Cultural Preservation - 10 Ways to Succeed.

Cultural preservation with a focus on diversity andgenealogy is an essential aspect of safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of human history and heritage. It involves the conservation and promotion of various cultural expressions, traditions, languages, and historical knowledge, while also recognizing and embracing the diversity of human experiences and ancestry. Here are ten (10) components and practices related to cultural preservation with a focus on diversity and genealogy:

1. Documenting Genealogy and Family History: Encouraging individuals and families to document their genealogy and family histories is crucial for preserving and understanding diverse lineages and connections. This can be achieved through oral history interviews, written records, photographs, and DNA testing.

2. Cultural Heritage Institutions: Museums, libraries, archives, and cultural centers play a pivotal role in preserving and exhibiting diverse cultural artifacts, artworks, and historical records. These institutions should actively seek to represent a broad range of cultures and traditions to reflect the diversity of human experiences.

3. Language Preservation: Languages are an integral part of cultural identity. Efforts to preserve endangered languages and promote linguistic diversity are essential for ensuring cultural continuity and preventing the loss of invaluable knowledge and traditions.

4. Intangible Cultural Heritage: In addition to tangible artifacts, intangible cultural heritage includes traditions, rituals, performing arts, folklore, and other non-material aspects of culture. Recognizing, documenting, and supporting these intangible aspects is vital to celebrating diverse cultural expressions.

5. Community Involvement: Active participation and involvement of local communities are crucial for successful cultural preservation initiatives. Communities should have a voice in decision-making processes and should be empowered to protect and promote their own cultural heritage.

6. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and genealogy is key to fostering a sense of pride and ownership over cultural heritage. Educational programs, workshops, and public events can help spread knowledge and appreciation for diverse cultures.

7. Digital Preservation: Embracing digital technologies can enhance the preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage. Digitizing historical records, artworks, and artifacts can make them available to a broader audience while ensuring their long-term conservation.

8. Cultural Exchange and Collaboration: Engaging in cultural exchange programs and collaborations between different communities and countries can foster mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation for diverse cultural practices and genealogies.

9. Advocacy for Cultural Preservation: Advocacy efforts aimed at policymakers, governments, and international organizations can help raise awareness about the importance of cultural preservation with a focus on diversity and genealogy. Encouraging policies that support cultural heritage protection is crucial.

10. Ethical Considerations: Cultural preservation initiatives should be conducted with sensitivity and respect for the cultural beliefs and values of the communities involved. It is essential to avoid cultural appropriation and exploitative practices.

By integrating these ten principles and practices into cultural preservation efforts, we can help ensure that the wealth of human diversity and genealogy is safeguarded for future generations, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected global society.

Challenging Assumptions with Diversity and Genealogy: Same, Same but Different

Challenging assumptions in diversity and genealogy can lead to a deeper understanding of human history and the complexities of our interconnectedness. Here are some key points to consider when questioning assumptions in these fields:

1. Assumptions about Homogeneity: One common assumption is that certain groups of people or regions have remained genetically and culturally homogeneous over time. However, genetic studies have shown that human populations are far more interconnected and have experienced constant movement and mixing throughout history. Challenging assumptions of homogeneity can help us appreciate the diverse and dynamic nature of human societies.

2. Addressing Eurocentrism: Historically, much of the research in genealogy and diversity has been Eurocentric, focusing primarily on European lineages and histories. Challenging this Eurocentric bias is essential to uncovering and celebrating the contributions and stories of underrepresented populations from various regions and cultures around the world.

3. Understanding Migration Patterns: Assumptions about the origins of certain groups or cultures can be based on outdated or limited evidence. Reevaluating migration patterns can reveal unexpected connections between seemingly distinct populations and challenge notions of fixed geographical boundaries.

4. Exploring Hybrid Identities: Genealogy and diversity research have often simplified identities into singular categories, ignoring the complex intermingling of cultures and ancestries. Embracing the concept of hybrid identities can highlight the richness that arises from cultural exchange and assimilation.

5. Recognizing Prehistoric Interactions: Our understanding of prehistoric human interactions and migrations is continually evolving with advances in DNA analysis and archaeological research. Challenging assumptions about prehistoric societies can lead to more nuanced interpretations of our ancient past and how it shaped contemporary genetic and cultural diversity.

6. Unraveling Colonial Narratives: Colonial histories have often shaped how genealogical and diversity information is collected and interpreted. Challenging these narratives is crucial to recognizing the impact of colonization on diverse societies and understanding the resilience and cultural survival of indigenous and marginalized communities.

7. Questioning Linearity: Traditional genealogical research often follows a linear approach, tracing ancestry along a single line. However, considering the broader network of familial and social connections can reveal a more comprehensive and accurate representation of our shared ancestry.

8. Emphasizing Individual Agency: Assumptions about genealogy sometimes overlook the agency of individuals in shaping their own identities and relationships. Recognizing the agency of historical figures and their decisions can provide a deeper understanding of how diverse communities were formed and sustained.

9. Acknowledging Genetic Complexity: Challenging assumptions about the genetic basis of diversity means recognizing that genetic traits are influenced by numerous factors, including environment, culture, and interbreeding. Rejecting simplistic notions of genetic determinism can lead to a more nuanced understanding of human diversity.

In summary, challenging assumptions in diversity and genealogy requires a willingness to embrace complexity and nuance. By doing so, we can uncover untold stories, challenge biased perspectives, and develop a more inclusive and accurate understanding of our shared human heritage.

My First NAVY Lesson

As I talk about Diversity to people there are times when I like to share some of the stories and experiences, I have been a part of, have witnessed or retelling someone else’s story.

When I was active-duty Navy, we used to listen to stories told to us by other shipmates whether it was while at work, in the enlisted club or just lounging around the barracks. Sometimes these tales would be a bit towards science fiction but there was always a way to tell if what someone was telling you was true or not. We always knew if something started off with the phrase “This is a no shitter” that it was more than likely a true rendition and we listened a little closer.

This is a “no shitter”.

After I finished boot camp in San Diego, California and my “A” and “C” schools in Pensacola, Florida I received orders to my first duty station – Naval Security Group Activity Todendorf, German. This was a small activity in northern Germany sitting on the grounds of a German Army base. We were small, perhaps 200 – 210 people all told – including dependents.

There were not very many minorities on the command at this time. I recall only three at the time I was there. One young black male that was one of our comms persons and, one Hispanic gentleman who was our administrative type and, myself – operator/analyst. There were no enlisted women in our project at this time.

We were a 24-hour operation, so we stood rotating shifts to make sure operations were continuous. One day my supervisor, who was a senior enlisted E6 (First Class Petty Officer) came out on the watch floor at the end of our last watch and informed us that when we returned to watch in 3 days to report to a training room located in one of the other buildings. Of course, we all were curious as it was odd to pull the whole watch section off the floor for training, so we asked him what training we were all going to attend. With a disgruntled look on his face and in his voice, he told us “We are attending Watermelon U”.

Being the young, naive 19 year that I was I had no clue what he was talking about. Watermelon U? Our three-day break ended all too quick and it was time to get back to work and as ordered we all reported to the training room for our 2-day class. Watermelon U, as so politely put by my supervisor, turned out to be a diversity training class. At this time the focus was on race relations training that had been mandated by DoD only two years earlier and there was a big push to get the training out to even the smallest of stations.

It was my first experience diversity training and what an experience. Imagine a young lady trying to give her training to a class of white males, from various regions of the U.S. and most were senior enlisted. As I look back on the class now, I feel sorry for that young lady. She took it rough. You could see at times that she was almost to the point of walking out but one of the officers had gathered everyone together during a break and told them to cut out the heckling and giving her a hard time. She made it thru the second day free from the snide remarks and comments. I do remember some of the more senior enlisted trying to egg me on. The training was wrapped around the black/white issues and relationships. So, with a Hispanic last name they tired to coerce me into asking questions like “What about Mexicans” Although young and being intimidated by more senior enlisted I had the sense not to do that.

I ended up becoming great friends with a lot of the sailors there and things eventually go smoothed over. Yes, there were a couple of other race related incidents that occurred, but we will deliver those stories later.

I ended up doing twenty years in the Navy, a lot of good times and some bad but a definite learning experience when it came to diversity and inclusion. Meeting and speaking with people from around the U.S. and around the world provides one the insight of different cultures, languages, religions, and life.

Always learning, always seeing.