D1
The perspectives helped me to understand the perspectives of cultural and identity. I learned that our identity defines who we are and is greatly influenced by culture. As a result, I was patient with people with different identities and started to appreciate our differences. The behaviors within the group remained unstable. Most of the people had challenges in interacting with various people because of their diversities. People from hyperactive cultures faced fewer difficulties and interacted with ease.
Besides, I realized that communities had different perspectives regarding time. For instance, the eastern and western perspectives on time are very different. In the western hemisphere, time is highly appreciated and can cause friction between individuals (Lewis, 2014). Contrariwise, people from Western Europe, e.g. the Swiss are low-key and time does not worry them much. Growing up as an American, the society believed in linear time and always said that time is money. In our society, people are concerned when time is passing, and nothing substantial is performed. The society associated time with success and everything were done on a fixed schedule. In my society, people always prefer to perform one thing at a time because the society is monochronic.
In the group that comprised people from various culture and background, I realized something about my unique behavior. During our interactions, I was fast in asking questions, and the other group offered late responses. The people from different cultures handled themselves with composure and were not willingly to share a lot about their life. In the American culture, people believe in openness and can easily build trust with each other (Kitayama et.al, 2000, p.94). I felt weird that some people looked unfriendly and assumed that people that are not from their culture should not be trusted. At the same time, I think that others felt that I was aggressive and cunning. Individuals from the east wanted to be given enough space and not rushed in deciding what is good for them. It was an exhilarating experience.
The past taught me to listen to each other careful before making any judgments. A courteous and constructive interaction help people from different perspectives in life to trust and work together. It is always advisable to avoid making decisions influenced by emotions. If an individual believes in a different set of beliefs, there is no need to cause problems when trying to understand them. The interactions transformed me into a better person. In the future, I will always offer help to people struggling to understand other perspectives. Moreover, my past experiences will help me interact with people despite our differences in culture, race, religion, opinions or ideas.
D2
The importance of promoting self-respect in cultural diversity has changed the way I understood my behaviors. In the beginning, it was difficult to appreciate the value of self-respect in multitudes of culture. In this environment, I was comfortable when socializing with individuals, behaviors, and thoughts that appeared familiar. At the same time, I was instilled with fear and apprehension when presented with unfamiliar circumstances. Cultural responsive education changed my perceptions. I understood that cultures and diversities should be valued and treasured rather than judged and dreaded. As a result, I learned that respecting diversities and culture creates a favorable environment to all. Diversity will permit people to maintain their individuality as no one will be pressured to fit in the society. Appreciating the cultural values of one another is fundamental towards creating a society that loves one another.
Understanding of my personal responsibility to others and the environment has changed in this week’s discussion. I have been highly interactive in the classroom with an aim to understand the values of respecting other cultures. Besides, I have contributed by giving examples of how our responsibility can develop a society with a high self-esteem. It is a wrong idea to judge people based on their culture, religion, race, color, or ethnic background. People are equal, and no one is entitled to discrimination and ridicule. The discussion has also taught me that respect is a two-way traffic, and nobody should expect it if he/she is not ready to share it with others. Moreover, to understand and respect other cultures, it is critical to developing an open mind, take a look at history, and try some new cuisines when interacting.
D3
I am enthralled by the discussions on promoting diversity by accepting others. It is critical to respect the choices of other people and avoid making conclusions. In the past, I had developed a habit of being judgmental to others. To me, racial prejudice was a normal thing, and I was not surprised when it was subjected to people of color. I have realized that accepting others eliminates incidences of racial profiling, and people live in a happy environment (Lynch, 2012). During socialization, people should treat each other in a proper way, and this will improve the level of understanding.
In the discussion, I faced difficulties in understanding how equality will be achieved in the society. I always thought that the society will never embrace equality and fairness. In my mind, I had a feeling that certain people and races and superior to the others. Therefore, they are entitled to privileges that the rest are not supposed to enjoy.
I would reach an understanding concerning the aspects of equality by conducting an extensive research on the topic. I will also consult my lecturers or any other sources that offer reliable information. As a result, it will be easier to understand areas that are associated with uncertainties.
Bibliography
Kitayama, S., Markus, H.R. and Kurokawa, M., 2000. Culture, emotion, and well-being: Good feelings in Japan and the United States. Cognition & Emotion, 14(1), pp.93-124.
Lewis, R. 2014, June 1. How Different Cultures Understand Time - Business Insider. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/how-different-cultures-understand-time-2014-5
Lynch, M. 2012, March 7. Promoting Respect for Cultural Diversity in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-lynch-edd/promoting-respect-for-cul_b_1187683.html
