Being around people who are different from us makes us more creative, diligent, and hard-working. Culture is that which shapes us; it shapes our identity and influences our behavior. Culture is our “way of being,” more specifically, it refers to the shared language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects that are passed down from one generation to the next.
Cultural diversity may include acknowledging the validity of different cultural expressions and contributions, as the meme of Bernie going around the internet and also landed in Second Life. Although this may be funny and we laugh about it in other cultures it may be forbidden to make fun of a public figure. There is a responsibility that each one of us has when we become influencers and create a trend, an idea, or an opinion. These things can quickly go wild and before you know it a movement is started of people not respecting other's opinions. Think about this, do you judge someone because they may believe in a political party, their religious beliefs, their skin color, or gender?
Try to be diverse and let others express themselves. In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own, so that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures.
Increase your level of understanding about other cultures by interacting with people outside of your own culture—meaningful relationships may never develop simply due to a lack of understanding. Second Life is a great place for this because so many cultures come together all at once. Intervene in an appropriate manner when you observe others engaging in behaviors that show cultural insensitivity, bias, or prejudice. You know what is wrong and what is right, don't be afraid to speak up when you see people hurting others because of their differences.
Cultural diversity supports the idea that every person can make a unique and positive contribution to the larger society because of, rather than in spite of, their differences. Imagine a place where diversity is recognized and respected; various cultural ideas are acknowledged and valued; contributions from all groups are encouraged; people are empowered to achieve their full potential, and differences are celebrated. Celebrating rather than just tolerating the differences in order to bring about unity through diversity.
