UNIT2:FAIGHT AGAINST CULTURAL DISCRIMINATION
Key Unit Competence:
To be able to identify and avoid any form of cultural discrimination
Introductory Activity
‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where
they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their
character.’ Martin Luther King Junior
Read the above quotation of Martin Luther King, Junior and discuss theforms of cultural discrimination and consequences of cultural dilution.
2.1 Concept of culture and cultural discrimination
Learning activity 2.1
Using internet and/or other reference books, carry out a research and write
the meaning of cultural discrimination. Afterwards, share your findings inpairs with one of your classmates.
Etymologically, the word “Culture” (from the Latin culturas terming from colere,
meaning “to cultivate”) generally refers to patterns of human activity and the
symbolic structures that give such activities significance and importance. Cultures
can be “understood as systems of symbols and meanings that even their creators
contest, that lack fixed boundaries, that are constantly in flux, and that interactand compete with one another.”
Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions
of a population those are passed down from generation to generation. Culture
has been called “the way of life for an entire society.” As such, it includes codes
of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art. norms of behavior, such as law
and morality, and systems of belief.
Culture refers to the general characteristics and knowledge that make up the
people’s way of life and social organization at a particular time. It is composed of
the activities, the language, beliefs, art and the sense of beauty of a community.
Culture is passed on through social interactions and offers a unique identity, social
patterns and experiences that separate one society from another. However, it is
important to note that culture is dynamic which means that it changes over time.
It changes as the people acquire more knowledge, as the technology advances,
and as more foreign people immigrate to a given cultural context bringing in newideas and new ways of doing things.
Application activities 2.1
1. Basing on the definition of the concept of the culture, write six activities
or practices from the Rwandan culture.
2. What are the channels through which the culture is transmitted to thefuture generations?
2.2. Types of cultural discrimination
Learning activity 2.2
1. Find out what the group members and think about the following:
• The traditional food of Rwanda as compared to other communities
• The economic activity of the nomads
• The mode of dressing of the Islam communities
2. If their views are discriminative, find out from the discriminated groups
how the perceptions held against them can be changed.
2.2.1. Definition of cultural discrimination
Cultural discrimination refers to exclusion, restriction, or hate that is directed
towards any person or groups of people on the basis of perceived or real
differences in cultural values and beliefs. Religious hatred, tribalism, and racism
are the most common forms of cultural discrimination. Cultural discrimination is
commonly directed towards ethnic minorities within a country and it can manifest
itself through unfair hiring and firing of workers, sexual harassment, and racial
profiling. Cultural discrimination is unacceptable and illegal all over the world.
2.2.2. Types of cultural discrimination
The following are the types of cultural discrimination:
Harassment: This may occur when inappropriate jokes, insults, name-calling
or displays of posters or cartoons directed at a person or individuals within
a society because of their race, ethnic group, religious affiliation or gender.
Wage discrimination: This happens when an employer offers a lower wage for
a woman, new immigrant or people from a specific race due to a biased
or perceived attitude towards their gender, nationality, ethnicity and origins.
Their qualifications, experience, skills or competences are not taken in
consideration as the basis for payment.
Discrimination in hiring: This normally takes place during a job interview, where
a person may be asked inappropriate questions for example about one’s
religion, nationality or and language and what he or she answers will be the
basis for disqualifying him or her.
Discrimination in firing: Firing happens when an employer has his or her work
responsibilities and job removed from him or her. For example, firing a person
because of their religion, language or even nationality.
Discrimination in education: A number of years ago, blacks were denied
quality education just because they were blacks, a color and race regarded
as unfortunate and backward by the Europeans who regarded themselves
highly and as a chosen race by God. Many African countries might have
witnessed discrimination in education within their set ups, both during and
after colonialism (precise where this happened).
Discrimination in residential areas and housing: This was common in some
countries where blacks were subjected to stay in either camps created by the
whites or in shanty places. Today, even when such extreme cases are rare,
discrimination in housing still exists. Some landlords do not give out their
rentals to members outside their religious sects.
Discrimination is based on language: This normally takes place in societies or
nations that have a major group or language. Such strong ethnicities may
suffocate the languages of ethnic minorities by allowing more benefit to thoseof the majority language.
Application activities 2.2
1. Define the concept of cultural discrimination.
2. Explain three types of cultural discrimination.
2.3 Cultural dilution and cultural diversification
Learning activity 2.3
Using internet and/or other reference books carry out a research and write
the meaning of the terms of cultural dilution and cultural diversification.Afterwards, discuss your findings with the members of your group work.
2.3.1 Cultural dilution
Cultural dilution takes place when two or more cultures are blended and
progressively become similar through the influence of their cohabitation or
interaction. In fact, interaction between people from different cultures weakens the
original affiliation. This happens because, in the process of socialization, people
may get attracted to the cultural practices of other people that they relate with
and eventually get assimilated in certain aspects such as dressing, language,
religion and the type of food that they eat.
Media also plays a major role in this process of cultural interaction. People who
are far apart are able to interact through the media such as television, the radio
and other computerized social platforms and exchange of culture.
When different cultures blend, the original one may die out or be replaced by new
ones that have never existed in the society’s history. Often, dilution takes place
due to stronger influences.
In the process of cultural dilution, the cultures indubitably change. In reality,
cultures are internally affected by both forces encouraging change and forces
resisting change. These forces are related to social structures and natural events,
and are involved in the perpetuation of cultural ideas and practices within current
structures, which are themselves subject to change. Resistance can come from
habit, religion, and the integration and interdependence of cultural traits. For
example, men and women have complementary roles in many cultures. One sex
might desire changes that affect the other, as happened in the second half of
the 20th Century in western cultures (for example with the women’s movement),
while the other sex may be resistant to that change (possibly in order to maintain
a power imbalance in their favor).
Cultural change can have many causes. These include the environment,
technological inventions, and contact with other cultures. In addition, cultural
ideas may transfer from one society to another, through diffusion or acculturation.
In diffusion, the form of something moves from one culture to another. For
example, hamburgers, mundane in the United States, seemed exotic when
introduced into China.
Acculturation refers to replacement of the traits of one culture with those of another,
such has happened to certain Native American tribes and to many indigenous
peoples across the globe during the process of colonization. Related processes
on an individual level include assimilation which is adoption of a different culture
by an individual and transculturation.
Assimilation means the adoption, by a minority group, of the customs and
attitudes of the dominant culture while “Direct Borrowing” on the other hand refers
to technological or tangible diffusion from one culture to another.
Some of the factors that are responsible for the cultural dilution are the
following:
Discovery and invention are mechanisms of social and cultural change. Discovery
refers to the finding of new knowledge within an existing realm. Generally, it
relates to discovering new understanding of a particular behavior or ritual.
Invention is the creation of a new device or process. New discoveries often lead
to new inventions by people.
A country receives new immigrants with a strong culture and influence. The
dynamics of this process were manifest in the period of colonization of Africa by
European who placed an utmost emphasis on the cultural alienation of African
cultures.
In the framework of globalization, the strongest culture by virtue of economic,
technological and military superiority tends to impose itself upon the modus
vivendi (use simple word) of relatively weaker communities. This has led to
the creation of hybrid cultures all around the globe, whereby the most powerful
community or civilization has been able to become a trendsetter of life styles
especially among the youth, and most obviously in pop culture. In the decades
since World War II, this has been most visible in the fields of music, fashion,
entertainment, or esthetical perception in general. From within, whenever a
society grows or changes. There is always a likelihood of losing some of its
core principal values unknowingly as the citizens strive to acquire new skills forpolitical, economic and social survival.
All cultures and people have a great attachment to their cultural roots, practices
and way of life. No society wants to surrender or exist without culture and thus,
dilution is unwanted. Each society or group of people world over are on a struggle
to preserve and sustain their culture, language and practices, which give them
an identity.
2.3.2 Cultural Diversification
Cultural diversity refers to the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed
to monoculture, the global monoculture, or a homogenization of cultures, akin to
cultural evolution. The term of cultural diversity can also mean having differentcultures which respect each other’s differences.
Due to differing past experiences and environmental endowment, people adapt to
varying social systems, practices and beliefs. The African countries, for instance,
went through different colonial experiences. These experiences in one way or
another shaped their social interactions including the religion that the people inthese communities subscribe to.
In the same way, the surroundings of a people influence the activities carried out
in those societies to a great extent. This can be explained by the fact that the
natural resources available determine the economic and social activities to be
carried out.
A community living by the lake for instance is bound to practice fishing as an
economic activity. Its beliefs and social constraints are also likely to be around
that practice. Some roles such as canoeing may be associated with the male
gender for example. The staple food is also likely to be fish accompanied by
other locally available food.
Communities grow various food crops depending on the climatic conditions of
their area. Therefore, the environment determines the economic activity of a
people as well as the traditional food mostly eaten.
Art, being a part of a people’s culture, is different from region to region. This is
because art is inspired by the history and the surroundings within the environment.
For instance, in Rwanda, Imigongo is an art form popular in Rwanda traditionally
made by women using cow dung. Often in the colours black, white and red,
popular themes include spiral and geometric designs that are painted on walls,
pottery, and canvas. These art forms convey the spirit of the Rwandan landscape,its flora and fauna and of its people.
Cultural diversification may also occur when a given society welcomes people of
different races, gender, sexual orientations or national origins. A good example is
the existence of seafood hotels in countries where seafood is not common.
In major towns today, hotels provide foreign foods targeting the immigrants who
may want to look for meals that are culturally preferable to them. It is important
to look at cultural diversification as an advantage. This is because it provides an
opportunity for positive exchange of ideas that can improve the lives of people by
enriching them in one way or another.
It is important to look at cultural diversification as an advantage. This is because
it provides an opportunity for positive exchange of ideas that can improve the
lives of people by enriching them in one way or another. It is also important to be
conscious of the fact that all people are entitled to the same rights and freedom
in terms of work, respect, fair laws, values, education among other aspect of life.
For people of different cultural backgrounds to coexist, the following is
necessary:
• Drafting multiple activities into the national activity calendar to allow the coexistence
of all ethnicities and their multi-practices to exist in one country.
• Giving all groups in society equal opportunities in education, business,
government, and sports.
• Ensuring equality for all principles. Laws must apply to all people under a
fair law system.
• Co-existence of all people with varying experiences and backgrounds
should be practiced.
• There should be commitment to tolerate and learn from other people with
different experiences and backgrounds. For example, Rwanda has now
become a cosmopolitan city, allowing many different nationalities to settle
and interact.
The following are some of the benefits of cultural diversification:
a) The cultural diversification promotes productivity and profitability:When people
from various backgrounds work together, they share unique characteristics
and the best is attained. This impacts on the output of businesses and
other organizations positively.
b) It helps to create a pool of talent: Talents naturally develop as people share
varying experiences and perspectives in life.
c) It promotes unity: As mentioned earlier, diversity helps people appreciate
the differences that exist among people in terms of beliefs and practices,values and norms, race and gender.
Application activities 2.3
1. Give short notes to explain the following words: Diffusion,
assimilation, direct borrowing and acculturation.
2. Explain the factors that can cause the cultural dilution.
3. Describe one situation which is likely to lead to the cultural
diversification.
4. Explain any conditions that can help people of different cultural
backgrounds coexist.
5. Find out the benefits of cultural diversification.
2.4. Consequences of cultural dilution and principles of inclusion
Learning activity 2.4
By watching a documentary film or using internet and/or other reference
books, carry out a research and explain the consequences of the cultural
dilution and the principles of inclusion. Afterwards, present your findings tothe whole class.
2.4.1. Consequences of cultural dilution
Cultural dilution may cause many negative situations to occur in societies whose
cultures, languages or core beliefs are being blended or diluted. The minds of the
affected groups whose cultural practices, language and general life characteristics
are being blended are equally put under threat of patronage and dependence.
The people whose culture is under dilution are made to think that they are not
very intelligent and experienced in whatever they do and thus must be helped or
supported.
Cultural dilution leads the affected groups within society to lose their collective
rights; they are dominated and made to exist without identity. They have no room
to enjoy their rights and freedoms, are denied social, civil, economic and political
opportunities within their own society and above all, subjected to a terrible
struggle for survival other than progress.
Cultural dilution leads to loss of language. Normally, languages from stronger
cultures become popular at the expense of the local languages. For example, in
Africa, the English, French, and Portuguese languages took over and dominated
the indigenous African languages in former British, French and Portuguese
colonies leading to either total loss or blending of many aspects of African culture
in the fore mentioned territories. Cultural dilution can impact national identity
and culture, which would be dissolved or eroded by the impact of global cultural
industries and multinational media. When a nation has many other cultures
expressing their lifestyle through food, music, dress and the media, it overwhelms
the predominant culture and leads to dilution.
Dilution hinders social integration or cohesion. This is because the human worth
of some people or groups within society whose culture is under the threat of
dilution is ignored and the people are subjected to discrimination and other forms
of harassment and denial. The society is divided into social classes leading to
social tension, hatred, conflicts and deaths.
Societies undergoing dilution will lose their core values, beliefs and practices,
such as morals or religious orientations. New influences will set in and take
control especially due to global influence or new immigrants or weaknesses
from within or a combination of all. For examples other cultures that believe in
making abortion or homosexuality legal and any other idea which goes against a
particular culture’s norms and values is likely to attract the members of the host
culture hence diluting it.
The youth and women among others may greatly lose their moral fabric and may
adopt immoral practices for survival like prostitution and theft. Nothing will stop
them since the strong customs that bound them to observe strict morality is now
weakened by ideas of liberalism and individuality.
Politically, societies or nations suffering dilution are becoming recipients of
international thinking and practices, international laws and order which have no
direct connection to their customs. There is a great change of attitude towards
the basic and core values, norms, or practices in African countries in modern
times. Civil marriages are becoming popular and legalized at the expense of
traditional marriages. Homosexuality and lesbianism is being accepted quietly
but steadily due to global influence against indigenous cultures in Africa that
have and are suffering cultural dilution.
Foreign owned businesses introduce new ideologies resulting in a dilution of
culture and ultimately affect its identity. This impact has been felt most in our
food culture, coffee shop culture and traditional culture. This has caused the
younger generation to prefer fast foods to traditional local foods. The younger
generation is attracted to fast food due to its wide range of food, affordability andconvenience.
Food has always been part of the identity of any group of people, so when the
younger generation begins to appreciate and enjoy these foods, they will begin
to lose sight of the significance of these food and traditions and consequently,
lose their identity. In the long run, fast food will result in recipes and skills of
traditional foods not being passed down to the future generation. This will lead to
the traditional foods being forgotten.
Cultural dilution is very likely to cause the traditional dressing of a community
to be neglected. Clothing has been an important part of the different cultures.
The traditional costumes of any culture are unique in its own way with historical
values and different significance and symbols closely connected to the culture.
For example, the traditional Rwandan dress and traditional symbols are very
unique. When the younger generation do not feel proud but feel uncomfortable
or awkward to wear their traditional costumes, they will not have a sense of
belonging and no longer associate themselves to their culture. This is a dilutionof culture and loss of identity.
2.4.2. Principles of inclusion
Inclusion implies involving and collaborating with every member of society
irrespective of ethnicity, race, religion, language or origin towards social
integration. For inclusion to exist in a community, the following principles must
be followed:
a) Tolerance for all people and the diversity that exists within society. People
should appreciate and value the co-existence as a blessing and view eachmember as a valuable resource in society.
b) Respect for all human rights, freedoms, and rules of law irrespective of the
diverse cultures that may exist.
c) Provision of equitable opportunities to all members, therefore no matter
one’s nationality, religion, race or culture they ought to have equal
opportunities based on job, housing, health and justice.
d) Recognition of each member’s worth and allowing each member to make
a contribution to the society while at the same time helping other members
to realize their targets.
e) Involvement of all members in society, including free participation in all
civic, economic, social and political activities in their society.
f) Exploration of all the multiple culture identities within society, making each
proud and passionate about co-existence and diversity.
g) Prevention of prejudice and negative biases by creating a strong allinclusive
civil society that will support active participation in public works
and that can make every person accountable to the society and its entire
people.
h) Promotion of social justice, including engaging the citizens to distinguish
fairness from unfairness or what is respectful from what is disrespectful.
i) Universal access to public infrastructure, social services and amenities
therefore making each person feel secure and taken care of by his/ her
society.
j) Equitable distribution of the national resources that are allocated and
utilized by all the citizens, with an emphasis on social integration.
k) Education about different cultures in a positive way that avoids biasness
and enables students to pick useful information that can benefit them as
they grow.
l) In Rwanda, the national Itorero program is emphasizing similar principles in
order to train the Rwandan citizens to appreciate and work towards social
integration. Inclusion starts with the individual and then spreads out to the
whole society. Educational institutions should similarly develop practices
that reflect, promote, and value cultural diversity. Such good practices will
help train and prepare the minds of young people and enable them look atinclusion as the way to go.
Application activities 2.4
1. Examine the consequences of cultural dilution in any society
familiar to you. Write an essay that includes at least five
examples of cultural dilution and its consequences in one
particular society.2. How can you practice principles of inclusion at school?
2.5. End Unit Assessment
End Unit Assessment
1. Define the term cultural discrimination and explain its different
types.
2. What should do people of different cultural backgrounds so as
to coexist.
3. Debate on what people should do so as to void or combat the
cultural discrimination.
4. Explain the advantages of the cultural diversification.5. Describe three principles of inclusion.