1. 1. Self Identification and Culture by Seann Combs
2. 2. Personal Development According to their Core Value of Personal Development, Saint Leo University stresses the development of every persons mind, spirit, and body for a balanced life. All members of the Saint Leo University community must demonstrate their commitment to personal development to help strengthen the character of our community. (Core Value of Personal Development, 2013). Having a sense of self as well as a strong cultural understanding enhances the character of individuals, and when properly instilled, it broadens the understanding of a society. If we were to look at ourselves, the aspects of usour motivations, our physical characteristics, our beliefs, etc.how would we define who we are? If we were to disaggregate the information about our cultural identity, what would be left? The answer is nothing. Our culture is an amalgam of all the traits, both minute and paramount, which shape who we are.
3. 3. How do I identify?
4. 4. How has my cultural identity impacted my learning? Being raised in a small community, I was accustomed to the homogenously white, southern Baptist lifestyle. With a relatively low minority population, I was the child who was constantly drawn to the exceptional. Among my friends growing up were a Hindu from Bangladesh and a Puerto Rican. My fixation on other cultures carried over into my teens, and has continued as an adult. Sadly, few instances arise in my memory in which our teachers created opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity. As a teacher at my childhood elementary school, I now consider many former teachers to be my colleagues. Our student population remains largely unchanged, but I have noticed more diversity. I am encouraged not only by this, but also at how well our teachers and staff have helped these students assimilate to our culture without losing that sense of self. They are often given opportunities to share about their culture, and even to correct some cultural misconceptions. Although we have a long way to go culturally, this is a positive trend that I hope will continue.
5. 5. How does culture define us? Culture is often compared to an iceberg. Like the tip of an iceberg, visible aspects of culture such as behavior, eating habits, or clothing are easy to see. Under the surface, however, hides a huge and potentially fatal portion made up of beliefs, values, customs, experiences and assumptions. Knowledge of the deeper parts of the iceberg helps us understand the why behind the behavior. It enables us to make more informed evaluations of global counterparts and avoid misunderstandings that can waste time and damage relationships. (Davey, 2014).
6. 6. Culture is often erroneously connected to surface attributes: skin color language dress cuisine holidays However, culture has greater, more far-reaching implications which many ignore: response to crises worship morality authoritarian views
7. 7. Beginning Multicultural Education Before students can begin to understand other cultures, they must first have familiarity with their own. 1. Take field trips to local institutions, such as a historical society or park, which reflect regional culture. 2. Have students research and/or create their family tree. 3. Students can write a report about their personal lineage. 4. Have parents/local leaders come to the classroom and share personal/local history. Allowing students to establish a sense of self will open the door for them to accept other cultures in the future.
8. 8. Continuing Multicultural Education Once students are aware of their own self, it is imperative that they are instilled with a greater acceptance for diversity. 1. Display maps for a variety of countries. 2. Study other cultures, and enjoy their cuisine at parties. 3. Allow opportunities for students to openly discuss their cultures. 4. Read to students and provide them with literature which expands their understanding of cultural diversity. When students are surrounded by diversity, it broadens their tolerance for differences and exceptionalities, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. Multicultural Learning is learning that integrates and explores the rich tapestry of perspectives reflected in our diverse world. (Chomsky, 2008).
9. 9. Perpetuating a Legacy of Multiculturalism We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. -Jimmy Carter Creating an environment of cultural tolerance.
10. 10. References Saint Leo University. (2013). Core value of personal development. Retrieved from http://www.saintleo.edu/about/florida-catholic university.aspx Davey, A.D. (2014). Across cultures: The meaning of culture. Retrieved from http://www.acrosscultures.info /meaning-of-culture.html Chomsky, C. (2008). What is multicultural learning? Retrieved from http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/resources /multicultural/whatis/index.html Jenaguilar3. 2012, August 29. Multicultural education. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=RPgMVQZ2RNY