VALUING CULTURAL DIVERSITY

By Nina Chen, Ph.D.
Human Development Specialist

You may have heard many times about cultural diversity, multiculturalism, cultural sensitivity, or cultural differences.  What do these mean to you? You may think that since your community is white dominant, it is not necessary to teach your children about this issue.  You may think that you don't have to be aware of this issue because you only interact with your relatives, neighbors, and friends in your community.  So, it seems like there is no reason for you to learn more about other cultures and teach your children to value cultural differences.

But, the reality is our society has been changing to be more diverse.  Although it may not happen to your community yet, it will happen to the next generations.  There are some facts in the United States:

*    By the year 2000, more than half of the population in California, Texas, New York, and Florida will be people of color.

*    By the year 2000, more than one-third of all children younger than 18 will be children of color.

*    By the year 2030, there will be:

-  5.5 million more Hispanic children

-  2.6 million more African American children

-  1.5 million more children of other races

-  6.2 million fewer white children

*    Between 1985 and 2030, children of color will increase from 28 to 41 percent of the total population of children younger than 18.  (Source:Stacey York, Family Information Service, 1993)

Obviously, our society will become more and more diverse.  Children and adults will have more chances to interact with a diverse population.  How can you help your children to have a sense of appreciation of cultural differences? 

Before you start to provide a learning environment for your children, you have to start with yourself.  You need to learn what culture means to a group of people, how culture is a source of group power and strength, and how to allow groups to retain their cultural integrity while they gain the skills to function in the larger society.

In order to develop this knowledge and sensitivity, you have to value and respect differences and treat each one as an individual.  No doubt, many factors have influenced how we view people, for instance, religious influences, family attitudes and biases, media influences, environment, and peer group biases and prejudices toward persons who are different.  Reject stereotypes and assumptions and assume the other person is worthy of trust.

You need to be honest and open yourself as well as expressing interest in an individual and be willing to accept and learn about the difference which makes him or her unique.  Try to add this attitude and information to develop your awareness of cultural diversity which will help your children learn from you and have better skills to interact with a diverse society through their lives. 

##############