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Focus: |
There are
four main areas on this web site:
Part one is the Introduction section. Part two explores
strategies for the inclusion of diversity issues in curriculum.
Part three contains selected materials for personal reflection on
cultural and racial diversity. Part four comprises of various
resources including books, journal articles, journals, information
sources, manuals, reports, audio-visual materials, and services for
students and faculties at the University of Toronto. There is
also a glossary section for key concepts and terminology.
Although this resource specifically addresses issues of culture and
race, one cannot ignore that the fact that ability, age, class,
gender, religion and sexual orientation also create significant
inequities. The interrelationships of these variables have
been explored in other works. The choice of variables is
usually determined by the theoretical orientation of the examiner or
analyst and in most cases the issue of race is ignored (Stasiulis,
1990). This resource attempts to deal with the issue of
culture and race however, throughout the resource the "other"
inequities are mentioned. As you go through this resource, it
is important that you consider the following questions:
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What have I
learned about myself?
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Do I know
my own cultural and racial beliefs?
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Am I
willing to learn about others?
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Am I
willing to ask others and listen to others carefully?
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Am I
willing to try to walk in someone's shoes whose culture and/or
race is different from mine?
Knowledge by
itself does not usually change a person's behavior or a person's
beliefs. Only through continued practice and commitment can
change in behavior develop in an individual. One has to know
oneself, as well as one's limitations. If not, change in one's
behavior or attitudes will not occur. It is hoped that this
resource will stimulate your lifelong learning in cultural
competency. |
