Document Type
Issue Area Two
Abstract
We are a multicultural nation of persons of different ethnic backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic levels, and native languages. In addition, we have natural differences based on sex, age, physical and mental abilities. Everyday we are exposed to positive and negative statements about the differences in people. These statements are often distorted and cause us to stereotype people. Normally the stereotypes about groups of people are broad generalizations that totally neglect the majority of individuals within each group.
To resolve the separateness of Cedar Falls and Waterloo created by diversity, we must make a realistic and sincere effort to understand and appreciate the diversity of each person. No two people from the same culture, religion, socioeconomic level, or sex are identical in their looks, actions, thoughts, or goals. The complexity of our different cultural backgrounds and experiences in the United States makes it difficult to successfully develop one plan of interaction. We should not underestimate the influence, strategies, knowledge, or potential of people different than ourselves. Our approach of interaction must be flexible, versatile and stimulating enough to create a desire to learn about and understand the importance of the variety of cultural strengths we all have because of our diverse backgrounds.
Journal Title
Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series
Volume
7
Issue
1
First Page
40
Last Page
41
Publisher
Institute for Educational Leadership, University of Northern Iowa
City
Cedar Falls, IA
Copyright
©1997 Institute for Educational Leadership, College of Education, and the University of Northern Iowa
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Cooper, Vergestene
(1997)
"Cross-cultural Contacts, Programs Encouraged to Appreciate Diversity,"
Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series: Vol. 7:
No.
1, Article 16.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/iel_monographs/vol7/iss1/16
