 CULTURE
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What is Cultural Diversity?
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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.
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© 2008 - UNESCO
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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.'
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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.
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Valuing
Cultural Diversity
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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.
