Different Is Good!
By: Abbie and Leslie

What do you think about people from other cultures? 

Did you ever think someone was scary because they looked different, or ate strange foods?  Well, they might think the same about you!  One of the things we all need to do is celebrate diversity. We shouldn't think badly of people from other cultures because they are different than our own culture.

Sometimes we judge people from other countries unfairly, because one person from that culture did something bad.    Well, has your class ever been punished just because a few kids were goofing off?  Or has your whole family ever been blamed for something your little sister did?  It doesn't seem fair does it?  It's just as unfair to blame a whole culture for what two or three people do.  

So here's some things that YOU can do to help yourself understand other cultures:

1.  Find COMMON GROUND! Just remember that even though some people look different on the outside, that doesn't change how they are on the inside.  They still have the exact same feelings! What other things do you share in common? Read about other cultures to find out on the A Kid's Life In... page.

2.  Don't blame ALL BECAUSE OF ONE! So lets say someone from another culture is being mean, and you decide to avoid everyone from that culture.  Well think about it.  Why are you blaming them for something they didn't have anything to do with?  Put yourself in their shoes.  How would you feel? Putting yourself inside someone else's head can be a very powerful way to understand WHY they are acting the way they are.

3.  Try to MAKE FRIENDS with people from other cultures.  You could ask them what they know about their culture, or what it was like in their country, if they can remember, or if they ever lived there at all.  Try foods from that culture, or ask them if they know any words in that language.  You might be surprised at how neat other cultures can be! A great place to make friends is at the KidLink Web site. You can join great discussion groups, participate in projects, and other fun stuff. 

4.  BE AWARE that you've judged other people.  If you know what you did then you can help make it better.  Pay attention to what you think about other people.  It helps! 

To learn more about yourself and what cultures you come from,  become a genealogist.  Visit the genealogy page to trace your roots. You may also want to see the Different Is Good presentation to learn about other things you can do to cross those cultural walls.