How to Respect Cultural Differences?
As we get older, we will meet a wider range of people with different cultural backgrounds. Culture is defined as characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. The Center for Advance Research on Language Acquisition goes a step further by defining culture as shared patterns of behaviours and interactions, cognitive constructs and understanding that are learned by socialization. Thus, it can be seen as the growth of a group identity fostered by social patterns unique to the group.
Based on above definition, it is not surprising that we often find various kinds of phenomena with opposite meanings when carried out in different regions and by different people. Something that we consider ‘normal’ may become ‘taboo’ by some other groups, otherwise, something that is commonly done by other people may not be acceptable to us. This is what we call as cultural differences.
With the existence of cultural differences between people, it is important for us to respect all of them. There are at least some efforts we can do to learn to appreciate the cultural differences that exist around us.
1. Developing cultural self-awareness
Sometimes it is difficult for us to be aware of our own culture. We mostly take for granted what we do culturally. It is like we just do things which have been taught that it is ‘right and normal’ and try to avoid the ‘wrong’ ones. Developing cultural awareness means that we try to aware how culture has influenced ourselves. This will lead us to act especially when it is related to other people.
2. Learn to appreciate the diverse views
Appreciating the differences between culture can be started by increasing our understanding about our and others’ worldview. We are likely to have a different point of view with other people and that’s okay. Everyone is free to their own opinion. Just believe in what you want to believe while respecting the opinions of others without being condescending.
3. Avoid imposing your own values
Cultural differences are not about which is the best or who is the winner. In every difference that exists we should not force others to follow our beliefs. Based on How To Happy article, the more we try to force others to share our values, the more disjointed and broken our bonds become. Instead of forcing them into our mold, we have much to gain by simply understanding their view of the world.
4. Prevent stereotyping
In social psychology, a stereotype is a fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people. By stereotyping, we will have a tendency to judge that certain groups have ‘special’ characteristics which may lead us into negative thoughts about them. We should not stereotype since we know that everyone is different and it is their rights to be that way.
Sometimes it can be not easy for us to accept all the cultural phenomena especially if they go against our long-held values. Nevertheless, the existing of cultural differences is not meant to be a competition for which one is the best and which one is the most correct. The only way is to let other people do their rights in implementing their culture as long as it does not harm one another.
-Northern Ingo-
