‘Culture’ is a complex idea. We often use the term to refer to things like food, holidays, clothing, music, and religion, but it also goes much deeper than that. Behaviours, customs, beliefs, and values are also part of your culture. So when we meet people from different backgrounds, we can sometimes find that there are big differences in how we see the world, even if we dress in a similar way or speak the same language. Show Know your own culture One of the best ways to understand other people’s cultures is to first examine your own. Most of us take our background for granted, and don’t even realise that our customs and beliefs might seem strange to someone else. If you think of your own way of life as the default and everyone else’s as a strange variation, it’s hard to approach those differences with respect. What are your beliefs about the world, and about how people should treat each other? Are any of them informed by your own culture and the way you were brought up? What behaviours define you, and would any of them seem odd or unusual to someone with a different culture? For example: do you take your shoes off when you go inside? It’s a simple thing, but it’s a huge marker of culture! In Japan, you would never go inside without swapping your outdoor shoes for slippers, whereas in the United States, many people don’t bother taking their shoes off when they come in. These aren’t always easy questions to answer, but stopping to think about them is so important to understanding your place in the world, which will help you understand other people better, too. Learn Maybe you’ve recently met someone from a different culture that you find interesting, or you’re just curious to learn about how different people live. There are so many ways to learn about different
The more you learn, the more accustomed you get to greeting cultural differences with curiosity rather than suspicion. Don’t stereotype Sometimes, learning a lot about a different culture through books, movies, or even travel and friends can lead you into a different trap: stereotyping. You may think you know a lot about a culture or place, and sometimes that can make it tempting to show off your knowledge when you meet someone from that background… but it’s a problem to assume that everyone from one particular culture has the same perspectives and experiences. These assumptions can be pretty small and harmless - for example, not every Jewish person was raised observing kosher dietary restrictions, and not every English person loves football - but they can also be harmful, if your assumptions about someone’s traditions or beliefs lead you to pre-judge or discriminate against them. These assumptions make people feel like you don’t see them as a human or an individual, just as a representative of an exotic culture. You’d be annoyed if someone thought they knew everything about you based on where you’re from or who your parents are, so don’t do it to other people - even if you think you understand their culture really well. Appreciate the differences Differences between us are what make life so interesting. So embrace the differences between yourself and your friends from different cultures - but remember that what is a fascinating difference to you is just their normal life! The best way to respect people from other cultures is to strike a balance between curiosity and appreciation: ask questions if your friends are open to it, but also learn how to just silently observe and appreciate the differences that make us unique. I am a master's-level social worker with experience ranging from therapeutic services with children and families to medical care. Learning to respect and appreciate cultures different from our own is an essential and important ability to develop. Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash Regardless of where you live on this great, big Earth, chances are you will eventually interact in some way with a culture that is different from your own. When most people think about culture, their first thoughts involve race or ethnicity. Culture goes far beyond that, however. In fact, we are all members of various cultural groups and our cultural identities develop based on the influence of these memberships. Like most things that make you who you are, the development of your cultural identity is an ongoing process. As we are exposed to different sets of beliefs and values, we may adopt other cultural beliefs that were not part of our original makeup. In this way, culture is dynamic and complex. In addition to race and ethnicity, our cultural orientations are influenced by gender, class, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation, religious and spiritual beliefs, age, and much more. The individual is a complex mix of many cultural influences woven together. It is, therefore, impossible to define a person by a single cultural label. To further complicate matters, our cultural histories are filtered by individual psychological characteristics and experiences, ensuring that even those sharing cultural similarities are truly unique. Regardless of our differences, we are the world and this world is for us all. Purchased on iStock There are certain things that are a part of every culture. These things are called cultural universals. Though the elements within each will differ, every culture includes: Culture is a system of shared beliefs that are used by a society in order to interact with the world, as well as with each other. Often, we think of the food, music, clothing, and holidays that are shared by a group as their culture, but these are only some of the elements. Other elements include customs, values, behaviors, and artifacts. Culture is, therefore, a combination of thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and beliefs shared by those of the same racial, ethnic, religious, or other social group. Many of these groups we are born into (such as racial and ethnic groups) and others we choose (such as religious or political groups). Many of us move between groups, adjusting our ideas and beliefs as we grow and learn.Those who go through cultural shifts may adopt new customs, but they will also retain elements of their previous cultural experiences. The ability to learn from and relate respectfully to people of your own culture as well as others' is known as "cultural responsivity." Being culturally responsive requires openness to the viewpoints, thoughts, and experiences of others. This is not about changing others to be more like you. Instead, it is about exploring and honoring the differences of others. Developing a cultural- responsive attitude is a life-long journey. It includes: Breaking culturally-accepted norms makes people uncomfortable. Sense of self and space Informal handshake Formal: hugs, bows, handshakes Communication and language Explicit, direct communication w/ an emphasis on content Implicit, indirect communication w/ emphasis on context. Dress and appearance Wide range of accepted dress. A "dress for success" ideal. Religious rules of dress. Dress often seen as a sign of wealth, prestige, or position. Food and eating habits Fast food. Eating as necessity. Religious rules for food and eating. Dining is often a social experience. Time and time consciousness Linear. Time consciousness is exact. Value on promptness w/ a "time equals money" ideal. Elastic. Time consciousness is relative. More time spent on enjoyment of relationships. Relationships Focus on immediate family. High responsibility for self and value on youth. Age seen as a handicap. Focus on extended family. Responsibility is to family. Age is a sign of status and respect. Values and norms Individual orientation, independence, and preference for direct confrontation during conflicts. Group orientation, conformity, and preference for harmony. Beliefs and attitudes Egalitarian, destiny controlled by the individual, gender equality, challenging of authority. Hierarchical, respect for authority, different roles for men and women, individuals accept their destinies. Mental processes and learning styles Linear, sequential, and logical. Focus on problem solving. Lateral, holistic, and accepting of the difficulties of life. Work habits Emphasis on tasks, work has intrinsic value, and reward is based on achievement. Emphasis on relationships. Work is a necessity of life and rewards are based on seniority. Self-Reflection PracticeIf you are looking to do some introspection about your own ability to practice cultural respect and responsivity, consider asking yourself the following questions:
What Is Tolerance?Tolerance is another very important concept when learning to respect and accept other cultures. But what is tolerance and why is it so important? Generally speaking, tolerance is the recognition of the universal human rights and freedoms of others, and it is not a passive concept. Tolerance does not equate to indifference or indulgence. Instead, it is a freely given acceptance of the differences of others, and it is the recognition of the value of those differences without judgement. In other words, it is a respect of diversity, and many believe that it is is also the very virtue that makes peace possible.  lqwilliams Tips for Fostering Tolerance
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. Poop on June 27, 2020: This is really helpful! My daughter can do her homework easier. Kathy on March 18, 2020: Thank you! Great information I plan to share with my students (not copy, though!) Julianna on December 04, 2019: Wow! This is good Pam on July 08, 2019: Very helpful. I help teach a Boundaries class. This information on cultural differences was great. essayinc on August 11, 2017: Learning about diversity and cultural differences can be fun. Rather than being fearful and critical of people who are different, learn about their differences http://www.essayinc.co.uk/ emily from united kingdom on May 23, 2017: when i went to another country for the studies.It's literally the first week of school, there were lots of students, I don't know any one and they don't know me. we started talking assignment assistance https://goo.gl/bEQHkP i felt so happy , There was huge acceptance there that is really special. There was a presence in valuing diversity. “I am really happy to be a part of a school a school Janellegems on July 05, 2016: Excellent Hub on how to respect other cultures. Marvelously presented. I love the chart/table. |
Why is it important to respect other cultures essay
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