Basic Writing/Culture

Learning about culture gives you ...

• a competitive edge
• the cognition to be a better mentor
• a knowledge of other people's backgrounds
• a chance to focus on people as individuals
• information in a non-intimidated way
• an understanding that even in a group that appears the same there can be differences

• an ability to remove obstacles and barriers that block us from our full personal potential
• techniques for gaining insight
• a chance to be an advocate for fresh ideas
• the tools to make your school or work place an environment of value
• an opportunity for new friendships

• a reason not to quickly judge others
• a purpose to cherish your own culture
• an awareness that diversity is about differences and similarities

Definition of Culture

²Culture represents the ways and means by which human beings deal with universal human situations and problems, beliefs, and behaviors in a given social group.

Surface Culture

• Foods
• Holidays
• Arts
• Folklore
• Dress

Hidden Culture

• Ceremony
• Courtships and Marriage
• Aesthetics
• Family and Friends
• Health and Medicine
• Myths and superstitions
• Gestures and non-verbal communication
• Personal behavior and appearance
• Ownership
• Manners
• Rewards and privileges and gift giving
• Rights and duties²

• Religion
• Gender roles
• Space and proxemics
• Money

• Taboos
• Time
• Values and Mores
• Humor