<p>U Wash Seattle prompt: Describe an experience of cultural difference, positive or negative, you have had or observed. What did you learn from it?</p>
<p>They go on to explain that culture can be defined very broadly, and I quote from the quick tip below the prompt, "For example, it may include ethnicity, customs, values, and ideas, all of which contribute to experiences that students can share with others in college." </p>
<p>I want to write about the relationship I have with someone I have been going to school with since the first grade who is completely deaf. I feel like writing about my friends' deafness would be more effective because of how well I know him and how personal it is to me. </p>
<p>Would writing about a disability like that fulfill the prompt that asks about "cultural differences" or would I be better off talking about something more straightforward that more obviously relates to culture?</p>
<p>Though I do think that would be a great essay, I also believe that it isn’t exactly what the prompt wants. In terms of culture, they’re talking about diversity, such as Hispanics, Asians, Caucasians, etc. If you were to include deaf, it would strike me that diversity, though plausible, could be grouped by deaf, blind, wheelchair, etc. and this isn’t the diversity they’re hinting at or want. Actually, no one wants anyone to be deaf, blind, or in a wheelchair to begin with, but I’m off on a tangent. </p>
<p>tl;dr: I think it would make a great essay, but it isn’t what the prompt wants.</p>
<p>I guess I’m asking because I know that I could make the argument that a disability like that does tie in to diversity, because it’s a) something I might encounter in college and in life and b) a disability like deafness has many cultural implications because of the way we as a society perceive such disabilities and how that might lead someone to make an assumption about their intellectual capabilities. The same discrimination that people of other faiths, ethnicities, etc face.</p>
<p>You should be fine. I believe that prompts are just - jumping off points. As long as you are not completely off topic - which you are not - you will be ok. As long as you focus on what YOU learned from this experience.</p>