1

Assignment #1 Diversity, Oppression, and Impact Paper

Manpreet Kaur

8840202

Conestoga College

HSF1210: Understanding Diversity

Toni McDougall

11 February 2024
 2

Diversity, Oppression, and Impact Paper

Introduction

Culture is one broad concept that determines how we relate to and accept other

people from different cultures. Understanding my culture is essential for tracing and

connecting with my ancestors. It forms the basis for understanding who I am and why

we do things in a particular way. Understanding my culture also helps me comprehend

the values and beliefs that I hold dear, shaping my worldview and decision-making.

Understanding my culture is like having a key that unlocks personal growth, meaningful

connections, and a deeper understanding of the world around me. It is a journey of self-

discovery and appreciation that ultimately empowers me to contribute meaningfully to

the world. The idea of understanding culture raises issues regarding power and

oppression. Some cultures believe that they have more power over others, prompting

them to oppress those believed to have a “less powerful” culture. More often, cultural

oppression is often not visibly oppressive. However, the oppression in question often

manifests in terms of stereotypes, power dynamics, colonial legacies,

misinterpretations, linguistic discrimination, and ethnocentrism. Since culture is

intergenerational, these forms of oppression find a way to be deeply rooted in every

generation. The new generation holds these ideas dear to them, resulting in the

continued oppression and sense of inferiority in some cultures. In this paper, I will

explore the 12 dimensions of culture as they apply to me, explore the matrix of

oppression, and how they impact how I work with others. I will also identify the areas I

need to change, especially about working with people who are less privileged than I am.

This topic is important because my studies and future career will involve working with
 3

people from varying cultures. Understanding the differences that exist will help me work

with them collaboratively. It will also help me recognize my weaknesses and aim to

improve to coexist effectively with others.

Main Section #1: 12 Dimensions of Culture

History

I am Manpreet Kaur, and I was born and raised in Punjab, India. I spent all my

childhood in India with my family until I completed my 12th-grade studies. After finishing

12th grade, I relocated to Canada for my bachelor’s education. My work experience

includes volunteering in a non-governmental organization that distributes basic needs to

the less fortunate. I have also worked in the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) as an

agent of behavioral change. The latter work experience is unique as the term

"volunteer" for people my age might hold negative connotations.

Value Orientation

My values and beliefs are deeply rooted in the Indian culture, where collectivism

is highly valued. In my community, we prioritize family needs over individual desires.

This belief has made me always put the needs of others first before considering my

personal needs. The social ties accompanying collectivism are the reason for social

harmony among Indian communities. Also, growing up, we were taught the value of

respecting older people in society. We show respect by touching their feet and dressing

respectfully in front of them. My top two values and beliefs are collectivism and respect

for elders. With collectivism, one can overcome any obstacle in life because of the love
 4

and support derived from the family. Also, I believe respecting the elderly is a source of

blessings to us.

Religion

I am affiliated with the Hindu religion, which views the entire universe as God’s,

and everything in the universe is God. As part of this religion, I believe in the power of

Karma, which suggests the law of cause and effect. This ideology holds one responsible

for one's actions in that good actions result in rewards and punishments. There are

various significant holidays in the Hindu religion. However, Diwali is the most important

holiday and involves gifting and celebrating the victory of light over darkness. This

festival also reminds us to cleanse our homes and ourselves and welcome good

fortunes by exchanging gifts and celebrating. My personal belief in religion is the

existence and power of Karma because I have experienced it firsthand. Whenever I do

good to others, I always receive good fortunes. I always avoid causing harm to others or

being a source of another person’s pain because I believe the same will be done to me.

Social Status

I come from a high Indian social class. In this social class, we rarely interact or

associate with members of a different social class. The existing caste systems

determine one’s social standing, occupation, lifestyle, and marriage choices. The four

existing castes include Brahmins (priests, teachers), Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors),

Vaishyas (landowners, merchants) and Sudras (servants). Despite the government’s

efforts to legally abolish caste systems, caste-based discrimination is still persistent in

education, employment, housing, and social interactions. As much as I was brought up

 5

in such a system, I believe it is wrong because one’s social class does not automatically

determine one's position in society. For example, a person from a lower caste might

have a life-changing innovation but cannot implement it because those in higher castes

do not give them the opportunity. With such a mentality, it will be hard to eradicate this

system, and social class discrimination will persist in India.

Language and Communication

The commonly spoken languages in Punjab include Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and

English. I am fluent in all of them, but my first language is Punjabi. Punjabi is a widely

spoken language, with English rarely used. More often, English is used in teaching only.

Therefore, one needs help to grasp it quickly, especially with relocation to English-

speaking countries. For example, my English fluency is at the intermediate level. This

means I will need to help to comprehend a person with a proficient level of English

speaking. Furthermore, most lectures use advanced English in teaching with a heavy

North American accent. Therefore, it demands extra effort to understand what is being

said. My classmates with English-speaking backgrounds have the advantage of quickly

understanding the lecturer and comprehending the teachings. However, as I progress

with my studies, I will enhance my English comprehension, thus enhancing my

academic journey.

Art and Expression

My art and expression are through painting and dancing. My visual art

expression through painting employs bold strokes on canvas to express my feelings. My

choice of colors often involves using bright colors that symbolize vibrancy and deeper
 6

meaning. I always find painting therapeutic as it allows me to relieve my stress and

cope with other emotional challenges. Mixing colors to create visually appealing artwork

is also satisfying and entertaining. My performing art always involves classical dance,

including Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. Although these dances belong to different

cultures, I always practice them all as it makes me aware of other people’s cultures.

These dances have spiritual significance and involve intricate footwork, hand gestures,

and facial expressions. These movements also tell stories and evoke emotions

accompanying the music. Dancing always takes me into the spiritual realm, where I

foster my spiritual beliefs and deeply connect with my Indian roots.

Clothing

My choice of clothing is always casual wear that is simple and elegant. I find

casual wear comfortable and relaxed, so I do not need to be complicated. However,

there are attires in my Indian culture worn by men and women. Women often wear a

saree, a long, unstitched cloth draped around the body in various styles. It can be made

from multiple fabrics, such as silk, cotton, or georgette, and comes in an endless range

of colors, patterns, and embellishments. This clothing is often worn as everyday wear

and special occasions such as weddings and Diwali. For men, Dhoti is the commonly

worn traditional attire. It is a long, unstitched cloth wrapped around the legs and waist.

This classic garment is often worn for religious ceremonies and special occasions like

weddings. I rarely wear my saree in Canada except during festivals such as Diwali.

Family Life Process

 7

The family life process is essential for Indian society, with gender roles being

practiced. Some still value the patriarchal system, with men holding dominant roles in

public life, family decision-making, and economic control. On the other hand, women’s

roles are primarily confined to the domestic sphere, focused on childcare, household

chores, and supporting the family. However, modernization has changed most people’s

perspectives about the family process. Growing urbanization and educational

opportunities for women have increased workforce participation, challenging traditional

gender norms. Women are now seen in various professions, including s, medicine, and

politics. In my family, men and women are equally educated, and everyone is often

involved in occupational roles. The younger generations are also increasingly

embracing gender equality and challenging traditional stereotypes. This shift is reflected

in media portrayals, legal reforms, and growing awareness of women’s rights in Indian

society, giving everyone equal chances.

Diet and Food

Food is an essential aspect of Indian culture. There is food eaten regularly, and

that is preserved for special occasions. Typical food includes pearl millet (bājra), rice,

lentils, and whole-wheat flour (aṭṭa). Food eaten during cultural holidays includes

Ladoos and Pongal. I regularly eat rice with masala chai (tea). Despite being far from

home, these food and drink take me back to my background. I also ensure that I

participate in Indian festivals in Canada to celebrate with fellow Indians and remind

ourselves of our Indian roots. My current food guidelines include eating plenty of

vegetables and fruits, minimizing salt intake, moderate use of edible oils and animal

foods, drinking plenty of water, and minimizing the use of processed foods. I have been
 8

following these food guidelines since my pre-high school years, and they have helped

me maintain an average weight and good health.

Small Group Interaction

Relating with others is essential for personal development and understanding

other people’s cultures and perspectives. I connect well with people with similar cultures

and beliefs because we have something in common that unites us. I find it easy to

interact with people with an Indian background as compared to non-Indians. It is hard

for me to relate with non-Indians because of varying cultures and beliefs. I lack

exposure and awareness of other cultures, making it challenging to link to others.

Furthermore, some people hold preconceived notions about our Indian culture, thus

creating barriers to mutual understanding. If individuals have stereotypes about Indians

or vice versa, it can hinder authentic connections and relationships.

Healing Beliefs and Rituals

Indian culture has healing beliefs and rituals that have been practiced for

centuries. The core belief of these healing beliefs and rituals lies behind the balance of

physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Healing should target these three aspects for

wellness. Our healing system emphasizes dietary practices, herbal remedies, massage,

and yoga for restoring balance in the body's three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). I have

made a routine of doing yoga twice to thrice weekly, and it has helped me relax and

deal with emotional stress. I also believe in the Puja ritual, which involves offerings and

prayers to deities to seek blessings and healing. The healing beliefs contradict other
 9

people’s, especially from the Western world. Most believe in seeking medical attention

from hospitals and taking manufactured medicine.

Recreation

I enjoy involving myself in fun activities such as badminton and chess. These two

games keep me engaged and require full mind involvement. These activities provide an

opportunity to connect with others and promote physical and mental well-being.

Compared to people my age, most enjoy watching movies, attending concerts, or

attending live performances. As much as these activities offer a chance to relax, be

entertained, and share experiences with friends and family, they are not mind-engaging.

Main Section #2: Matrix of Oppression (2-3 pages; approximately ½ page per area)

Able-bodied

Being able-bodied gives me privilege over those with some disability or total

disability in several ways. Firstly, I have the privilege of physical accessibility as most

environments and buildings are designed to favor abled people. Secondly, most

education systems are designed to meet the needs of abled students. Compared to

disabled students, these systems are not customized to accommodate their differences.

The privilege I gain from this advantage is that I can accomplish my education with

fewer limitations. Being able also imparts an internal perception of ability. People with

disabilities lack this internalized perception of ability due to societal prejudice. Prejudice

refers to prejudging an individual based on what we observe (McDougall, 2024, Week 2,

slide 17). Societal prejudice thus prevents them from believing in themselves and

feeling worthy. On the other hand, society does not often discriminate against ableism
 10

as they think that they are capable of doing anything. This idea gives me privilege over

the other group of people living with disability.

Upper middle class

Being raised in the upper middle class gives me privilege over those from a lower

social class. I get access to primary and luxurious needs in this social class compared

to those from a lower social class. Furthermore, an upper-middle-class background

often grants me access to cultural experiences and opportunities not available to lower

social classes, especially in my Indian culture, where those of higher social classes are

highly regarded. This can give me a broader perspective and understanding of the

world, which can be seen as a form of cultural capital. Also, being in an upper social

class allows me to interact with anyone, unlike the non-dominant group. These people

from a low social class are limited to interacting among themselves as upper-class

society views them as unworthy. Also, an upper-middle-class background gives me

power over those of a lower economic class. Power allows one to get their way despite

adversity (McDougall, 2024, week 2, slide 18). With this power, I can achieve anything

and will also be tempted to stereotype or sideline those from a lower social class than

mine.

Learned English

The main languages spoken in my country are Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. English

is less spoken and is used mainly in institutions of higher learning. I started learning

English later in life, and thus, it could be better. Learning English as a second language

makes me different from those who learned English as a first language. My

 11

disadvantage also becomes evident now that I am in an English-speaking country. The

oppression is in the form of a communication barrier. English can be difficult to

pronounce due to its non-phonetic nature. Being a speaker with solid accents makes

me face some communication barriers. Also, I need more confidence in speaking than

those who have mastered English. I might take longer to develop fluency and gain

confidence in public speaking than native speakers. Being a non-English native speaker

also makes it hard to understand the humor, sarcasm, and cultural references

embedded in language. This challenge leads to misinterpretations and social

awkwardness.

Person of color

Coming from Indian descent makes me a person of color in Canada and subjects

me to being racialized due to cultural differences and ethnicity. Being of a different

shade from the other “white” Canadians makes them hold stereotypes against me.

Some disadvantages I might face include limited job opportunities because of

preconceived notions about Indians. Also, I might experience social exclusion in terms

of accessing accommodation compared to white Canadians. Such an example can be

categorized under societal racism. Societal racism is embedding value systems in

societies (McDougall, 2024, week 4, slide 18). These value systems are constructed to

favor those deemed deserving to be in the country. Furthermore, coming from an Indian

origin might lead to being stereotyped as the “model minority,” meaning they I am seen

as successful, hardworking, and well-educated. In as much as this stereotype can be

positive on the surface, it might lead to exerting pressure to conform and downplay
 12

experiences of racism. Such a situation is not suitable for both my physical and mental

well-being.

Gender

Being female predisposes me to various challenges that leave me experiencing

some oppression. Firstly, as a woman, I am more likely to experience sexual

harassment or discrimination in the workplace. Workplace discrimination might include

not being assigned some roles that are considered “manly.” Such situations will limit me

from showcasing my prowess in those situations. According to recent data, women are

victims of gender-based violence (GBV) as compared to men (McDougall, 2024, week

3, slide 20). GBV manifests in the form of sexual harassment and intimate partner

violence. Being a woman means that I am predisposed to such situations. Secondly, I

might feel pressure to balance my work and personal life as a modern woman. We are

often expected to take on more childcare and domestic responsibilities than men, and

this idea might limit me. Also, in my Indian background, patriarchy is still highly

regarded, and this might lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially if I decide to venture

into a career rather than being a housewife.

Main Section #3: Impact on Others

Having explored the matrices, I have changed my perception in several ways.

Firstly, being an abled individual gives me the privilege of being a non-abled individual.

However, I should use this privilege positively by advocating for equal chances for both

abled and non-abled individuals. The advocacy could champion access to resources

that support them in their daily lives. Secondly, I should not use my power of coming
 13

from an upper middle class to oppress those of a lower class than mine. In as much as

these oppressions are often done unconsciously, it should not be an excuse for

subjecting these people to difficult situations. Furthermore, they should be given equal

chances without suppressing their societal voices. I should also learn to interact

positively with them without prejudicing against them. Being disadvantaged in terms of

language, gender, and race are other aspects identified. Some of these factors are

beyond my control, for example, being racialized because of my skin color or ethnicity.

However, some are controllable through advocacy and learning. My areas of growth

now include learning advanced English language. I have improved in terms of

pronunciation and writing as compared to when I moved to Canada. I am working on

fully understanding what is being said, especially when the accent is deep Canadian. In

terms of gender, I am fully aware that in the contemporary world, there is more to

gender roles and that any gender can perform any task so long as they are capable.

Furthermore, I am more sensitive to gender-based violence issues and willing to join in

advocacy to ensure a safe and better environment for women in the present and future.

I will also use my ability to encourage those who are afraid of exposing their

perpetrators to come out as a step toward ending the deeply rooted demon of GBV.

Conclusion (1/2 page)

In this paper, I have explored the 12 dimensions of culture and how they apply to

me. I have also explored the matrix of oppression and how it impacts how I work with

others. I have also identified the areas I need to change, especially working with

underprivileged people. This analysis has helped me understand my culture and

 14

background and its importance in shaping how I relate to others. With this exploration, I

have also understood the diversity among people, denoting that we all cannot be the

same. In the future, I will use my understanding to create an environment that accepts

everyone for who they are despite their differences. Having experienced some of these

privileges and oppressions will help me create a lenient and conducive environment for

those around me. Some of these differences are beyond our control, and we can use

our ability to make it favorable for everyone.

 15

References

1. McDougall, T. (2024, 01, 16). Week 2: Forms of Oppression [PowerPoint slides].

eConestoga.

2. McDougall, T. (2024, 01, 23). Week 3: Gender [PowerPoint slides]. eConestoga

3. McDougall, T. (2024, 02, 30). Week 3: Race and Racialization [PowerPoint

slides]. eConestoga