In today’s society there are a number of groups and individuals working to raise cultural awareness. The basic premise behind this is to break down the cultural barriers which often lead to violence and disharmony. Barriers are actually created from lack of information. Cultural differences exist because people live in different regions where they have limited exposure to societies other than their own. This limited exposure is often seen between people living in the western and eastern hemispheres of the world.
In an effort to raise awareness and introduce cultural change, many communities sponsor programs and events where immigrants from different countries can present their lifestyle to the general public. In America, many community sponsored events are held as festivals where food, music and entertainment revolves around one specific culture, such as Spanish or Hmong. This event allows people from all different backgrounds to come together and experience first hand the lifestyle of a different region. People see that a culture is made up of individuals who enjoy the same things they do. They see family units working together to prepare dishes, play music or create craft items, in the same way they would with their own families.
The first step in changing cultural beliefs is to make the unknown known. It is much easier to pass judgment on someone or something viewed from an impersonal standpoint. It is harder to do it when the person becomes an individual with thoughts and feelings. People who live within a society should not be classified as having all of the same beliefs or acting in the same manner. Even individuals who belong to certain religious group will have a difference of opinion when it comes to specific issues.
To help break down the stereotypes and barriers, it is good to start teaching children at an early age about all the different cultures in the world. Many schools show filmstrips and movies depicting life in other areas. Another way to bridge the gap is to put on a play about people in a different land so the children can experience first hand how they are no different from the people in their own neighborhood.
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