CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Cultural diversity: What is it? Cultural diversity, or multiculturalism, is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but rather maintained and valued. The foundation of this belief is that every culture and race has made a substantial contribution to Canadian history and will make a substantial contribution to our future prosperity and growth. Question: What aspects of your culture have contributed to your prosperity and growth?

Main Factors in Diversity Gender Age Race Disability Question: Of these four primary factors, is there one which is most important? Why?

Challenges to cultural diversity Communication Barriers Resistance to change Socio-cultural factors Education, age, and gender Personality and background Question: Can you provide examples of each of these challenges to cultural diversity?

Benefits of cultural diversity Increased adaptability of staff Broader service range Variety of view points, worldviews More effective service/operation Question: How might a variety of worldviews contribute to your personal life? Professional life?

Stereotypes and the consequences Question: What stereotypes do we have for the following cultures: Brazilian? Asian? American? Italian? Somalian? We categorize people, animals and things. This allows us to respond to a range of stimuli very efficiently and avoid “info overload”. However, stereotypes can lead to views about others that are typically… Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34HgvQlWoA0 (Peter Russel Arab Stereotypes) Stereotypes can form a barrier to communication. Because STEREOTYPES ARE ASSUMED TO BE TRUE WHEN THEY MAY BE WRONG OR EXXAGERATED. What do we know what Stereotypes are: Simplistic Often based on 2nd hand info Mistake the part for the whole Are prescriptive and restrictive Do not take context or situation into account Are of out date and fixed Are often negative about other groups and positive about own group Are held by us about others What are some of the stereotypes about Muslims that you know of?

Exploring Perspectives

It’s not always what you say .... . This is the main problem in communication. Since it is about perception not about the verbal communication of the message but the perception of the message, we are not always in control of how things are understood We need to remember that each of us needs to not only communicate clearly but to also listen when people communicate with us. We often forget that the otherside exists. Something that is clear to one person may be ineffective with another. but... how the other perceives it.

Exploring Perspectives “What is required goes beyond mere tolerance or sympathy or sensitivity – emotions which can offer be willed into existence by a generous soul. True cultural sensitivity is something far more rigorous and even more intellectual than that. It implies readiness to study and learn across cultural barriers, an ability to see others as they see themselves.” Exploring our perspectives is very helpful in the type of work that we do and the diversity of the people we serve. H H Aga Khan

Diversity & Differences We interpret what we see, but actual meaning maybe different Does not mean we need to change our culture and adapt to another one Sense of awareness that things may be different for different people Refrain from judging too quickly Understanding Culture. Because often, we… Since we are not always aware of our assumptions, attitudes and beliefs, one of the most important characteristics of being culturally aware, is to become SELF-AWARE. That means paying attention to how we think and feel about other people and examining the roots of our thoughts and analyzing them for biases. So we refrain from doing this: Play video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RBbs4A-Xs0 (don’t judge too quickly)

Promoting Diversity Understand and respect individual differences. Be assertive. Let other people know how you want to be treated, and don't be afraid to speak up if another's actions make you uncomfortable. Learn as much as you can about other cultures. Learn how others want you to treat them. Teach others how you want them to treat you. Act as a force for change. Everyone is responsible for workplace behavior. If you encounter an example of discrimination or prejudice, speak up. As the world grows smaller, functioning in a diverse work environment will be as much a part of our jobs as filing or computing. The key to dealing successfully with diversity is open, honest communication. In a diverse workplace, we should all feel free to be ourselves — while treating others with respect. We should be able to tell each other when something bothers us — without overreacting. Relationships, especially hi business, grow stronger with discussion and compromise. We can all work together more effectively by following these four easy steps: 1. Understand and respect individual differences. Keep an open mind toward others who are different from you. Remember that not everyone sees things the same way you do. 2. Be assertive. Let other people know how you want to be treated, and don't be afraid to speak up if another's actions make you uncomfortable. How will people know that you find a particular expression or behavior offensive unless you tell them? And, if someone has the courage and sensitivity to tell you how you've offended them, don't get defensive - be thankful. The only way you can correct the situation is through honest communication. Don't say, "That's not what I meant! What's the matter with you?" Say, "I'm sorry you heard it that way. That's really not what I meant. Can I clarify and tell you what I did mean?" 3. Learn how others want you to treat them. Use the New Golden Rule (sometimes called the Platinum Rule): Treat others the way they would like to be treated. If you're confused about how to pronounce an unfamiliar name, or whether a person would rather be called black or African American, ASK. Your question will not only help you learn how to avoid misunderstandings and conflict but also will communicate a respect that will strengthen your relationships. 4. Act as a force for change. Everyone is responsible for workplace behavior. If you encounter an example of discrimination or prejudice, speak up. Tell the people involved why you think- the behavior was inappropriate. You may not be able to change attitudes overnight, but you can change behavior, and that's the first step.

Celebrating Our Cultures… Newcomers contribute to the diversity of our society, which can help with tolerance and understanding. Learning is an ongoing process. No one can really say that they are done learning. As so with being culturally competent – it is an ongoing process. We need to keep learning, digging deeper down the iceberg. Intercultural interaction and communication increase our understanding about cultures and it is an effective way to make our world a better place. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWwK7Vz4gY