1. It is important because culture shapes our identity and influences our behaviors, and cultural diversity makes us accept, and even to some extent, integrate and assimilate with other cultures. By respecting people of different cultural backgrounds, we can increase our horizons, have better interpersonal dialogue and communicate more on a personal level. If you put aside any prejudices or biases you might have and you are open to other people, it can help prepare you to listen, talk and learn about other people.
2. Sometimes it is easy to become consumed with our own beliefs and habits. We can find it challenging to accept other ways of life. However, close-mindedness and intolerance are not constructive for anyone, especially when there is so much we can learn from other people.
- Practice self-awareness - One of the most important ways to learn to become respectful of other people is to spend some time reflecting on your own beliefs and biases. Each of us has what is known as a "filter". The filter impacts how we see other people.
- Talk to a new person - Make an effort to have a conversation with someone new. Meeting someone new, or having an in-depth talk with someone you know, will help you gain a more personal understanding of other people.
