1) Jennifer: Friend, 29 years old

Definition of Culture: A group of people that share the same ways of thinking, traditions, lifestyles, religion, and beliefs.

Definition of Diversity: A separation of individuals based on race, language, culture, etc.

2) Pat, Mom, 56 years old

Definition of Culture: The way that a group of people have the same beliefs, look at things the same way, and deal with things the same way.

Definition of Diversity: The ways people are different: race, age, gender, religion, etc.

3) Tom, Dad, 58 years old

Definition of Culture: The backbone of society.

Definition of Diversity: Melting pot, everyone is different

4) Leslie, Friend, 28 years old

Definition of Culture: People’s perception and behavior based on the ways that they are raised, and the environment that they live in.

Definition of Diversity: People of different cultures working together.

Both surface and deep cultural aspects were given in response to the questions, such as religion, traditions, beliefs, etc. Things that were omitted were self-identities, such as political standpoint, sexual preference, career, etc.

In starting out, all four of the people I interviewed had a hard time starting to answer the question. They all paused and said umm……and some even laughed because they were having trouble putting their thoughts together. This is kind of how I felt before starting this class. I had ideas about culture and diversity, but they were hard to put into words. These past weeks and assignments have really helped me to gain a deeper understanding of culture and diversity.