Anna

In Multiculturalism (HR261), we had the opportunity to have different Laurier International  Cultural Conversations. These chats were enriching, and I gained different powerful thoughts from them. I pulled a few of the most important ideas or quotes I heard through these conversations and made a poster.

One of the themes that stands out the most is that culture is not divisive but brings people together. It should not be a barrier for people, but in my group, we talked about how there is this expectation for it to be a barrier. But in reality, cultures can bring people closer together. The second theme is that multiculturalism is a step toward a better future; when cultures can come together and live in peace together and in an authentic community, change for the better happens. That is a significant step in combating many societal issues, especially white supremacy. It starts by talking; it all begins with relationship. In my group, we came to the conclusion that looking at policies and laws to create change is necessary, but as students, starting with conversations is vital. Having these conversations made me realize that change can be simple; to start change begins with relationship. Our conversation group started as strangers, but we developed a relationship and became closer. These conversations are precisely what is essential for change.

A quote from a presentation said, “culture is a set of unwritten rules of the social game.” (Geert Hofstede) In our conversations, we did talk about some cultures have an unfair advantage compared to others. One way to combat that is by building relationships and creating environments like Laurier that allow all cultures to be welcome and encourage cultures to come together. One of my group members is new to Canada, and her family lives back in her home country, so she will be without her family for Christmas. But one of her friends invited her home for Christmas. That is what multiculturalism and positive changes look like. Being in relationship so that people from every culture are not left out, and every culture is seen. All the themes we looked at in that class point to relationship. I will take these parts of the school with me forever because these lessons will impact me for the rest of my life.

Anna Bootsma, HR261, Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford