Exploring Cultural Diversity: A Personal Reflection Essay

This essay provides a personal reflection on cultural diversity, exploring how cultural values and upbringing have shaped the author's identity. Rooted in a Hindu cultural background, the author discusses the initial limitations imposed by a singular cultural perspective and the subsequent shift in understanding and appreciation for other cultures. The essay highlights the influence of family values, religious beliefs, and personal experiences in shaping the author's worldview. The author reflects on the evolution from a culturally isolated perspective to a broader understanding of cultural tolerance and the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints. The essay concludes with a commitment to shunning biases and embracing a more culturally inclusive approach to life, emphasizing the transformative power of cultural awareness.

Running head: CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Cultural Diversity
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1CULTURAL DIVERSITY
In the contemporary world of globalization, the fusion of various different cultures
can be witnessed (Beck, 2018). However, in order to understand this harmonious
amalgamation, it is imperative to grasp the concept of culture. Culture can be identified as
the various ideas, customs and social behavior that a particular society follows (Storey,
2018). Being a follower of the Hindu culture, my viewpoints have also been shaped
through this particular cultural lens. Nonetheless, understanding and respecting other
cultures is a practice that I currently and ardently follow.
Furthermore, I have always held the belief that culture drastically shapes how an
individual sees and perceives the outside world. The same applies in my context. Cultural
values run strongly through my family, thus shaping a significant aspect of my identity.
This makes me feel heavily isolated as I realize that only a singular set of values have
shaped my identity. Moreover, it makes me realize that there are various other dimensions
and view-points that might have added to the dynamics of my identity and personality.
There are various factors that may influence one’s cultural lens. Some of these
aspects may be personality, dressing sense, food habits and most importantly religion
and religious faiths (Wagner, 2016). For instance, ever since I was a child, my family urged
me to intermingle with only those who were a part of my Hindu culture. There was a lack of
encouragement when it came to socializing with individuals of other cultures. I believe
this has limited my perception of the world; deeming me as ‘culturally stagnant’.
However, in the present times, my views of culture are being modified due to my
exposure to various other cultures. I have not only began to respect other cultures but this
deep sense of appreciation has also taught me to imbibe some of these characteristics within
me. For instance, there was an ingrained belief that my culture was superior. However, after
comprehending that culture is a term that varies with perception, I have realized that culture

2CULTURAL DIVERSITY
is a major stimulant that aids to produces individuality. Hence, a particular culture is in no
means in direct competition with any other culture.
Hence, it can be concluded that culture is an essential aspect of an individual’s
identity (Alesina & Giuliano, 2015). It very distinctly shapes perception and view-points
which goes on to shape an individual’s experiences. I, hailing from a Hindu family who has
always placed massive importance on cultural values, have now understood the value of not
only my culture but other cultures as well. Nonetheless, I have now realized that my
culture has invariably assisted me to recognize and respect other cultures.
With this new-found knowledge, I now re-identify myself as a ‘culturally-rich’ human
being. In the future, I will attempt to shun any biases that I have previously held. For
instance, in any dilemmatic situation, I will try to take into consideration why an individual
has acted in a particular manner. This will assist me to develop myself as a culturally tolerant
being. Hence, culture has now completely transformed my worldview.

3CULTURAL DIVERSITY
References
Beck, U. (2018). What is globalization?. John Wiley & Sons.
Alesina, A., & Giuliano, P. (2015). Culture and institutions. Journal of Economic
Literature, 53(4), 898-944.
Storey, J. (2018). Cultural theory and popular culture: An introduction. Routledge.
Wagner, R. (2016). The invention of culture. University of Chicago Press.