Writing About Cultural Diversity

Writing About Cultural DiversityWriting about cultural diversity can be a challenge for many college students. The question is not 'Is it a difficult subject to write about?' but rather 'How can I help myself when it comes to writing about diversity?' Learning the basics of diversity and how it works in today's society is the first step.The topic of cultural diversity can be difficult to begin with. Students usually fear the topic because they may not understand it. Most students need help understanding what it means. It will also help to understand the diverse groups that make up our society. This is why they are called diverse.What is meant by culture? It refers to a collection of values, habits, beliefs, modes of communication, and behaviors that differ from one person to another within a group. Each of us comes from a different culture, thus each of us has his or her own culture. You might call it ethnic, religious, or social.When you begin writing a college essay on diversity, y ou need to do some research to familiarize yourself with the subject. Know the meanings of the terms and learn to use them correctly. Also, if there are many different cultures represented in your area, you will want to know the differences between them. Learn about what their customs are and how they relate to yours.Find out about the communities and languages that exist in your community. Read books about these areas so that you have a good understanding of their customs. Read books written by these people to gain a better understanding of them.Find out about the cultural norms of your community. What are considered 'normal' in a group? How does one feel when someone who is different is around?Many students feel uncomfortable talking about their ethnic background or even the religion of their family when they attend college. Even if it is a topic that is taboo, be sure to discuss it. Having a conversation with your college adviser will give you a better understanding of this subje ct. You will be able to discuss cultural differences with your adviser without feeling uncomfortable.Students should be encouraged to talk about their ethnicity, their cultural background, and their religion when writing about cultural diversity. They should also be able to understand what differences they share with other people in their class. If you are one of those students who feels that they cannot discuss cultural diversity in class, speak with your instructor. It is OK to discuss this subject in class.