Toward the beginning of chapter two Kreitner and kinicki introduce the four layers of diversity which help define our unique character and influence our perspective of the world. The layer that resonated with me the most was the third, external influences, also known as secondary dimensions of diversity. Even though we are brought up to believe that we should learn to understand others’ ideas and beliefs, we still make decisions based on our religious affiliation, experiences and other significant things which occurred throughout our lives. These elements influence our perceptions, behavior and attitudes toward each other and that is how we come across stereotypes.
In our last class, we were asked to look at an image of a soldier and come up with our own interpretation of this person’s stance. Every student came up with an explanation, which was for the most part influenced by his or her external influences such as their personal experiences. Breznican Anthony speaks in USA Today about a young couple that decided to marry, against their parents consent. The parents do not approve of each other because both bride and groom are people of color and have different hues. Their prejudiced fathers, though, cannot see past the differences in their cultures; each one does not want their child to succumb to the other person’s religion practices and way of life. As a result, we have to learn to adapt to others ideas, and culture in order to well among each other. Lia makes a good point when she mentions, “No culture is better than another, just different” and we have to learn to understand that.
Source: Anthony, Breznican. "Race and family head to the altar." USA Today n.d.: Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 31 Jan. 2010.
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I liked this post because it provides an interesting idea about culture and our personal experiences. The cultures we experience as children are truly influential on who we become later in life. Our personal experiences of cultural customs, methods of parenting, and even travelling, all provide cultural insight in some way. Parents from different cultures raise their children differently. People from different cultures eat differently. We all know these things, but it is important to embrace them and have respect for cultural differences. By travelling, one can learn much about other ways of life, but that is not the only way. Getting to know people in your community with different cultural backgrounds is a great way to embrace diversity and the past personal experiences of others and their culture.
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