As we go through these exercises in class we talk about cultural diversity and attitudes. I think it's important to remember that not only are cultures different but people within those cultures differ as well. After watching the actress portray the Russian on the video I thought some might accept her attitude and behaviors because she's Russian and not take her personally, however if a non-Russian acted like then then he/she might be considered aggresive. This class not only gives us tools to understand different cultures but also the personalities we work with in our daily lives.
Although I misunderstood the rules to the American/Xian exercise, it was extremely difficult and really put into perspective how difficult it is to communicate with other when you have no understanding of their background. When interacting with a new culture like that for the first time, it's hard to set aside your initial reactions understand where they are coming from.
At first I wasn't thrilled about being the "company" during the presentations, but I really enjoyed discussing my POV with the other groups. Now if it was only so easy to resolve conflicts at a round table that easily...
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Actual, the Xian people probably exist. I had a chance to know a friend from an ancient Vietnamese tribe who live in the isolated mountain out of nowhere, when I volunteered as a teaching aid a long time ago. They speak their own language, which I don't understand a word, but I think they invented and pass it on, dress in their home-made clothes like ice-aged people, and plant their own foods to feed the people in their village. There was no light, electricity, or tap water in their village, , totally natural. The customs and rules are similar to those of the Xian. It was a fun trip, but I was too young to appreciate it at that time.
ReplyDeleteI think the skills necessary to understand people are important. There will never be a perfect, painless way to bridge cultural boundaries. The key is to learn strategies to help limit the distance between cultures from the onset. Again, I think being comfortable with yourself and knowing your short-comings are key.
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