How do you define ‘culture’? I find that conversations about culture invariably evolve into a conversation about diversity and vice versa. I suppose that both of these words conjure images of and about differences. Those images may be both negative and positive which is bound to have an effect on the communication between and among people. 
 
This is one reason I think it helpful to have a shared understanding of what is meant by ‘culture’. Here is one definition of culture I came across and which I think is rather encompassing:
 
“Culture is a shared system of meaning, which includes values, beliefs, and assumptions expressed in daily interactions of individuals within a group through a definite pattern of language, behavior, customs, attitudes, and practices,” (Maschinot, 2008)
 
Culture nurtures and supports the values and traditions of a group. Culture reinforces traditions. Consequently, culture affects how a person thinks, perceives, and makes judgments about their world. And much of that is expressed in behavior. This is what we get to see and respond to in most situations.
 
So what does this mean for me? That perhaps the meaning I attribute to a comment or response is not always accurate. That the meaning I ascribe to a gesture is influenced by my experiences based on the group I belong to. And I begin to open up to the other person’s perspective, thinking, etc. Gaining insight of what culture means to the individual can be a first step towards meaningful engagement in diversity work. 
 
Reflecting about the culture we each grew up in may help in raising awareness of what biases we bring into a relationship. So ---
 
How do you define ‘culture’?