Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity means appreciating that our global society is made up of many different groups of people with varying beliefs, interests, traditions and diets. For me, it is accepting that everyone is not like me and just as I see myself as unique, so is everyone else.

A: How does Covid-19 speak to cultural diversity in your opinion?

DO: We know that culture is a way of life, and with Covid-19, what we know as culture will evolve as the practicality of the new normal hits. We will adapt to new and easier ways of living, do away with ostentatious displays of wealth in social gatherings and start understanding that community is not about numbers but deeper relationships with people.

A: How best can multiracial unity be achieved in today's world?

DO: Travel is the best form of education, plus you get to experience amazing cuisine from other places. Globalization can also aid multiracial unity as living and working with people from other races and cultures helps one appreciate diversity. Although presently the borders of many countries remain closed to foreigners, we can still learn about other cultures by reading books, watching documentaries and interfacing virtually on social media.

 A: How have you contributed to cultural diversity within your sphere of influence?

DO: In my experience, cultural diversity is very interesting to observe when working in multi-cultural teams and environments. I try to ensure that all voices are heard as some people do not contribute as much because of a poor grasp of language. I also understand that diversity includes temperaments, personalities and attitudes so I try to ensure that people are comfortable to be their true selves around me.

A: What foods, fashion or folklore of cultures other than yours do you admire?

 DO: I love the Basotho tribe of Southern Africa. I fell in love with the culture on a trip there and even adopted a Sotho name Tebello which means Expectation. Their fashion also stands out and their signature hat (Mokorotlo) is difficult to miss. I also have a close friend from Lesotho, who is ever so proud to tell me the folklore and interesting facts about her people.

 A: How can we preserve cultural heritages and symbols?

 DO: We can preserve cultural heritage by understanding that no culture is inferior to the other and that our culture is essentially our brand. We must teach ourselves and the younger generation to own and love our cultural symbols because no matter where we go in the world, someone is sure to ask where we have come from. We must show off our heritage with pride.

A: If you were appointed a UN cultural diversity ambassador, what would be the would you go about achieving them?

DO: ·      Preservation - Topmost on my list of priorities would be preserving our cultural artefacts and making them designated heritage sites.

·      Education - Teaching history has to be part of our educational curriculum for all students and I will advocate for this to be implemented in our elementary and secondary schools to ensure preservation of our valuable heritage.

·      Language Adoption - Language is one of the strongest forms of culture. I love my native igbo language but it is reported that if trends continue, it may face extinction in the future. I will advocate for languages to made official in states that speak them so that businesses can be conducted in our Nigerian languages.

A: Say "we are all one regardless of your race, creed or gender" in your mother tongue?

 DO: Ayi bu otu, nagbanyeghi agburu, ma obu kwanu okwukwe, ma ibu nwoke, ma ibu nwanyi (Igbo).