Holliday (3-5) (63-75),

Holliday (3-5) (63-75),

We were first introduced with Identity in section A, and it is much like the word culture that may be difficult to define. I also believe that Identity is ever changing just as culture is being redefined. 

As I read Holliday on pages 63-75, I was reinforced about how important it is for anyone, to learn how to speak about cultures. We as future teachers cannot pretend that it isn’t an issue. It is our job to make the students aware of the world and culture awareness. Having a multicultural classroom library where all types of students are depicted will allow the student to feel at ease and accepted in the school community. Learning to be culturally sensitive, especially in the classroom because whether we realize it or not, there are so many cultures around us at a given time that we might say the wrong thing without even realizing. This proves that anything we say can be viewed as rhetoric, thus giving it the capability to be read in many different ways. For instance we touched on this during class and it reminds me of when people say things like “Oh you speak Mexican?” I simply reply with a no, Mexico is a country not a language and I speak Spanish. I try not to get annoyed because it can happen to anyone including me. However, it just proves how we need to be aware of our surrounding and keep up with what is going around in the world.

This time culture is described as two different categories. The two categories presented by Holliday are standard and complex. The standard category states “culture is a complex set of shared beliefs, values, and concepts which enables a group to make sense of its life which provides it with directions for how to live.” I linked this to the article previously read about how culture shapes who a person is and it provides structure in the various aspects of their lives. On the other hand, the complex category is described as when issues arise or when there is a difference in beliefs.

I will continue to try to define culture because I have gained great insight from the readings that I have done so far and I look forward to see what other things I learn in the readings to come. This is all very interesting but also a bit challenging to reflect on because it makes you think a lot. I just know that including culture in the classroom might be tough at first because you want to make sure you include everyone and that no one is left our or disrespected by what is said.

As stated previously it is important to know how to talk about culture so that we as future teachers can create a nurturing and accepting community within the classroom and school so that that it does not cause problems. It would also teach students to be respectful of one another and talking about culture or other hot topics won’t be as challenging in the classroom.