CULTURAL DIVERSITY Cultural diversity What is it Cultural

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CULTURAL DIVERSITY

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Cultural diversity: What is it? Cultural diversity, or multiculturalism, is based on the idea

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,

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

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 •

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:

Stereotypes and the consequences Question: What stereotypes do we have for the following cultures: • Brazilian? • Asian? • American? • Italian? • Somalian?

Exploring Perspectives

Exploring Perspectives

It’s not always what you say. . but. . . how the other perceives

It’s not always what you say. . but. . . how the other perceives it.

Exploring Perspectives “What is required goes beyond mere tolerance or sympathy or sensitivity –

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. ” H H Aga Khan

Diversity & Differences We interpret what we see, but actual meaning maybe different Does

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

Promoting Diversity 1. Understand respect individual differences. 2. Be assertive. Let other people know

Promoting Diversity 1. Understand respect individual differences. 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. 3. Learn as much as you can about other cultures. 4. Learn how others want you to treat them. 5. Teach others how you want them to treat you. 6. Act as a force for change. Everyone is responsible for workplace behavior. If you encounter an example of discrimination or prejudice, speak up.

Celebrating Our Cultures… Newcomers contribute to the diversity of our society, which can help

Celebrating Our Cultures… Newcomers contribute to the diversity of our society, which can help with tolerance and understanding.