Diversity is a reality, especially in Dubai. But how do we promote cultural openness and understanding that lasts into adulthood? Children from a very young age develop preferences for just about everything from food to clothing color to attitudes towards individuality. We have born or innate tendencies towards our likes and dislikes, and we form a comfort zone based on our early experiences and how they are reinforced through to adulthood. For instance, when I asked students to where a pink shirt on Cancer Awareness Day some of the boys refused. “He said pink is for girls”. When they came to school the next day and some many of their classmates wearing pink, they began to regret their decision to stick to “tradition”. Their desire to “fit in” altered their perception of pink for “girls only”. This is a great example of how culture, even our concepts of what it means to be male or female, affect our perceptions. As with pink, these perceptions start from a very young age.
Many studies on cultural intelligence show that a person who is somewhat detached from their own culture can more easily adopt the norms and mannerisms of a host culture. This could be problematic, especially in the UAE as cultural identity is something that the country feels needs to be preserved. Building cultural intelligence does not need to mean detaching from one’s own culture. In fact, some not so scientific studies suggest that confidence plays a key role in developing cultural intelligence.
In the last article, “Cultural Intelligence for Kids?” we spoke about a formula for building cultural intelligence in three stages: Mind, Body & Heart. Heart plays a key role in the final stage of cultural intelligence and it’s all about confidence. Students need to have a clear vision of who they are and where they come from. Therefore, the UAE is on the right track when trying to promote Cultural Identity among young Emiratis. If they are solid in who they are, then they are more able to have the confidence to accommodate (Body) other cultural norms without losing their own cultural identity. This accommodation translates into tolerance and acceptance.
So how can we instil in our children a sense of their own identity and a sensitivity to acceptance of the diversity that exists? Schools can encourage cultural discovery within the classroom, and not just leave it for one day a year on International Day. Each year grade has curriculum studies, whether geography or social studies, that cross borders. Take the opportunity for extending learning that encourages self -exploration of one’s own culture, and a healthy acceptance of things that might interest them in other cultures.