Culture influences all that people are and all that they do, including: customs, language, ideas, patterns, rituals, beliefs, values, religion, laws, behavior of a society, and family structure. Because you can never completely leave your own culture behind, you need to become aware of its impact and look for ways to bridge the gap between your culture and that of people from another culture. An old Sioux Indian prayer says, “Oh Great Spirit, grant me the wisdom to walk in another’s moccasins before I criticize or pass judgment.”

A sustainable cultural change begins with your mindset, your beliefs, assumptions or methods which reinforce choices and behavior.  All of us have some degree of cultural bias; we hold certain beliefs about people who are different from us.  Why should you be concerned with cultural differences?  Culture determines both the message you share and the message others perceive. 

These tips will help you as you develop an attitude of acceptance toward a sustainable cultural change: 

Seek common grounds, embrace differences and seek similarities; Make friendships; Respect and embrace the richness of other cultures, ask questions, research their customs, traditions, history and lifestyles; Learn how to say simple greetings, “please” and “thank you” in their language; Become a lifetime learner, recognizing that there is always more to explore about cultural differences; Resist the urge to think “your way” is the best or only way ; Suspend judgment; cultivate flexibility and adaptability.

Understanding biases and prejudices helps to prepare yourself to experience another culture. Stereotyping people causes biases and prejudices.  Education is a first step toward eliminating biases and prejudices.  Getting to know people from other cultures, reaching out to others in friendship, and focusing on commonality give opportunities to see them as people just like yourself.

Food and drink are highly symbolic in many cultures.  If you reject food, not only do you rebuff an offer of friendship, but you may also be giving the message that their food isn’t good enough for you.  Accept gifts of food and drink gratefully, even if you don’t think you can eat or drink it.  Unless you have some health or dietary restriction, try it.  You might be surprised that you enjoy it. If you do need to decline, don’t offer an excuse of a food allergy, simply ask if you might save it to enjoy later.

Inappropriate dress can also offend others.  In many other cultures, women dress more conservatively and less casually.  Shorts, bare midriffs, two-piece swimsuits, or open-toed shoes may not be acceptable. When visiting another culture, ask in advance what clothing is appropriate.

As you experience and embrace the diversity of different cultures, sustainable cultural change will enrich your life.