Diversity is nothing
new for Americans; it has been a part
of everyday life ever since the Europeans arrived on the continent a
few centuries ago.
With people from various ethnic backgrounds – Irish, French,
Russian, Asian, African American or Hispanic – we all
bring different cultures to the table. It’s part of
what makes America the great place that it is.
“Appreciating people of different ethnic
backgrounds does not come naturally,” says Alice Kitchen, director,
Social Work at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.
"We have to work to
develop an attitude of curiosity to learn more about other cultures.
We need to respect and appreciate
those who
have different beliefs and are different than
ourselves.”
Teaching diversity is not
easy. But,
it is
important to seek out information, ask for enlightenment from others
and to put
ourselves in their environment, says Kitchen.
Following is a list of recommendations
to help promote
diversity:
- Parents
need to monitor their own actions. If prejudice is a part of an
adult’s
life, it will become a part of their child's life. Children learn from their
parents. Many adults do not realize how
closely
children observe them. They will hear the “jokes” we tell, and shadow how we relate to
persons of
different cultures or sexuality.
- Parents should learn with
their
children. It's OK to admit to your children that you do not know
everything – they actually
will respect that honesty! Go to museums,
cultural
events, cook
new foods together from different cultures. Go to the library. Get
on the Internet. Read together. Watch documentaries. Go to different churches.
Celebrate
different holidays. There
are so
many different opportunities out there.
Be creative.
- Acknowledge that we are all
different people. Not everyone
is the same,
whether that is color, beliefs, or knowledge.
- Encourage
children to ask questions of others. Don't teach them to be afraid
to ask
questions – this is the only way they will learn, and most people
are very
willing to teach someone about themselves and their beliefs.
- Expand
your child’s knowledge.
Use
your refrigerator as a bulletin board. Have your child research
different
cultures and then do something related to that culture with your
child.
Not only will you both learn something, but it is good family
time.
“Diversity is so important
for all
of us,” says Romano. “What a boring world it would be if we all thought the same
way and we
all looked alike. Teach your children to celebrate differences.
Understanding diversity will help to strengthen your child
as he/she grows into
adulthood.”
— CMHC —
This
column is provided as a public service by
Children’s Mercy in Kansas
City,
Mo.
Fore more
information see the
Child Health Information Library at
www.childrens-
mercy.org/carecard
