As my fiancé and I watched the Wild play this weekend, I was reminded that the 2010 Olympics are coming up this February. The sports broadcasters were talking with Niklaus Backstrom about his participation in Olympic hockey this coming year. Although Nik plays goalie for the Minnesota Wild he will be playing in the Olympics for his home country, Finland. There are many different players in the NHL who are from different countries around the world who will be playing in the Olympics. The NHL must take a break for two weeks to prepare for the absence of some of its players.
This discussion made me think about how sports tie many different countries and cultures together. There are more than 6,000 languages spoken around the world, (Martin & Nakayama, 127) but if you show 8 different children in 8 different countries a soccer ball, chances are they will all know what to do with it. Sports provide an opportunity for individuals to work together as a team to reach a common goal, to win. In the Olympics sports are celebrated and the world comes together. It is too bad that the peace the Olympics bring typically only last for two weeks. After these two weeks are over, cultural conflicts resume. I wish that the Olympics could go on forever to allow for countries to come together, and the peace brought by the Olympics would be perpetual.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Intercultural Relationships in Everyday Life
I enjoyed reading chapter 9 in our text. It was interesting to read about relationships, both intercultural and not, on both friendship and romantic levels. It is interesting the circumstances that draw people together. Circumstances including work and school put us in close proximity to other individuals. These circumstances are when and where many people form relationships. People are drawn to one another based on their similarities and differences. The similarity principle says that we tend to be drawn to people who hold similar beliefs and attitudes to our own (Martin & Nakayama, 244). I believe that circumstances and similarities bring people together. I met my fiancé at work, and we hold similar political, religious, and personality traits.
I know other individuals who have been brought together because of similar circumstances, but they are very different from one another. The idea that people seek out those who have different personality and physical traits to try to find balance is called complementarity. My brother and his girlfriend are examples of this. He is very conservative, Catholic, and has blonde hair and a fair complexion. His girlfriend is liberal, does not practice a specific religion, and is of Latin background with dark hair and an olive complexion. They have learned a lot from one another because of their cultural and physical differences. I think their complementarity is a wonderful thing in terms of learning about different cultures.
I know other individuals who have been brought together because of similar circumstances, but they are very different from one another. The idea that people seek out those who have different personality and physical traits to try to find balance is called complementarity. My brother and his girlfriend are examples of this. He is very conservative, Catholic, and has blonde hair and a fair complexion. His girlfriend is liberal, does not practice a specific religion, and is of Latin background with dark hair and an olive complexion. They have learned a lot from one another because of their cultural and physical differences. I think their complementarity is a wonderful thing in terms of learning about different cultures.
Media Imperialism
Media Imperialism is described as domination or control through the media (Martin & Nakayama, 204). The media is the source for news information in the United States and around the world. The media can control what we think about by what they choose to cover in their stories. It is amazing to think about the power of the media. Since we cannot travel the world on a daily basis and know what is happening in the news, we rely on the media to show us. If the media wanted to cover up a story, all they would have to do is not give the story coverage. Luckily there are widely accepted journalistic codes of ethics that are accepted by members of the media. Accuracy and truthfulness are key aspects of journalistic ethics. Another way to ensure that the media is providing accurate information is to explore a variety of media sources. Different television networks are owned by different corporations, and therefore have different perspectives on the news. It is important to get information from a wide variety of sources to ensure its accuracy. I wonder if people in other countries are able to have access to a wide variety of news sources and information. In some countries there may be only one source for news and that one source could offer a one sided perspective on a story. When only one perspective is heard it is easy to come up with thoughts and ideas that may be unjust and biased. It is important to get news and information from a variety of sources to get more than one perspective. When you hear all sides of a story you are better able to come up with your own thoughts and ideas about a situation.
Melting Pot, Awareness, or Both?
Throughout the fall semester I have learned a lot about different cultures. I feel like these past months I have learned more about different cultures than I have known most of my life. When thinking about the possible reasons for my learned knowledge the "melting pot" theory and increased awareness, because of this class, come to mind. The melting pot theory says that immigrants enter the United States and blend into American society (Martin & Nakayama, 16). Throughout the semester I have met individuals from immigrant families who are blending into our society and still have many cultural practices from their family's home country. Meeting these individuals has provided me with learning opportunities about other cultures. This course has introduced me to new concepts of intercultural awareness and communication. While learning about the many aspects of intercultural communication, I have become more sensitive and aware of people that surround me who are a part of different cultures. Some cultural beliefs and traditions that I have learned about this semester are the Jewish death traditions, Hmong death traditions, Hmong wedding rituals, Jewish birth beliefs. It has been interesting to learn about cultural beliefs different then my own. Not only have I learned a lot about others, but I have been able to reflect on my own cultural beliefs and become more self aware. I hope that I will continue learning about other cultures well beyond the end of the semester.
Conflict Styles
Chapter 8 of our text includes descriptions conflict styles. What is interesting to me about interpersonal conflict styles is that different styles may be appropriate or inappropriate to use depending on where the conflict is taking place. Conflict involves a perceived or real incompatibility of goals, values, expectations, processes or outcomes between two or more interdependent individuals or groups (Martin & Nakayama, 211). When conflict occurs in a work environment, it is important that individuals are respectful. It is important that during conflict things do not get out of hand. If someone is angry, and has something to say that might not be respectful, the last thing they should do is take a direct approach. The direct approach is described in our text as "saying what is on your mind" (Martin & Nakayama, 216). Under some circumstances a person could be terminated from their employment if they used the direct approach. A better approach to use would be the discussion style. The discussion style combines the direct and emotionally restrained dimensions and emphasizes a verbally direct approach for dealing with disagreements (Martin & Nakayama, 218). When choosing to use the discussion style, one does not let their emotions get the best of them, and therefore will not say anything that is disrespectful. The directness and restraint will be able to bring the entire conflict to light, and the discussion will help resolve the conflict.
Outside of the workplace different conflict styles are more acceptable. For example, when a person is among friends or with their family they may be able to be more direct in their conflict style. Family and friends typically are more accepting of individuals for their personal styles. Although, some friends and family could still be offended by directness, so it is important to be aware of your audience when choosing your conflict style.
Outside of the workplace different conflict styles are more acceptable. For example, when a person is among friends or with their family they may be able to be more direct in their conflict style. Family and friends typically are more accepting of individuals for their personal styles. Although, some friends and family could still be offended by directness, so it is important to be aware of your audience when choosing your conflict style.
Anti-Americanism
Anti-Americanism is defined as ideas, feelings, and sometimes actions against the United States (Martin & Nakayama). One strong example of Anti-Americanism could be found in the news on December 7, 2009. In Iran Student's Day is celebrated on December 7 each year. The day has its origins in 1953 when 3 Tehran students were killed in a U.S. backed Shah's regime. The holiday is based on Anti-Americanism. One Islamic leader was quoted saying, “No-one in this country should ever think of removing the widespread hostility towards America from the heart of the public” (http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/58120). It is amazing that a holiday is observed based on Anti-Americanism in Iran. I understand how much the United States has been involved with conflicts in Iran, and I do not support many of the United States actions in that country. I cannot understand why a country would designate a holiday to celebrate their dislike for another country. It also seems like a lot of time and effort that could be spent in more productive or positive ways. It is especially interesting to me since many Americans do not favor what our country has done in the Middle East. For the people of Iran to judge our entire country based on the actions of few is discrimination and stereotyping. If I were to meet an Iranian, I would not assume that they are Anti-American, and I would try to learn about them as an individual. I think it is wrong to judge an entire nation and culture based on the events that were instigated by members of their culture. Instead each person in a culture should be looked at and respected as an individual.
Disney: A Culture Industry
"Disney's animated "The Princess and the Frog" hopped over feel-good football film "The Blind Side," to take the top spot in North American box office sales in its first weekend in wide release." (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1313483320091213?type=marketsNews) Disney has a No. 1 box office hit this weekend, as it has many times in the past. Disney is the definition of a cultural industry. It has amusement parks, movies, cartoons, and a plethora of associated merchandise (Martin & Nakayama, 190). It is amazing to me how much of an influence one company can have on culture.
If you ask a child in the United States to name some of their favorite movies, they are sure to name at least one Disney movie. If you ask an adult what they remember from their childhood, they are likely to mention something Disney related as well. I am 26 years old, and my first memory of going to see a movie is when my aunt took us to see Bambi in Maplewood, MN. I still remember Thumper saying "My momma told me that if I can't say anything nice, then I shouldn't say anything at all." I still value that saying, and sometimes I think of it and bite my tongue if I have nothing "nice" to say at a given moment.
Another example of how Disney has influenced our culture relates to sports. After winning the super bowl, World Series, or many other sporting events many professional athletes have been quoted as saying "Now I am going to Disneyland!" Even big strong manly athletes have been influenced by the culture industry of Disney. It is amazing the influence that one corporation, Disney, can have on the culture of the United States.
If you ask a child in the United States to name some of their favorite movies, they are sure to name at least one Disney movie. If you ask an adult what they remember from their childhood, they are likely to mention something Disney related as well. I am 26 years old, and my first memory of going to see a movie is when my aunt took us to see Bambi in Maplewood, MN. I still remember Thumper saying "My momma told me that if I can't say anything nice, then I shouldn't say anything at all." I still value that saying, and sometimes I think of it and bite my tongue if I have nothing "nice" to say at a given moment.
Another example of how Disney has influenced our culture relates to sports. After winning the super bowl, World Series, or many other sporting events many professional athletes have been quoted as saying "Now I am going to Disneyland!" Even big strong manly athletes have been influenced by the culture industry of Disney. It is amazing the influence that one corporation, Disney, can have on the culture of the United States.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Religion & Conflict
Religion and faith are very important to people. People feel very strongly about their belief in a higher power and an ultimate truth in their lives. When I think about religion, one of the first thoughts to pop into my mind is peace. I think of Holidays like Christmas and Hanukah when families are together to celebrate their religion and each other. People congregate in their religious centers and celebrate their faith. Religious views are strongly held among religious groups. Since people feel so strongly about their religions, it can also cause religious conflict (Martin & Nakayama, 221). Some examples of religious conflict include Christian protests against Mormons in Salt Lake City. Most religious conflict is nonviolent, yet it is not peaceful. The most horrific form of religious conflict took place during the Holocaust. Approximately six million Jewish people died because of religious persecution. It is hard to believe that religion can cause conflict that leads to the death of so many individuals.
Religion brings to mind peace, but has also caused a considerable amount of conflict around the world. Religious groups feel strongly about their cause and are willing to fight for it. Hopefully, some day, religious groups will be able to accept one another. When groups feel strongly about their beliefs, you cannot change their mind. It is pointless to fight over religious beliefs. In the future I hope that religious groups can live in peace realizing that although they do not have the same beliefs, they do not need to protest or fight one another.
Religion brings to mind peace, but has also caused a considerable amount of conflict around the world. Religious groups feel strongly about their cause and are willing to fight for it. Hopefully, some day, religious groups will be able to accept one another. When groups feel strongly about their beliefs, you cannot change their mind. It is pointless to fight over religious beliefs. In the future I hope that religious groups can live in peace realizing that although they do not have the same beliefs, they do not need to protest or fight one another.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tourism & Intercultural Communication
When I think of intercultural communication, tourism is one of the first things that comes to mind. Chapter 10 of our text states that in 2006, travel and tourism were expected to generate more than 200 million jobs worldwide and more than 6 trillion dollars in economic activity (Martin & Nakayama, 269). Since travel and tourism are such huge industries, and they directly relate to intercultural communication, I am surprised that our text didn't talk about them earlier!
Traveling as a tourist is one of the most important times to be aware of your intercultural communication skills. Good intercultural communication skills are essential in being respected, and showing respect in another country.
Chapter 9 in our text briefly mentions traveling. Specifically it talks about traveling to Morocco as a woman. The women in Morocco modestly cover themselves from head to toe in clothing (Martin & Nakayama, 181). If someone from the United States were to go to morocco wearing a short skirt and tank top, they might be judged as less than savory. Also, this gesture might offend the women of Morocco as it is disrespectful in their culture to show off a lot of skin.
It is important that if you are going to travel that you look into the values, traditions, and norms of the culture you will be a part of. By educating yourself you are respecting their culture, and in turn they will be more likely to respect you.
Traveling as a tourist is one of the most important times to be aware of your intercultural communication skills. Good intercultural communication skills are essential in being respected, and showing respect in another country.
Chapter 9 in our text briefly mentions traveling. Specifically it talks about traveling to Morocco as a woman. The women in Morocco modestly cover themselves from head to toe in clothing (Martin & Nakayama, 181). If someone from the United States were to go to morocco wearing a short skirt and tank top, they might be judged as less than savory. Also, this gesture might offend the women of Morocco as it is disrespectful in their culture to show off a lot of skin.
It is important that if you are going to travel that you look into the values, traditions, and norms of the culture you will be a part of. By educating yourself you are respecting their culture, and in turn they will be more likely to respect you.
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