In our contemporary society, the concepts of globalisation, cultural hybridisation, and diversity are familiar to all. A surge in international interconnectedness calls for an assessment on the extent of importance culture has on communities. Under a microscope, definite borders are absent; cultural exchange between societies from a myriad of backgrounds allows diversity to bleed between groups, increasing culture’s fluidity.
It is no secret culture is persistently evolving and is sensitive to exposure to changing trends. Culture is defined as the shared beliefs, customs, and behaviours of a particular society – but cultural fluidity challenges these rigid definitions. In areas central to culture – cuisine, fashion, music, and language – the fusion of different views or practices serve as a method to discover unique, hybrid expressions. Traditional practices are softening and becoming absorbent to external, global ideas.
Culture provides the base foundation for individual and collective identities whilst diversity decorates the landscape, nurturing it inside out to allow every assortment of individual diversity to flourish. This paves the way for a creative, equitable, and amiable world – appreciation and competence fosters the ability to communicate effectively. The divulgence into diversity provides multiple, modifiable lenses to perceive the world in; a widened global awareness promotes open-mindness. Individuals are handed the ability to address global issues from climate change to healthcare discrepancies with the skill to make informed decisions. Furthermore, a group of diverse individuals stimulates creativity by exchanging unconventional ideas, with more avant-garde and robust outcomes. It is commonly paired with the adaptability to a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, diversity bestows the opportunity to learn from one another, broadening an individuals’ horizons and dispelling ignorance and stereotypes. To do so, it requires culture to be celebrated – a method to preserve heritage. It does not need to be necessarily accepted by all, but the mere act of sharing allows communities to actively engage in the transference of historic customs and values. It serves as a sign that a culture is being recognized and maintained. Plunging into diversity head first expands our appreciation of the shared humanity that transcends cultural differences.
In North London Collegiate School Jeju, we deliver students with an enriching experience of global cultures through the renowned Diversity Week. Throughout the week, activities on language, values, and history of a myriad of countries are encouraged to open our community’s eye on diversity and the ways we can learn to embrace it. Here’s to Diversity Week 2023!
Sihyun (Stella) Kim
Societies Link
