Multicultural Diversity : A Cultural Lens Into My Profession

As I grew up, I have lived abroad therefore I did not have the chance to adapt with my own culture. Growing up in Indonesia, I have managed to adapt and get use to the local culture, which is indeed very different from where I originated. Throughout the time in Indonesia, I have learned to understand their cultural practices and understand the importance of religion within the society.

Exploring cultural diversity has always sparked interest in me. I am always eager to study more about individuals who derive from a diverse cultural background. I chose to interview a friend I met via Facebook. After conducting the interview, I was astonished at how many similarities and differences we shared. My interviewee, Nhi grew up in Vietnam and currently lives in Bradenton, Florida. She has five children and works full-time at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, also in Bradenton, Florida. She currently is an Accreditation Coordinator.

This chapter talks about working in a multicultural environment. In the Student Support Center, all types of student come in and out for help. The reason is because we have different types of students on campus. Some of the people that work there are of a different culture. I enjoy meeting new people in the center and hearing things they have to say. There are times where I could not understand the things they would say but they have no problem with repeating themselves to help me understand. The experiences I get with working in a multicultural environment would be very helpful to me on my journey to become a social worker.

There are numerous forms of diversity-related issues and cultural dilemmas, which afflict individuals or groups. Both aspects have positives and negatives that may or may not impact others, depending on perspective. For instance, gender can be thought as biologically and by genitalia who is considered to be a man and a woman (Kahn, 2015). This definition may not be all encompassing, as it is much more complex than this. There are individuals that may be transitioning from a man to a woman or vice versa or may identify as a woman or man. In fact, gender has become the center of controversy, for individuals that are transitioning and respecting their right to utilize the appropriate restroom in public. Therefore, this affects individuals that

In dealing with the history of cultural diversity, we also learn about the development of cultural traits. Chapter 4 refers to Franz Boas and his dedication as the father of anthropology. Because of him, we now understand that society develops and changes over time due to cultural borrowing. As we take things from other groups of people, it leaves it unnecessary for us to invent anything ourselves. This also explains how America is considered a "cultural melting pot". We have an abundance of citizens coming from all different countries to live here. They bring their own ideas and ways of life. This leads to even more cultural expansion. Boas also found that when we isolate ourselves from outside influences, we are not able to progress and come up

There is a difference between teaching a course in which multiculturalism is the focus and incorporating an underlying multicultural, inclusive perspective into the classroom environment. Given that “there is no universal construction of a multiculturalism course that is perfect for achieving all goals for all students” (Henry, 2003, p. 26), finding a way to build a multicultural foundation for courses across the disciplines may be a better aim for faculty in higher education institutions. Multiculturalism is a concept that cannot be ignored in today’s society. It is real, it is related to the globalization of

Diversity is treating everyone fairly and respecting cultures, sex, religion, race and views. Diversity is also about recognizing the differences and embracing the differences,also recognizes values . Equality is everyone being equal, treated fairly, having the same rights and opportunities despite their race, gender, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation and

Multicultural competency is relevant everywhere. In our homes, work, the supermarket, and just about every aspect of our lives. Vetta Sanders Thompson (2006), outlines the process of becoming multicultural competence by, “developing awareness, sensitivity. Knowledge [and] specific skills” retrieved January 27, 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-Csv40dUXs&list=PLfBzO3LPVivqaiWYIuEm8VVuSrv4RG9d_&index=3. It is crucial in understand who we are, being socially aware provides great value to the development of becoming sensitive to the unique characteristics that people possess. Dr. Anamari Valentine (2006), state's multicultural competency is, “serving people in a way that can improve their lives” retrieved January 27, 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd6ksEx3rZw&list=PLfBzO3LPVivqaiWYIuEm8VVuSrv4RG9d.

Culture and diversity are a huge part of our everyday lives. "Diversity refers to all of the ways in which people are different"(1) and culture refers to language, beliefs, and rules. There are many aspects of diversity that make up our personal identity. Four specific ones that come to mind for me personally are, that I was born and raised in the same place known as Kennewick WA, my whole family, immediate and extended live in the same region, I am a Christian and grew up in the church, and I was homeschooled when I was younger then put into public school. Those are all things that are unique to me and have influenced my personal diversity.

According to Betancourt, Green, Carrillo & Ananeh-Firempong (2003) cultural competence refers to understanding the importance of social and cultural influences that a minority group may have as an inherent trait. The authors also affirmed that a cultural competent system acknowledges, integrates and incorporates the relevance of culture, evaluation of cross-cultural relations, , and adaptation of services to meet culturally unique needs(pg.294).

MULTICULTURE is a new word to me as I never came across with different culture or group of people in past. This course provide me a framework to improve and practice the mastery skills required to successfully manage or work in a multicultural workplace in any international settings. Through this course setting, I came to know about how to manage myself in multicultural environment and deal with different people of different cultures.

Since I started this class, I have a learned a great deal about cultural diversity in the classroom and abroad. My perspective has changed slightly but my knowledge of this subject has improved. In my family, my father taught me about the civil rights movement and the evils of segregation in the U.S. My parents taught me to be tolerant of all humans, no matter what they look like, how they dress, or their sexual orientation. My family has always been liberal thinkers who taught me the dark history of racism and bigotry in this country. As an educator I would be accepting to all race, creeds, and religious peoples.

With the shifting cultural texture and demographics of the United States (Banks, 2006b; Irvine, 2003), redefining multicultural education has become imperative. There are many views on the benefits and/or shortcomings of the multiculturalization of education. The question is not whether a multicultural education should be adopted but it is rather what we understand from multicultural education and how we are going to initiate such a reform within an educational system when we cannot even define ‘multicultural.’ “The awareness of one’s own assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes is a first step to be able to positively interact and learn from others. In this process

In today’s society there are many culturally diverse people in the workforce. Most organizations can no longer make the assumption that every employee has similar beliefs or expectations. When entering into the global marketplace, people are considered one of the most valuable resources to an organization’s success. A well-managed culturally diverse workforce has the potential to thrive if managed correctly; or if mismanaged, there can be devastating negative attributes. With great expectations, culturally diverse employees can foster positive outcomes in the workplace. A company’s acknowledgement to embrace diversity and change, and implement the value of management techniques are

In today’s society, culture is constantly flowing and changing from and within every community. As such, this clashing and intermingling of lifestyles have come to greatly impact postmodern America in terms of politics and economics. As America shifted towards a better understanding and implementation of multiculturalism, the era of post nationalism enabled different cultures to spread and surpass traditional geological boundaries.