Quote For The Week

As you get older, you’ll meet a wider range of people from diverse cultures-- not just from around the world, but sometimes within your own town or country! If you haven’t met many people whose backgrounds are very different from yours, it can be hard to know how to respectfully engage with their culture. This guide offers some tips for learning more about them, and about yourself.

Sometimes, learning a lot about a different culture through books, movies, or even travel and friends can lead you into a different trap: stereotyping. 

You may think you know a lot about a culture or place, and sometimes that can make it tempting to show off your knowledge when you meet someone from that background… but it’s a problem to assume that everyone from one particular culture has the same perspectives and experiences. These assumptions can be pretty small and harmless. These assumptions make people feel like you don’t see them as a human or an individual, just as a representative of an exotic culture. You’d be annoyed if someone thought they knew everything about you based on where you’re from or who your parents are, so don’t do it to other people - even if you think you understand their culture really well. 

Differences between us are what make life so interesting. So embrace the differences between yourself and your friends from different cultures - but remember that what is a fascinating difference to you is just their normal life! 

The best way to respect people from other cultures is to strike a balance between curiosity and appreciation: ask questions if your friends are open to it, but also learn how to just silently observe and appreciate the differences that make us unique.