Multiculturalism can be described as “the way in which communities with different cultures can come together for various reasons and live within the framework of common values.” (Dogan, 2017, p. 76)
Submit a journal entry of at least 300 words responding to the following prompts:
· Explain some opportunities multiculturalism can bring to your educational journey
· Explain some challenges multiculturalism can bring to your educational journey.
· Explain how multiculturalism can contribute to the elimination of different prejudices and ultimately the creation of an environment of tolerance for the diversity of life. Support your submission by including information from at least two references from this week’s Resources.
Allow yourself time to check your work for proper grammar and spelling so that your ideas are easily understood.
READING
·
Kennedy, V. (2018). Beyond race: Cultural influences on human social life. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks?term=beyong+race&commit=Go
Credit Line: Beyond Race: Cultural Influences on Human Social Life by Vera Kennedy, West Hill College Lemoore is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
·
·
·
Module 4 “Cultural Identity” Download Module 4 “Cultural Identity”(pp. 36–43)
Note: Please read Module 4 “Cultural Identity” on pages 33-43.
·
·
Module 4 “Race and Ethnicity” Download Module 4 “Race and Ethnicity”(pp. 47–54)
Note: Please read Module 4 “Race and Ethnicity” on pages 47-54.
·
·
Module 3 “Prejudice and Discrimination” Download Module 3 “Prejudice and Discrimination”(pp. 30–33)
Note: Please read Module 3 “Prejudice and Discrimination” on pages 30-33.
·
·
United States Census Bureau. (2021, August 12). 2020 census statistics highlight local population changes and nation’s racial and ethnic diversityLinks to an external site.. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/population-changes-nations-diversity.html
·
MEDIA
·
Mr. Ting (2020, August 30) Culture, multiculturalism and pluralism Links to an external site.[Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKwNYfsODMg
Note: Approximate length of this video is 8 min.
Journal Entry:
Multiculturalism can offer numerous opportunities to my educational journey. Firstly, it can expose me to various perspectives and broaden my horizons. Through interaction with individuals from different cultures, I can gain knowledge about their customs, traditions, and beliefs, which can enhance my understanding of the world. This exposure can broaden my cultural competence and make me more appreciative of the differences that exist in the world. Moreover, multiculturalism can Help me in developing my social skills and encourage me to be more empathetic, patient, and respectful towards others. Interacting with people from diverse cultures can enable me to recognize my biases and challenge my assumptions about different cultures, which can lead to personal growth and self-reflection.
However, multiculturalism can also pose some challenges to my educational journey. Firstly, language barriers can hinder effective communication and comprehension. As English is my second language, I may struggle to comprehend or express myself with people who speak different languages, which can affect my academic performance. Furthermore, cultural differences can result in misunderstandings and conflicts, which can lead to stress and anxiety. For instance, misinterpretations about body language, gestures, or facial expressions can lead to negative impressions and judgments about an individual’s character, which can impact social relationships. Such challenges may be frustrating, but it is essential to recognize and address them to foster inclusivity and understanding.
Multiculturalism can contribute to the elimination of different prejudices and the creation of an environment of tolerance for the diversity of life. According to Kennedy (2018), multiculturalism can challenge people’s stereotypes and biases about different cultures, which can result in greater tolerance and understanding. For instance, exposure to different cultures can reduce individuals’ anxiety and prejudice towards others, thereby promoting social harmony and mutual respect. Additionally, multiculturalism can increase individuals’ self-awareness and recognition of their biases and privilege, which can lead to positive action towards equality and social justice. According to Dogan (2017), multiculturalism is rooted in common values and respect for diversity, which can lead to a peaceful coexistence among different cultures. It is, therefore, essential to promote multiculturalism as a means of fostering understanding and inclusivity in our society.
In conclusion, multiculturalism can offer numerous opportunities and challenges to my educational journey. By promoting inclusivity and understanding, it can contribute to the elimination of prejudices and the creation of an environment of tolerance for the diversity of life. As such, it is crucial to embrace multiculturalism and recognize its potential for enhancing our cultural competence and promoting social harmony.
