Serena

At the start of the term, I was asked if I agree that despite noticeable cultural differences, people share more things in common than differences. My argument was that as humans, we share the same need for food, shelter, and overall our need for a life of dignity. As I progressed through the Laurier International Cultural Conversations (LICC), I repeatedly returned to this statement and reevaluated my standpoint.

Multiculturalism (HR 261) gives students a unique opportunity to have LICC correlated to course concepts. These chats are engaging and provide me with multifaceted angles to each scenario. I learned the significance of standpoint plurality in this term and how to critically analyze my unconscious thinking.

I have learned to lean into the discomfort of trying new things and look forward to the learning opportunities and growth that come alongside it. I explored my connection with white supremacy, my privilege, and my internal biases. I had the chance to view cultural distinctions through experience rather than through text. The perspectives of my peers were alluring because I could highlight thousands of minor and significant ways we were different.

I have never been more cautious of my single-story perspective. Many norms and values I thought were universal had varying versions worldwide. While I still believe we have the exact basic needs, I realize the vast definitions and ways those needs are implemented. We are autonomous and of similar build, but our culture makes each unique. It creates the passion and purpose that sparks our will to live. Culture adds beauty to our lives and makes us who we are. There is value in the stories we miss; we must appreciate and embrace differences.

To answer whether we are more similar or different, I am still determining if I will ever know. I could forever analyze the status of culture and humanity and could not answer. Humans are intricate creatures; while vastly different, our emotions, values, actions, and logic connect us. Culture adds beauty to our lives and makes us who we are.

Serena Fordham, HR 261, Human Rights & Human Diversity, Brantford