I enjoyed the discussions our group had about culture and all that this encompasses. There are many parts to culture, including culture manifestation, ethnocentrism, and cultural relativism. The Diverse Learners class gives me perspective into my culture and how it shaped my life. The values and traditions that my parents instilled in me from my infancy have manifested themselves in my life today. Not everyone is going to have the same culture as I do, but that is because many different factors have affected their lives. This is where cultural relativism comes into effect.
Instead of just believing that my culture is dominant, I am starting to realize it is a matter of chance. What if I was born in another country with different traditions and values? Then my belief system and culture might be entirely different. This perspective helps me appreciate the multitude of culutres that shape our world and make it dynamic.
I had the opportunity to experience cultural relativism about five years ago when I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain. Going to class was not the difference, but the eating schedule was a drastic change. Lunch was the huge meal, we ate around two in the afternoon and then everyone took their "siesta." I had no problem adapting to this tradition. After my nap, I would explore the city, and grab some tapas, a small snack before dinner, around six or seven. Dinner was not served in any restaurants until nine or ten. This was a difficult adjustment because in the United States we eat around six. I remember walking around the town with a friend and we would be starving because we had not eaten and no where was servng dinner. Eventually I made the adjustments to the lifestyle in Spain and became immersed in the culture and truly fell in love with it. Even today I often think of my time there and how much I enjoyed being part of the Spanish society.
Living over in Europe allowed me to not only observe another culture but live it. I realized that not everyone runs on the schedule of the United States and their attitudes toward work and play vary greatly, as well. Through cultural relativism I am able to view the world from a new perspective and appreciate another lifestyle. I need to take this ability and apply it in my classroom. I not only teach my students math, but am respectful of their backgrounds and diverse cultures.
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