny. You brought out a good point of the different people you interviewed not putting the word race in the mix of describing culture. Most times people ma put what is very uncomfortable to talk on the back burner and replace it with something that is less intimidating.
Hi Rosemary - (ok unrealted note You are the second person I've met this year names Rosemary. I think thats nice)
ReplyDeleteSo back to what you noticed about wanting to give the right answer - yeah a part may be the different skins but I also think a part comes from the fact they are interns/college kids. ... I know whenever I am around people who (I believe) have an influence in my schooling I get super anxious about being perfect around them so i can get a good grade.
Also can you tell me a little more about Dare 2B Different?
thanks Koni
My mom was very hesitant about giving me answers too because she felt they might have been the wrong answers. I enjoyed doing this assignment though and thinking about what brought them to these answers. I didn't want to label the people I interviewed, but at the same time I think it's important to understand the experiences they have had that led them to their answers.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you stated that nobody defined culture as race, or ethnicity. I also had the same experience. I was surprised that none of the people I interviewed defined culture to include race or ethnicity because I assumed that many people would define culture in this way.
ReplyDelete