Tuesday, September 11, 2012

What is Cultural Diversity?



What is Cultural Diversity?

Cultural Diversity is a fact

The World has some 6000 communities and as many distinct languages. Such difference naturally leads to diversity of vision, values, beliefs, practice and expression, which all deserve equal respect and dignity.
Cultural Diversity is our everyday reality
The international migration rate is growing fast every year. According to the “International Migration Report 2002” of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the number of migrants has doubled since the 1970s. The report also says that around 175 million persons are residing away from the country of their birth and one in every 10 persons in the developed regions is a migrant. Also, more migrants are coming from countries ever farther away. While the reasons for migration vary (economic, political, personal choice …) , one thing is sure: we live in an increasingly heterogeneous society.
Cultural Diversity reflects the respect of fundamental rights
Culture is a set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group. It encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, values systems, traditions and beliefs. Respecting and safeguarding culture is a matter of Human Rights. Cultural Diversity means respect of fundamental freedoms, namely freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom to participate in the cultural life of one's choice.
Cultural Diversity is our collective strength
Our rich diversity is our collective strength. Cultural Diversity, indeed, is not just a natural fact that we need simply recognize and respect. It is about plurality of knowledge, wisdom and energy which all contribute to improving and moving the World forward.
 

© 2008 - UNESCO

 

Cultural diversity makes a country richer by making it a more interesting place in which to live.  Just think how boring a meal would be without Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, German, French or Indian food! 

Cultural diversity also makes a country stronger and better able to compete in the new global economy.  People from diverse cultures bring language skills, new ways of thinking, creative solutions to difficult problems and negotiating skills.

In the past, ethnographers in the United States used to refer to their country as a melting pot where new immigrants would eventually be fully integrated into the American culture.  This has obviously not happened so modern researchers have now begun to talk about America as a garden salad where different cultural diversity mixes with the European American culture to form a meal where all of the various ingredients are still readily identifiable.*

(*The concept of the “melting pot” will be discussed more fully in the next assignment.)

Cultural diversity makes the United States a much more interesting place in which to live for all of its inhabitants.  If we all thought alike imagine how boring the world would be! 

What is Cultural Diversity? http://www.mylearning.org/jpage.asp?jpageid=2022&journeyid=441

The phrase 'Cultural Diversity' means a range of different societies or peoples with different origins, religions and traditions all living and interacting together. Britain’ for example, has benefited from diversity throughout its long history and is currently one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world!

The food eaten, the music listened to, and the clothes worn in Britain have all been influenced by different cultures coming into Britain. Ethnic food, for example, is part of an average British diet. One of Britain's favourite dishes is Indian Curry. Britons have enjoyed Curry for a surprisingly long time- the first curry on a menu was in 1773!

Even English is based on the languages spoken by Anglo-Saxons, Scandinavian Vikings and Norman French invaders, with words added from the languages of other immigrants over the years!

 Valuing Our Cultural Diversity

In Britain today there is an estimated 'ethnic minority' population of just over 4 million. Britain is a country rich in cultural heritage; but the value in this diversity is sometimes not fully seen.    

Valuing the diverse culture in Britain today is all about understanding and respecting other peoples beliefs and ways of life (as we would expect someone to respect ours). It is about supporting individuals in keeping their cultural traditions alive and appreciating the fact that all these different cultural traditions will enrich British life both today and in the future.

 

Diversity in everyday life

Diversity should be understood as being a fact of our societies, both historically and contemporarily. At school, at work, in everyday life we come across Cultural Diversity.

UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (Article 1)

  • 'Culture takes diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up mankind. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations.'

 

·         What is Cultural Diversity? http://cms.unimelb.edu.au/studentservices/diversity/about/whatis

 

 

·         The University of Melbourne's Cultural Diversity Policy affirms that cultural diversity encompasses differences based on race, ethnicity, language, religion, value and belief systems, disability, class, gender, age and educational background. The cultural diversity of the University is a strength and an asset, and we value diversity of opinions, perspectives and interests.

 

·         Valuing Cultural Diversity

·         The University of Melbourne is committed to social harmony and cohesion, supporting all staff and students as they achieve a deeper appreciation of their own cultures, as well as greater cross-cultural understanding. The University strives to create an environment where staff and students promote culturally inclusive behaviour and activities, ensure cultural differences are heard and explored, and actively seek to learn from other cultures.

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