Photo Credit (Pixabay)
Children now have access to an extraordinarily rich media window that allows them to see other people’s life experiences; this window has expanded to encompass the wide range of options between being fully Americanized and fully immersed in any other culture. changing the conversational tone to non-English for a single word or longer. gathering around a dinner table serving only American cuisine or a combination of meals from other countries. use forks, chopsticks, or both when eating.
It can be lovely to see cultures meld and flourish. There is never a perfect mix of American and non-American components in a single children’s program, child, or family. When creating our original children’s characters at Noggin, Nickelodeon’s interactive learning platform, we carefully take these questions into consideration. In addition to creating characters that reflect a range of racial and cultural backgrounds, we also create complete biographies with parent and grandparent backstories to show how the migration of their families to the United States influences the blending of cultures that constitute a child’s world.
More examples of combining cultures outside of language and cuisine are something I would really like to witness, particularly in the context of changing family dynamics. Even while there is still much to be done, we have come a long way. I have optimism that by showcasing the diversity within, within, and between cultures, we can better understand and value the lived experiences of all children.