Redefining Diversity: Moving Beyond Race and Ethnicity with Michael Walling

An episode of the Between the East and the West podcast, hosted by Meenu Gupta, titled "Redefining Diversity: Moving Beyond Race and Ethnicity with Michael Walling" was published on November 30, 2024 and runs 52 minutes.

November 30, 2024 ·52m · Between the East and the West

Summary

The conversation explores the themes of culture, migration, intercultural experiences, and the intersection of art and social justice. It delves into the founding of Border Crossings, the complexities of India, the responsibility of countries with colonial pasts, and the need for more direct forms of democracy. The discussion also touches on the global-local dynamic, the bringing together of East and West in personal relationships, and the impact of upbringing on individuals. The conversation explores the challenges and dynamics of cross-cultural relationships, particularly in the context of migration. It delves into the integration and adjustment processes that individuals go through when two different worlds come together. The discussion also touches on the concept of diversity and its limitations, emphasizing the need for new vocabulary and a deeper understanding of cultural differences.  The conversation explores the importance of indigenous cultures and the challenges they face in sharing their knowledge. It also discusses the differences between the East and West in terms of individualism and community orientation. The impact of economic and social change on culture is examined, as well as the potential for theater to bridge cultural gaps. The thought of the day emphasizes that diversity is not the same as justice. Keywords indigenous cultures, education, trust, cultural differences, East vs West, individualism, community orientation, economic and social change, theater, diversity, justice, culture, migration, intercultural experiences, art, social justice, Border Crossings, India, colonialism, responsibility, democracy, global-local, East and West, upbringing Takeaways -Migration is a defining feature of the 21st century, driven by various factors such as wars, conflicts, economic hardships, and love. -Intercultural experiences can lead to new insights and perspectives, challenging preconceived notions and stereotypes. -Countries with colonial pasts have a responsibility to acknowledge and address the exploitation and inequality that resulted from colonization. -The global-local dynamic is a hallmark of the 21st century, with the importance of understanding both the local and global contexts. -Bringing together different cultures and backgrounds in personal relationships can lead to a rich and diverse experience. Cross-cultural relationships involve constant negotiation and integration of different thought processes and actions. -The concept of diversity should be reevaluated to move beyond a focus on race and ethnicity. -Intention and attitude are crucial in creative work, and pre-verbal communication can play a significant role. -Indigenous cultures offer valuable insights into sustainability and the importance of long-term thinking. -A competitive mindset hinders nurturing and fulfilling relationships with others and the environment. Indigenous cultures have valuable knowledge to share, but they are often wary of exploitation and betrayal. -The East and West have different perspectives on individualism and community orientation. -Economic and social change have led to a shift in cultural values and the rise of individualism. -Diversity should not be equated with justice. Sound Bites "One of the most defining features of the 21st century is migration." "Maybe it's the ways in which we make a self and maybe there is no essence." "Mixture is how newness comes into the world." "The word diversity is used in Britain to mean anyone who isn't white." "It would be wonderful to have some educational programs run by indigenous cultures." Chapters -Migration: A Defining Feature of the 21st Century -Intercultural Experiences and Challenging Stereotypes -Addressing the Responsibility of Countries with Colonial Pasts -Towards More Direct Forms of Democracy and Mass Participation -The Global-Local Dynamic: Understanding the Importance of Both -Bringing East and West Together: A Personal Journey -Redefining Diversity -The Power of Intention and Pre-Verbal Communication -Indigenous Cultures and Sustainability -Shifting from Competition to Nurturing -The Importance of Indigenous Cultures and the Challenges They Face -Differences Between the East and West: Individualism vs Community Orientation -The Impact of Economic and Social Change on Culture -The Potential of Theater to Bridge Cultural Gaps -Diversity is Not the Same as Justice

Episode Description