10/23/2021; Week 5: Can culture affect our opinion?

I had heard about Cultural Paradigms before, but I have not thought about the great repercussions that those have in our society. Cultural Paradigms are the believes that one has as a result of his or her culture of origin. They shape our thoughts and reality.

What may seem beautiful or cool to some, may appear inappropriate or unpleasant for others. It's all about perspective, which is shaped by our culture and life experiences.

In her 2013 TEDTalk, Delali Bright spoke about her experience growing up in West Africa, where her thinness was seen as a sign of poverty and malnutrition. Then, when she moved to the United States she was considered beautiful. As such examples there are thousands.

In a TESOL classroom, teachers might often encounter these culturally affected perspectives, coming from both the teacher or students. Teachers should never allow that those paradigms create misjudge or division in their class.

"In every culture, there is a lot of irrationality". Dr. John J. Ivers then Dean of the College of Language & Letters at Brigham Young University, Idaho.

This makes me think about the paradigms that I could have as a result of my culture.

• Do I believe that others' way of being is a certain way because of the place they come from?

• Could I be misjudging my students' abilities?

I have had these paradigms before, actually, who has not? However, recognizing them helps me realize that they should not keep me from seeing students as individuals..

"Challenge your paradigms". - Dr. John J. Ivers

By getting to know other cultures and challenging the paradigms rooted in my mind, I am giving a step forward. And I will be able to handle these situations better.

How will you challenge your own cultural paradigms?