The Definition of CULTURE...

I know that there are many definitions of "Culture" mainly because when I googled "definition of Culture," there were thousands of results.  A while ago, I arrived at my own definition (narrowed down and way over simplified) that I use in my classroom when I teach about the connections between students, their artwork and "their culture."

"Culture is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices of groups of people."

When I ask my students to think about culture they will often think of cultural traits or stereotypes that they do not possess.  I find it amusing when at the fairly rural high school that I teach, students will make sure to tell me that, "they aren't country"...whatever that means.  Just joking.  I know what that means.

Did you notice what I did there?  In the last paragraph.  When attempting to discuss "Culture" I exposed my own cultural bias.  (Here's a recap:I find it amusing when at the fairly rural high school that I teach, students will make sure to tell me that, "they aren't country"...whatever that means.)  The only thing this sentence is missing is an Eye Roll emoji!  The fact is, I grew up in a rural area and would go out of my way to act .....get this...."not country"  The cultural bias is that country people are not smart or drive tractors or....anyway, Neither of those things are true about most people I know that  grew up in rural areas.  (Most people....okay now insert the eye roll emoji....)

Fellow Facilitators:
I'm interested in your ideas:
1.)   What is your definition(s) of culture?
2.)   Do you have any specific examples of cultural biases other than the obvious such as racism, agism, religionism and classism