Why Focus On Cultural Diversity
with the Younger Generation?

First, a quick definition of culture:

Whenever people form a group of any size, they develop, share and teach social norms that help them carry on together. Most of these norms are unconscious “rules” that impact every level of each person’s life. A broad definition of culture might be the sum of each of those levels:

Beliefs
Values
Attitudes
Perceptions
Behaviors

Our cultural training starts the moment we are born. For instance, pink and blue newborn head covering cues everyone who interacts with the baby to treat the child as either a "girl" or a "boy," according to the culture's norms.

Like an iceberg, most of this social programming is under the surface. Our perceptions, attitudes, values and beliefs lie below the surface, or "below the water." Only our behaviors, including our spoken thoughts, are evident to others, or "above the water."

Why focus on cultural diversity with the younger generation?

Many people, teens and adults alike, look only through the lens of their own cultural influences. They also believe that their culture is “the only one” or “the right one.” Tension arises whenever people hold rigidly to this notion.

Studying cultural diversity helps teens learn more about themselves as individuals, their family norms and the cultures of their peers. This knowledge supports each student’s psychological and social growth. It also opens the conversations that break down cultural barriers, and:

Contributes to classroom, school and community harmony
Eliminates prejudice
Stops potential hate and peer violence
Reduces bullying

The cognitive effort required for breaking through stereotypes and narrow attitudes enhances complex thinking and development of values, ethics and character.
Studying cultural diversity is an opportunity for teachers and students to work together in instructional conversations. It also connects curriculum to kids’ experiences, home and community and can provide a link to other curricular areas.
Lastly, studying cultural diversity can be intellectually satisfying and fun.