Cultural Paradigms

There were several things that really stood out to me while watching the videos, "Cultural Clashes in Defining Beauty" and "Cultural Differences, National Geographic".  I wasn't really shocked by any of them but rather intrigued by feelings of those that have experienced the negative effects of cultural differences.

Delali, for example, had such a negative experience growing up with her self-image, all because her culture wouldn't accept her for who she was.  I wholeheartedly agree with her that we as a society need to be mindful of those around us.  This mindfulness will help us generate positive feedback so that we can embrace someone for who they are and build them up as children of God, rather than suppose the way they should be, all because of the societal pressures around us.

In the other video, I was sad to think of these men coming to America only to find us unfriendly and unapproachable.  One man even said, "It's a great shame, actually."  I have visited several countries and overall I would say that the people I met were approachable.  They gave off the vibe that they were very proud of their heritage and country.  I have also moved several times in my life here in the states and can attest to several places not being very "warm" and inviting".  We use to live in the south.  The south has a reputation for being friendly, which is quite the contrast of the New England area where I currently live.  When I moved here, I felt the lack of approachability to people.  We as an American society need to be better at welcoming others and having conversations with others, instead of staying in a comfort zone of our circle.

The young girls in the video, who were talking to the man from Sudan, set a great example of how adults should be.  Be friendly, take time to learn about other people and other cultures, let people be themselves and appreciate their differences from you and be willing to see them for who they are.

I think, not only in a classroom but in life, we all need to make the effort to understand one another.  I can remember a time when I was a Young Woman's president, there was a non-verbal down syndrome young woman in the group.  No one sat by her or talked to her.  I was sad by this and ask the Lord what I could do to help this young woman.  The outcome was asking the mother to spend a whole Sunday lesson teaching us about down syndrome and about her daughter.  From that Sunday on, the young women embraced the girl with DS and she never sat by herself again.  They hugged her, laughed with her when she was silly, etc.  A little bit of effort to get to know someone and embrace and grow from our differences can go a long way in acceptance and love towards others.