1-3/09 THE CAMP...
The first day we spoke about the meaning of CULTURE and CULTURAL IDENTITY.
The second day we made an interesting game to undestand the impostance of comunication.
When we repeated the game (with some differences), it was easier because we have used our “foreknowledges” (what we had understood before). I realized the relevance of the prospective from which you observe and of the look you decide to have at the things/the world/anything, and, first of all, of the importance of non-verbal language that we always use whithout being conscious of it.
This game made me understand that comunication must have two ways, because both of the parties should be able to speak and understand each others.
So during the lessons the teacher explained the theory of comunication.
...MY IMPRESSIONS...
The concept of culture is becoming more and more complex, and my initial idea is starting to take new forms.
While I was analyzing the text relating to the child Hamong and his American doctor, I thought there should be universal and untouchable values, independent of the culture, belonging and cultural identity. These values should only be connected to being human. Every human being has dignity and every life must be respected: I think these are the ideals that the world should consider undisputed.The life of every man is invaluable, so every system (political or religious) should share the focus on welfare of body and mind of man, through health and education.
Unfortunately this does not always happen, and this story shows how sometimes culture and religion are put before human life. This also happens with regard to success, power and money.
I think this is the real problem with news. If everyone believes that human dignity is the first aspect to take into consideration about a person, the respect of different cultures comes as a consequence, because if I respect you as a person, I also respect your opinions, your religion, your culture.
"The only race I know is the UMAN one" -Albert Einstein
Constantly culture is characterized by changes.
In the modern society there are infinite types of culture. For example, we can see woman culture, young culture, social class culture... Because of this, despite her/him principal culture, each person build an intimate and personal one: its cultural identity.
If culture is subject to changes, cultural identity is even more, because every experience, every encounter, every new knowledge ... produces in us/ give us the opportunity to change.
The encounter between two cultures is not easy; it is a difficult goal, especially if our mentality remains closed.
Currently there is much to talk about multiculturalism, but the real purpose is to reach about interculturalism. We must think about integration and mutual exchange between cultures, not mere acceptance the existence of several cultures. Actually, if we think about the history of the people, every culture is actually intercultural because it is the result of ongoing meetings between cultures which are more or less large.
“Is first starting out themselves. Break the crust of selfishness that attempts to imprison him in our "I". Is starting to turn around to stop us as if we were at the center of the world and life. Leaving is not to be close in the narrow issues of little world where we belong: whatever the importance of this world, humanity is greater and it is that we serve. Leaving is not devour miles, across the seas, fly at supersonic speeds.
Starting first is open to others, discover, get to meet them. Be open to ideas, including those opposed to our own, it means having the breath of a good walker. Happy is he who understands and lives this thought: "If you disagree with me, you make me richer." Having near him a man who has always agree, even before you ask him unconditionally, is not having a companion, but a shadow.
You can travel alone. But a good walker who knows the great journey of life and what it demands of his companions.
Blessed are those who feel eternally on the road and in every neighbor sees a desired mate.
A good walker takes care of his companions dead tired. He senses the moment they begin to despair. She takes them where to find them. Listen to them. With intelligence and sensitivity, especially with love, courage and brings back a taste for the road. Go ahead just to go ahead, do not you walk. Walking is going toward something, it is expected to arrive, the landing.
But there is way and way: it is starting to get in gear and help others begin the same gear to build a more just and humane.”Helder Camara (1909 – 1999)
...I think that this poem represents the significance of the encounter with the other...that is the best opportunity that gives us life: someone to share with our endless journey colled life...
PERSPECTIVES FOR PROFESSIONAL WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
I want to become a padagogue. I think that in my work it's necessary to belive in the importance of intercultural prospective, in particular in Italy, because we have a lot of immigrants. It's good to teach to children this kind of competences for their future, because they are still innocent and not aware of cultural diversity.
The intercultural competences are not unique encounters between immigrants, but among all strangers, and we are all strangers. I believe that these skills are helpful to understand the unknowns, knowing that they could become our friends. In order to work with children, it is essential to believe in the importance of every child, to know and to give the same attentions and possibilities to everyone.
I think that it is very difficult to work in this way, because I have to relate with children's family. It is not only a meeting between me and the baby, but also with his family context.
In general I think it will take some time to set aside prejudices and create a constructive relationship. Surely the help of a mediator or an interpreter (if you do not know the language) is helpful, but it does not always have this opportunity for economic issues.
At the same time I believe we need to apply this perspective in my work, in order to teach to children to approach each other, and get used to have an open mind.
