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Section 4: Community and Society Chapter 4, Diversity and Tolerance
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Activity
Case Study
New Apartment, New School
Instructions:
Work alone or with a partner to read the case study then complete the
4 questions.
When Kim moved to a new community, the people who lived in the apartment building spoke
the same language and prepared many similar foods. The sounds and smells of the new
environment were familiar and comforting. The rent for the apartment, utilities, and food were
expensive so Kim’s parents both worked two jobs to support their family of seven, Kim’s mother,
father, two sisters, a grandfather and great aunt.
As Kim’s family explored their new community, they discovered many things. They realized
that the families living in the apartment buildings were miles from the nearest supermarket,
bank, or shopping mall. Since most of Kim’s neighbors did not own a car the primary means of
transportation was walking, biking, or riding the city bus. Because large grocery stores were far
away, most apartment residents used the kiosks, corner stores, and food vendors to purchase
grocery items.
Kim woke up early each school day to take time to pack lunch and a breakfast snack to eat on
the 30-minute bus ride to school. It was interesting to see the way the city changed as the bus
traveled from the apartments to the school. Around the school, Kim saw small houses with
fences, yards, and cars parked in driveways. There was a park near the school that contained
a jogging trail and playground equipment for children. This neighborhood seemed strangely
formal and different from the close community to which Kim’s family belonged.
The students in Kim’s school came from different neighborhoods and spoke many languages.
It was noisy and busy before classes began as everyone greeted friends. During and between
classes, small groups of students worked together to complete assignments and study for
exams. Teachers encouraged students to get to know each other and to learn about the many
different holidays celebrated by students from different cultures. It was fun to share new foods
and interesting stories with other students.
Complete the Questions
1.
How would you describe the differences in the cultures that Kim encountered?
Name:
