Shimizu/International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Exploring - Similarities and differences
Background information
Most cultures have celebrations and customs for marking special events publicly or privately. Events
could include marriage, deaths, births, reaching milestones in life, and religious or spiritual events.
The significance of each event and the associated traditions varies across and even within cultures.
Different cultures may also have different ways of showing respect to each other. Indigenous
Australians for example, have cultural practices that determine which people can look each other
directly in the eyes and who cannot. Similarly, many other Australians shake hands when meeting
people while people in some Asian cultures bow instead.
Different cultures can also have different ways of showing disrespect to each other, for example,
turning your back to someone when he or she is talking to you; pointing your feet at another person;
or speaking directly about a topic before engaging in social talk. The origin of these cultural
behaviours is a fascinating study.
EXPLORE | Y Challenge - celebrating diversity
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ACTIVITY 1.19 Cultural objects
and customs
Focusing on similarities and differences may be confronting for some
young people as they are often striving to be the same as their peers.
Activities 1.21 and 1.22 do not focus on individuals but provide
opportunities to discuss similarities and differences between cultures.
This activity through an examination of objects and practices, affirms
the richness that cultural diversity brings to Australian society.
• Have each member of the team either:
- bring in an object (or photograph of an object) that is significant to
them as a personal symbol of their culture. Examples might be a
musical instrument, traditional jewellery or clothing, a household
ornament or a piece of sporting equipment
OR
- describe a custom their family observes such as sharing a meal
together on Friday night or Sunday lunch, fasting for Ramadan,
not wearing shoes in the house or attending the AFL grand final.
• Each person describes what their object or custom is, its cultural
significance and its importance to their family.
• Discuss how different cultural groups can be similar in that they have
objects and customs that are significant, even though there are
differences in the kind of objects and their significance.
You will need
• objects (or photographs of
objects) of personal and
cultural significance
• descriptions of
cultural practices
OPTIONAL
• printed material eg
magazines, brochures
• digital camera
• poster paper
• scissors, glues, pens
• computers
• large map of the world
In what ways are various cultural celebrations similar – for example
birthdays? Do they bring the family together, show respect to a divine
being or celebrate the individual?
In what ways are various cultural celebrations different – for example birthdays?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being similar to
someone else?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being different from
someone else?
Can we assume that people who have the same cultural practices
necessarily have the same outlook and interests?
What are the things some different cultures have in common?
Stories about the object or custom can be elaborated. Was the object
a gift, an heirloom, where did it come from? Were there any humorous
aspects associated with a custom?
Avoid entering into debate about either religious objects or
practices. Simply recognise that religion is one aspect of many
people’s culture.
Ensure all objects are kept safe while they are being used in this
activity and that all contributions to discussion are respectful.
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EXPLORE | Y Challenge - celebrating diversity
www.morguefile.com
Each person could create a poster that tells the story of their object or
custom. The team could create a web page or a display of the objects;
drawings or photographs of the customs could be placed around a
map of the world.