Culture And Diversity

Diversity and Culture Culture is a powerful characteristic learned over the course of our lives, influenced by our surroundings that develop who we become as an individual. The term is defined in Floyd’s (2014) Interpersonal Communication textbook as, “Culture is defined as the system of learned and shared symbols, language, values, and norms that distinguishes a group of people from another,” (Floyd, 2014, page 36). Culture is one of the traits that brings diversity, and defines people to themselves and others. When perceiving our own culture, we notice that there is more that forms it besides language, religious beliefs, or where we come from; it is the distinction that separates people from one another and illustrates who we are. This …show more content…
In Floyd’s (2014) Interpersonal Communications Textbook, “Sexual Orientation describes the sex or sexes to which an individual is sexually attracted,” (Floyd, 2014, page 55). With the controversy of separate standpoints on sexual orientation, there can be an elimination of diversity or make a more solid distinguishing of the label. Certain sexual orientations are less accepted in today’s world, such as homosexuality. In Floyd’s (2014) Interpersonal Communications Textbook, “Homosexuality refers to romantic and sexual attraction to members of ones’ own sex,” (Floyd, 2014, page 55). Homosexuality is one of the identifiers that is less accepted than a lot of others today, though it had not been included as part of one’s identity until the late 1800’s. It is still extremely controversial today for same sex marriage to be legal or not, as it could change at any point in time. I find sexual orientation is one of the culture characteristics that are there to identify one person as who they are, not what culture they are a part of. There are many stereotypes made about one’s sexual orientation, which is another aspect of culture that creates diversity among people. It is something that makes up who a person is, not defines …show more content…
Everyone is created equally, though no person is the same or evolves the same. Influences can come from family, friends, society, media, and more. Our ethnicity, religion, where we come from, sexual orientation, gender, values, or norms do not make up who people are entirely; but are a part of us that define us. After researching on diversity and culture, I have been able to understand my own culture and diversity as well as others, and this understanding will branch me as an individual to work towards changing the way I communicate and perceive others. If slight changes such as communicating can be made, there can be bigger changes made to eliminate the diversity of people. Everyone is a part of the world we live in, and will play a role in society and life though we are so different from one another. Each culture is unique in their own ways, and they all deserve to celebrate themselves in the ways they feel is