Tips for Parents & Educators on CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Culture is learned behaviors, traditions, beliefs, and a way of life created by a group of people. Learning to live with and respect others’ cultures and backgrounds is important because our world is constantly changing and is filled with a variety of people that have developed a great mixture of diverse cultures.
Diversity means variety. We certainly don’t have to look far to see that America is a diverse country, with many people, religions, beliefs, and languages. You can see that in the classroom, at the mall, on TV or just walking down the street. This diversity has been around since America was discovered. America is known for its creativity and strength. Much of this comes from its cultural diversity.
Start at Home
It is important to start at home when teaching your child about different cultures, respect and acceptance. Your child looks up to you and will mirror many of your behaviors therefore, it is critical you show that you are accepting and respectful of other cultures. Children are faced with much more diversity today than we were as children and we, as parents, must be role models by educating ourselves and our children.
The easiest way to set an example for your child is simply by reacting to slurs and prejudice appropriately.
- Let your child know that discrimination against, race, religious beliefs, social class, gender, sexuality, etc. is not OK.
- Teach them that simply laughing or encouraging someone else who is acting this way, makes them just as guilty of discrimination.
- Help them understand that the problem lies with the person or people who discriminate.
- If you are open to other people, and make an effort to learn more about the different cultures, your child will most often want to do the same.
