Multiculturalism and Globalization: How Does It Affect Your
Child?
If you are like
many Americans you probably live in a city among different kinds
of people. Even if you don’t you probably know at least one
immigrant. While America has always been a multicultural society
the multi part was mostly western European. |
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Today our
society is more diverse than ever. More Eastern European, Asian,
African and Latin American immigrants than ever have made America
their home. In addition the world has become increasing small by
globalization. Communicating with someone in India is virtually free
(by way of chat programs) and no growing multinational business
today can be successful without doing business outside the United
States. What does this all mean for your young one? Well, here are
some ways in which multiculturalism and globalization will affect
your child
1)
At school your children
will meet kids of different backgrounds and nationalities. They
will need to know how to get along and respect these people and
their differences.
2)
Because of increased
outsourcing of jobs to countries where labor is cheaper, children will
need to have to notch technical skills to get a job.
3)
America is a country of many
languages, although English is still the official language of
business. However, it is becoming increasingly important that one know
at least one foreign language. Many social scientists see Spanish
becoming the second language of the U.S.
Here are some
strategies you can utilize to help your child in our multicultural and
globalized society.
1)
Teach your child to respect
the differences of all people. Remind them that if they moved to
another country they would be different from the natives and would
want to be respected.
2)
Buy multicultural books for
your child. Open your child’s mind to the rich diversity of the world
through books.
3)
Encourage your child to
watch educational programs on multiculturalism. The Discover channel
has excellent program dealing with this topic.
4)
Travel with your child to
foreign countries. Traveling is one of the best ways to get a
different perspective on culture, people and one's own existence in
the world.
5)
If you can’t afford to
travel to foreign countries go to an ethnic neighborhood in your area
for shopping or dining with your child. You will probably see
traditional art, clothing, restaurants, and shops. Sometimes going
local can mean going global!
6) Have an
international dinner night. Buy cookbooks to explore this option. Read
more about this in our article
Cooking? Kochen? Have an International Dinner
Night
Terms:
Multicultural- Of or relating to a social or educational theory that
encourages interest in many cultures within a society rather than in
only a mainstream culture.
Outsourcing - To send
out (work, for example) to an outside provider or manufacturer in
order to cut costs
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