Saturday, May 25, 2013

Definition of "Culture" and "Diversity"


Jesus:
Definition of culture would be the difference, is the way each group of people celebrate their customs. Each country has their own culture and defines their way of expressing themselves through customs and traditions.
Diversity would be the variety of a certain something. For example, a town can have a diverse population meaning that there are people from many races, religions and ethnicity.
Aurielle:
Culture is simply the belief system, morals, ethics, traditions, and living automaticity in the way a unit (such as an individual, family or group) functions. Culture can vary within large groups or be quantified among individuals.
Diversity is a range of differences in a contextual circumstance.  In essence, diversity functions as a way to identify personal uniqueness and unit differentiation.
Daniela:
Culture ... Way of living how you were raised sample religion, politics, manners, society your morals.
Diversity: different, variety

Asking different people what their thoughts about culture and diversity were was very interesting and enriching. Some answers I received that were similar to what I’ve studied in this course about culture were: culture as a system of behaviors, beliefs, traditions, morals, ethics,

I was surprised to see that most of them referred to culture as different units that form a whole, though some things were not included such as: identity, abilities, disabilities, gender, language, culture as heritable factor, among many others. To my criteria, the answers presented were very good and reflected a feeling of culture as a composition of influences, not limited to ethnicity.

The definition of the participants made me reflect on my own definition and inclusions related to culture and diversity.  I believe that culture is an identity, and a powerful lens we see the world through.  

Thursday, May 16, 2013

My Three Items



If I had to choose 3 items that among my belongings, I would choose items that would help me remember my happy family and something that will give me the strength I needed to start a new life. The first thing that comes to my mind is my family photo album, the second item will be my cross necklace, and the third item will be my iphone.

Each item is important to me in different ways. The photo album is important because I can remember moments full of joy in days of no hope.  The necklace with the cross pendant reminds me that God is my strength and that he will always protect my family. I chose my iphone because it will serve as my communication device in the new country or I can sell it for food or something.

If I had to keep only one item I think it will be my iphone. I have photos of my family, and images and writings about God. Besides I could also type and get wifi to stay communicated in the new country. If things get rough I could sell it or trade it.

Thinking about this whole experience made me be afraid and appreciate where a live, what I have and don’t have.  The first thing that came to my mind was God. He was always in my head and I knew he would have given me hope. My culture has taught me to refuge in God and have hope, he puts the tools and it’s up to me to build a bridge.