Clues for the Diversity Scavenger Hunt
1. Besides the rich array of ethnic folk dances, such as the Greek Kalanmantiano, the Israeli Horah, American Indian
Crow Hop, the Arabic debkah, and Brazilian Samba, many of our best known dances are actually folk dances: square
dances, the Virginia Reel, the Hokey-Pokey, the Texas Two-Step, and Argentinean Tango, to name a few.
2. A pow wow is a traditional gathering of American Indians, usually held in the spring. The gatherings include
traditional singing, drumming and dancing. Many participants dress in clothing of their tribal heritage. Modern pow
wows include competition between the participants for cash prizes and art fairs by Indian artists and craftspeople.
They are usually open to the general public.
3. Cooking foods from another ethnicity develops a stronger appreciation for the complexity of other cultures.
(Most of what we consider typically American food has its roots in specific cultural tradition or ethnic cuisine.)
4. "Hello" or similar greetings in other languages:
Jambo - Swahili
Buon giorno -Italian
Nyob Zoo -Hmong
Namaste -Hindi
Dag -Dutch
Ya'ta hey -American Indian
Goddag -Swedish
Chao qui vi -Vietnamese
Shalom -Hebrew
Zdravstvouetye -Russian
Dobrodosil -Serbian
Sukham Undo - Malayalam
Jendobre -Polish
Anin, or bozhoo -Ojibwe (Chippewa)
Slaam aleikum -Arabic
Bon Jour -French
Ko nichiwa -Japan
Aloha -Hawaii
Yasoo/yasas - Greek
Ni hao -Chinese
Magadang umaga -Tagalog
Hola, or Buenos dias -Spanish
5. Palm trees are native to tropical areas. One can also have the experience of sitting under the trees in various
nature conservatories.
6. Nation's Capital Council is home to many religious groups. These include: African Methodist Episcopal,
Anglican, Apostolic, Armenian Orthodox, Assemblies of God, Assyrian Catholic, Baha'i, Baptist, Bible, Catholic,
Buddhist, Charismatic, Church of Christ, Christian Scientist, Church of God, Coptic, Latter Day Saints, Dutch
Evangelical, Reform, Congregational, Episcopal, Free Methodist, Friends Gospel, Greek Orthodox, Hindu,
Jehovah's Witness, Jewish, Lutheran, Moslem, Missionary, Nazarene, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Protestant, Russian
Orthodox, Seventh Day Adventist, Shinto, Unitarian, United Church of Christ, Universal Life, Work of God, Zen
Buddhist.
7. The popular mystery writer Tony Hillerman writes beautifully and knowledgeably about the people and place of
the American southwest. His main characters are Navajo Tribal Police Officers and his stories reveal much of the
culture, customs, and personality of Southwest American Indians. Some of his titles are Dancehall of the Dead,
Talking to God, Skinwalker, Listening Woman, The Blessing Way, and Coyote Waits.
8. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture that is observed from December 26 to January 1st by many
African Americans. Meaning "first fruits" in Swahili, Kwanzaa is a time for gathering friends and family to share
food, gifts, experiences and to give thanks. The foundations of the celebration -to which one day each is devoted
-are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and
faith.
9. Most people whose ancestors immigrated from Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and some parts of
Asia between 1890 and 1943 had relatives who first passed through Ellis Island (New York) examination center. It
is now a national historical monument. Many immigrants from Asia were processed in the immigrant center at
Angel Island in San Francisco Bay.
10. Learning to play a musical instrument is somewhat parallel to learning another language. In both, one studies
and perfects qualities of sound, pitch, rhythm, timing and movement.
11. These kinds of experiences give us a small understanding of the challenges to mobility faced by people with
permanent physical disabilities.
12. Breads from various cultures:
Fry bread, corn bread -American Indian
Corn Cakes, Skillet Bread -African American
Dark Rye -Eastern European
Tortilla -Mexico
Steamed Rolls -Chinese
Kulich -Russian
Tsoureki -Greek
Lavosh -Armenian
Scones -Scottish
Pumpernickel -German
Chiapatti -Indian
Pita -Middle Eastern
Challah -Jewish
Injera -Ethiopian
13. Paul Haggis’ Crash is a very honest, graphic and thought-provoking movie about contemporary race relations in
a large American city. At times confrontational, the movie shows all sides of the issue with stark reality and without
taking sides. It is an excellent vehicle for discussions about racism, prejudice, economic oppression, and the
difficulties of living in a multicultural, though imperfect world.
14. Though an obvious advantage in a multicultural society, Americans have not traditionally supported or
recognized the gifts of bilingual skills. Many adults have parents who are or were bilingual, but who have
discouraged the children's use of the home language in preference to English. The current "English Only
Movement" is destined to further reduce the maintenance of such valuable skills.
15. The principal ingredient of falafel is fava beans (sometimes chick peas). They are ground, mixed with spices,
and deep-fried. It is a popular component of the cuisine of many Middle Eastern and North African peoples.
16. The most commonly known symbol in American Sign Language, the hand language of deaf people, is the sign
for "I love you." It is signed by holding the hand upright, with index finger, little finger, and thumb extended. The
middle two fingers are folded down.
17. Language is perhaps the most influential aspect of culture. To study a second language can provide key insights
into another culture, as well as indirectly showing us aspects of our own culture we may not have recognized.
18. Having a significant friendship with a person from another culture, race, or religion can build understanding and
appreciation of cultural differences if we recognize that our friend is an individual and not necessarily the same as
everyone in that group.
19. Both books are novels by Chinese American women. The Woman Warrior, by Maxine Hong Kingston and The
Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan reveal the struggle first generation daughters often feel between contrasting values and
role expectations of their traditional heritage and of American culture.
20. La Posadas is the traditional Mexican celebration at Christmas time that symbolizes Mary and Joseph's search
for shelter. Beginning on December 16th and continuing through Christmas Eve, children undertake processions
(often with candle lit luminaries and caroling) from house to house asking for shelter. At each home they are
refused. The progression continues to the last home where they are welcomed. This home is the scene of a party
that often includes the breaking of a piñata and folk dancing.
-Tasha Lebow
Reprinted and adapted with permission from Diversity Awareness, 1992, a publication of the Girl Scout Council of
Metro Detroit.