Embracing cultural diversity with open eyes
Montserrat Camacho
Immigrants from all over the world come to the United States each year to live. In the past, they have been the ones responsible for shaping the ways of life of the American society.
Our population nowadays consists of many ethnic, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds, which are the components that have given the United States the name the “nation of nations.”
Each cultural group has made its contributions throughout the years to the development and social customs of the United States, and by this means, Americans can now say that this country is a product of its rich cultural diversity.
Fabian Leñero, president of the Coalition of International Students at Arizona State University defined the term.
“Cultural diversity is having people from different countries and cultures and also with different values that mingle with each other,” said Leñero.
Cultural diversity for me is the recognition and understanding of different cultures,” said MCC student Stetson Kizzar.
“Each culture has its own set of values, priorities and strengths, and also a unique way to solve the problems we face as a society. I feel that we, Americans, can and should try to imitate them. We should utilize their ideas to overcome our issues,” said Kizzar.
ASU student, Kymber Grimes, described cultural diversity as the acknowledgement and acceptance of different cultures.
“Being culturally diverse is not being tolerant to other people. Nobody wants to be simply tolerated. People want to feel accepted and comfortable when living in a different society,” said Grimes.
According to Juanita Tarango, MCC multicultural services academic adviser, the cultural diversification gives better understanding of where people come from.
“Multiculturalism also adds flavor to the mix, and eliminates the stereotypes Americans have of how people from different cultures should look, talk or dress,” said Tarango.
According to Leñero, the famous terms “melting pot” and “salad bowl” are two concepts that describe the concept of cultural diversity in American society.
Leñero, Grimes and Kizzar all agreed on the concept that describes cultural diversity in the United States. The best notion is the “salad bowl” in which all the cultures become part of a society and make significant contributions to it, without leaving their own traditions.
“Adapting to other cultures is good, but not at the expense of losing your own,” said Kizzar.
Tarango believes that even though the “melting pot” concept is all about assimilating to American society, trying to fit-in, and leaving behind your culture, it is the one that describes the situation in the U.S. most accurately.
“Americans are still not capable of accepting different cultures as they are, but rather force them to assimilate to their culture in order to be part of the American society,” said Tarango.
“We have to learn stuff from different cultures and try to get along with them, rather than just tolerating them,” said Leñero.
Tarango, Kizzar and Leñero also said that activities in the colleges and universities, such as the International Education week, encourage the cultural awareness of students.
“By having these kinds of activities in the educational field, students are inspired to become part of the different cultures,” said Leñero.
Tarango concluded that being socially aware comes down to you as an individual.
“I believe that how culturally diverse you want to be is all up to you. You have the opportunity to learn from different cultures and with that knowledge you can certainly influence those around you,” said Tarango.
Mesa Community College is proud and committed to serving a diverse population that is reflective of our community.
For more information about diversity, visit MCC’s webpage at: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/about/administration/president/diversity/
