Purpose
To unpack the concepts of culture, diversity and pluralism and make them relevant.
Description
We often hear Hazar Imam talk about culture, diversity and pluralism. Look up these words in the dictionary, think about what these words mean to you and watch Hazar Imam’s address to the Canadian Parliament (link below) where he talks about these concepts. Next, take a piece of paper and begin to draw a mind map. Start by drawing three circles. In each circle write one of the words: culture, diversity and pluralism. Start to draw lines from the circles and write in characteristics, descriptors, feelings or behaviours associated with that concept. Use your imagination.
Different colour pens or markers can be helpful in building a mind map. Keep building the mind map until you’ve exhausted your thoughts.
Lastly, take a look at your mind map and write a statement that explains why diversity and pluralism are so important to you and in today’s world. Feel free to share your statement with your friends and family.
Reflection and discussion questions
1. Look at the mind map and identify where the connection points are between the three concepts—what do they have in common? How are they different? Did your lines criss-cross at any point? If so, where?
2. Think about why it is sometimes difficult to practice pluralism. What are the barriers?
3. Brainstorm ways you can practice pluralism in your everyday actions. Of that brainstormed list, what is one thing that can you do, in a very practical way, to model pluralism?
4. Invite a non-Ismaili friend over and take 30 seconds to tell them what pluralism is and what it means to you. Ask them to ask you questions about it and do your best to respond with the information and knowledge you have. Think about how that felt. If it was difficult, what do you need to make it easier?
Bonus activity: Choose a word that Hazar Imam uses often (e.g., generosity, spiritual, khanavadhan, etc.) and build a poem, writing a word or phrase for every letter in the word that is relevant to that word (e.g., for the word generosity it might be g is for goodness, e is for ethics, n is for noble, etc.).
Tip: Use a journal or scrapbook to keep track of your activities throughout the year. Consider setting aside a consistent day each month to do the activity.
Resources
Links to speeches
• http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness-aga-khan/address-both-houses-par...
Useful links
• http://www.tonybuzan.com/about/mind-mapping/
• http://pluralism.org/what-is-pluralism/
https://youtu.be/6wRDuGLoXh8
