Our language, mannerisms, and culture are entirely dictated by our socioeconomic class. Socioeconomic class is who you are, what you wear, what you drive, who you hang out with, your haircut, how much you earn, your gestures, what you laugh at, and what you do for fun.  Socioeconomic class simplified, can be divided into three basic groups.  The lower class, the middle class, and the upper class.  Simply put, the poor, middle class, and the rich.  Many sociologists today have defined more groups but these three explain the divisions adequately enough for the layman.  Each group possesses core values, a specific “history,” ability to influence, monetary options, and social status. 

Of course, being born into a rich white family increases options educationally, socially, and politically.  Within that upper class or rich tier, are individual differences such as gender, race, income, beliefs, and education.  The next skin to be peeled back are appearance, non-verbal communication, clothing, gestures, mannerisms, personal space, and humor.  The tiers go on and seem to be endless. Also, on top of that, locale within a country flavors attitudes and preferences. 

Quite likely, being born into an immigrant family, minority, low education/income, non-English speaking, with belief systems not consistent with the majority population, will affect those family members’ ability to earn, obtain a higher education, and determine where they live.  Different opportunities within this group can be staggering. 

The assumptions that we all make in our stratified world are critical to our understanding of ethnicity.  How we interpret ethnic diversity, either positively or negatively, affects how we treat various members of each group.  We assume that our native culture is “right” and should be striven for.  We dominate.  We hope to blur the lines between cultures.  The dominant language should always be spoken and is “better.”  Our religion is the only “true” way.   Do we try to eliminate for our own comfort levels?

There are ways to honor other cultures, languages, and mannerisms.  Accepting that it is all right to be different is the first step.  We must teach our children that every culture has much to be valued and admired.  Valuing differences is eye- opening and exciting.  Assigning shame to opposing ethnic groups stunts growth. Other ways of living aren’t  “wrong.”  Other ways of thinking can inspire and spur us into fresh thought.  Our country was founded on diversity and different cultures.

“…Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shores…”  (part of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty.)

That first step of acceptance will improve global issues, peace/war, fear, and contentment.