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Why Is Cultural Diversity Important?

Cultural diversity is important for several reasons. Our society consists of many cultural, racial, and ethnic groups, and learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives, dispel stereotypes, and build understanding between groups. Having diversity makes our country a more interesting place to live as different cultures contribute new skills, knowledge, and experiences. To support cultural diversity, we should increase our understanding of other cultures, avoid imposing our own values, recognize differences in concepts like family across cultures, advocate for inclusive materials, and intervene against bias.

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Ordonez Boyden
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275 views2 pages

Why Is Cultural Diversity Important?

Cultural diversity is important for several reasons. Our society consists of many cultural, racial, and ethnic groups, and learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives, dispel stereotypes, and build understanding between groups. Having diversity makes our country a more interesting place to live as different cultures contribute new skills, knowledge, and experiences. To support cultural diversity, we should increase our understanding of other cultures, avoid imposing our own values, recognize differences in concepts like family across cultures, advocate for inclusive materials, and intervene against bias.

Uploaded by

Ordonez Boyden
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WHY IS CULTURAL DIVERSITY IMPORTANT?

What language do you speak? What is your religion? What holidays do you celebrate? What
is your racial identification? What is your ethnic identity? What is your culture? Why is
cultural diversity so important?

Our culture is what shapes us, it shapes our behavior and our identity. Culture is our way of
living, it refers to the shared language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects
that are passed down from one generation to the next.

What does “Culturally Diverse” mean?

The term “culturally diverse” is often used interchangeably with the concept of
“multiculturalism.” Sociologist Dr. Caleb Rosado, who specializes in diversity and
multiculturalism, described seven important actions involved in the definition of
multiculturalism: recognition of the abundant diversity of cultures; respect for the
differences; acknowledging the validity of different cultural expressions and contributions;
valuing what other cultures offer; encouraging the contribution of diverse groups;
empowering people to strengthen themselves and others to achieve their maximum potential
by being critical of their own biases; and celebrating rather than just tolerating the differences
in order to bring about unity through diversity.

Why is cultural diversity a “Good Thing”?

Cultural diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools increasingly
consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We can learn from one another, but first,
we must have a level of understanding about each other. Learning about other cultures helps
us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live. It helps dispel
negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups.

In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not
necessarily our own. So that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust, respect,
and understanding across cultures. Furthermore, this diversity makes our country a more
interesting place to live. As people from diverse cultures contribute language skills, new ways
of thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences.
How can you support cultural diversity?

 Increase your level of understanding about other cultures by interacting with people
outside of your own culture.

 Avoid imposing values on others that may conflict or be inconsistent with other
cultures.

 When interacting with others who may not be proficient in English, recognize that
their limitations in English proficiency in no way reflects their level of intellectual
functioning.

 Recognize and understand that concepts within the helping profession, such as
family, gender roles, spirituality, and emotional well-being, vary significantly
among cultures and influence behavior.

 Within the workplace, educational setting, and/or clinical setting, advocate for the
use of materials that are representative of the various cultural groups within the
local community and the society in general.

 Intervene in an appropriate manner when you observe others engaging in behaviors


that show cultural insensitivity, bias, or prejudice.

 Be proactive in listening, accepting, and welcoming people and ideas that are
different from your own.

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