Cultural Diversity Education by Conner

Cultural Diversity Education by Conner - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

In an ever-expanding world with constantly changing and developing cultures, an elective that focuses on world cultures and their histories should be a required class. If schools require a class that teaches the customs, mythologies, and backgrounds of varying cultures such as African tribes, Native American tribes, Germanic tribes, et cetera, then students can become more sympathetic towards different ethnicities and treat others with respect. With knowledge of other cultures’ histories, students will become more interested in travelling to other parts of the country and diving into cultures. Well-rounded students created well-rounded individuals who shape the world into a better tomorrow.

I personally know the benefits of learning about other cultures. I have taken French and German classes at my school, and I am always surprised. During the holidays, I learned about Noel in France and Weihnachten in Germany. Since learning about all the other holidays these cultures and societies celebrate (Mardi Gras, Bastille Day, Oktoberfest), a yearning to travel has grown inside me. I want to experience all these cultures because of these classes I have taken. While these classes focus on the foreign languages, having a class that focuses on the culture would be just as, if not more, beneficial. I have also spoken with friends who grew up in a foreign culture and moved to the United States. One of such friends has inspired me to learn Arabic, and hearing about the culture inspires me to want to travel to Egypt. If simply talking to a friend could inspire such feelings, then a class teaching everything about a culture would create a wave of optimistic and hopeful students.

Many of my optimistic and hopeful peers attended a recently established “World Mythologies” elective at my school which has changed a lot of their thoughts. I have heard so many positive comments about how fun the class is, and I am excited to take it later this year. The great part of this class is that it teaches not only Greek and Roman mythologies, but it covers a variety of mythologies ranging from the Japanese to the Native Americans and Egyptians. By talking about ancient mythologies, students can experience what the culture was like for these ancient societies. The histories of these cultures and ancient civilization show how the world became what it is, making the class extremely important for historical interpretations of society. While history from so long ago may not seem relevant, history creates a window for humans to view cultures through.

Educating students on diversity and acceptance are critical for the future. With a class that teaches diversity, students can receive a full education and learn the complete history of the world and modern society. Cultural diversity is appearing more and more in today’s society, therefore requiring a class that celebrates and educates such diversity for students would benefit the school as much as the students.