Written by: Princess Grace T. Briones
The 'Mañana' habit. A common Filipino mindset or cultural attitude that expresses the “Mamaya na” mentality. This phrase tolerates delaying a work and practices procrastination; signifying that a work can still be done another day later or some time soon. In a different setting where it is time focused and deadline oriented, this brings us into a cultural aspect wherein it teaches considering the cultural diversity and studying its importance especially now knowing that a culture like this is present. As we all know, culture is the practice that is passed down through the generations. It encompasses diverse behaviors, backgrounds, and beliefs. Culture combines with the history and interest of particular human groups that comprises various ways of how people dress, speak, believe, behave, and react. Cultural diversity is present, and it can be utilized as an instrument to enhance an individual’s learning and education to seek further knowledge in this globalized world we live in. Studying and accepting cultural diversity challenges people, especially students, to embrace new perspectives and challenge assumptions.
I believe cultural diversity is all around, and it may be an often experience we may not possibly notice. Simply by engaging oneself in a new and different environment or experience such as, social media, educational institutions, cultural festivals, traveling and, engaging in multicultural families and groups, diverse cultures are now easily discovered. Personally, I have encountered cultural diversity just within my environment. By merely exposing myself to various and diverse people and places, I have learned about the dynamic backgrounds that come together, bringing different perspectives and traditions. Through social media, access to global content and participation of cultural exchange through communities, mainly develop a wide experience in cultural diversity. We can effortlessly learn and experience diverse cultures through engagement. By partaking in multicultural families and groups, this is where I have gained understanding about the different cultures and traditions we individually grew up in. Earlier this week, I got to ask a friend about their cultural tradition during the Christmas season. Since she was half Chinese, she described how they would use pots, rice, bamboo trees and rocks. She explained that in their culture, they would get the pots filled with the items mentioned. According to her, this practice would provide them with abundance and strength for the coming year. This experience encouraged my thoughts to enjoy learning about cultural diversities and motivated me to promote cross-cultural experiences.
In today's globalized world, fostering cultural diversity is truly essential, for it advances connection and education. I believe accepting and learning the process of cultural diversity, progresses our changing world. The process of how it ensures all cultural diversities are valued, creates a safer environment for everyone to be heard; the globalized world we speak of, may thrive socially and economically by embracing differences and organizations. The potential of gaining cultural and intellectual knowledge, leads to an advancement in various fields in education, including Philosophy. Encouraging cultural diversity broadens our opportunities and capacities, through this we are able to have an exchange of numerous holistic viewpoints from great teachers around the world. This is truly beneficial for learners to be exposed in the engagement of cultural exchange experiences. However, the challenges in this process should also be acknowledged. Combating stereotypes and discrimination are complicated. Adjusting through this phase wherein communication barriers are also present, can always be resolved through effective communication and commitment to inclusivity.
Cultural prejudice roots in close mindedness. The attitude of being negative towards diverse cultures creates conflict within different values. With the presence of cultural prejudice, our perspective on certain situations limits and this is a significant barrier in achieving cultural diversity. There are various ways to avoid these barriers. We must always remember that differences exist between or among cultures and it is a must to respect and not judge the other cultures. Adapt and enjoy the cultural differences. It is important to acknowledge challenges and barriers in every situation because through this, we can be able to easily identify its root causes and create solutions. By facing the situation amidst challenges, it leads to growth and development. We must always ponder the knowledge and lessons we may potentially gain during a challenge because this progresses us in moving forward.
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