Craig Kimball ‘Mat Bigham Dustin Bradshaw Chapter 6b Summary: Cultural Differences in Communleation Cuitural Differences in Communication need to be kept in check in order to prevent the rise or perception of biases, Four common types of bias that often manifest in communleation are Stereotyping, Prejudice, Discrimination, and Racism. A brief review of each is provided here to help us in our self-reflection and efforts to avoid biased communication. ‘Stereotyping: Common manifestations occur in the form of categorizing individuals based on physical, ethnic, or ‘oligious characteristics which lead to inaccurate associations of other, often negative interpretations. This frequently creates lasting negative opinions blind fo the positive potential an individual may possess. Prejudioe: Action occurring as individuals hold rigidly to a stereotype to the oxtent that mistrust, fear, or hatred develops toward the group of people sharing the common physical, cultural, or religious characteristic. Diserimination: Presentation of behaviors or actions of prejudice toward individuals. Such behaviors appear as ‘exclusion, harassment, subjugation, or oppression and can limit the targeted group(s) or individual's equal access to commodities or necessities. ‘Racism: Usually limited to the discrimination of others based on ethnic or racial classifications it often broadens to include physical characteristics. Racism appears most prevatent in the limitation of individuals to accessing institutional or cultural benefits afforded others exclusively based on race, For us, the Importence of ethnically, religiously, or culturally neutral language Is in the ereation and promotion of unity, ‘rust, and cooperation necessary to build stronger more united communities on a locel, national, or global scate, Double checking our own attitudes can occur by asking ourselves those two simple questions, When | talk about others am | speaking ina positive way? Do | usually see differences or commonailies between myself and others of varied groups? Cultural identity ‘+ Institutional racism exists and certain patterns of behaviors and responses to specific racial or cultural ‘groups allow for systematic exploitation and oppression, Racism denies the existence of the culture of @ particular group. Oppression and power defining terms that separate racism from prejudice and discrimination. Racism ‘oppresses entire groups of people. ‘© Old-Fashioned Racism most extreme form of racism: One group openly displays obvious bigoted views ‘about another group, Superiority and inferiority are common inthis form of racism. Dehumanizing quality © Symbolic Raciem is most prevatent in the United States currently. Members of one group belleve their traditional values are threatened by those of another group, '* Tokenfsm isa form of racism that occurs when individuals do not see themselves as prejudice because they make small concessions to of another group, while holding negative attRudes toward sald group.Aversive Racism occurs when individuals who value faimess and equally among all racial and cultural groups, but also have negative feelings and bellefs about another group or culture. More likely to manifest discomfort, uneasiness, fear, or avoidance of minorities Genuine Likes and Disiikes occurs when cultural practices of some groups of people can form the basis {or prejudicial attitude simply because the group displays behaviors that another group does net like, Degree of Unfamitiarty is least alarming form. Simply responding to unfamiliar people may create negative attitudes because of lack of exporionce with the charactetistics of that group. Overcoming Cultural Biases Willingness to explore various cultural experiences without projudgement is necessary. ‘An abilly to behave appropriately and effectively with culturally different others, without invoking prejudiced and stereotyped assumptions Is required. 'No one can completely overcome cultural bias, however, there Is requisite knowledge, motivation and skills that can help minimize the nagative effects of prejudice and discrimination, ‘While discussions can lead to better understanding and mutually respectful relationships, they can also. ‘easily aad to greater divisions and hostilities, Intereultural Contact Intercultural contact can overcome the obstacles of cultural distance, resuiting in positive attitudes between those involved. Historical and contemporary evidence suggests that contact between different cultures does not always lead to good things. Such contact can reinforce negative attitudes, or change neutral into negative, (One factor that leads to cordial and courteous interactions, and strongly infuences attitudes, is access to ‘and contol of institutional and economic power. Dominance and Subordination Between Groups: ‘Not alt groups have access to sources of institutional and economic power. Groups of people who are distinguished by their religious, politcal, cultural, or ethnic identity often struggle ‘among themselves for dominance and control ‘The Dominant culture is the group that has primary access tothe institutional and economic power of the region in which it ies, ‘The dominant culture will oRen devalue the language styles of the subordinate and judge thelr correctness in Use of the preferred speech patterns. Subordinate cultures will often attempt to accommodate or adapt thoir speech to closer kdently with the dominant culture ‘The opposite effect can also happen where the subordinate group wil deliberately emphasize thelr group's lunique characteristics. Attitudes Among Cultural members Four conditions that lead to positive attitudes with intercultural communication 4.Support from the top. Person of power organizes and supports intercultural contact 2:Those invoived have personal stake in the outcome of the interaction ‘3.Intercuitural contacts pleasing to all involved ‘4All parties benefit from the contact-both cultures have common goals Additional Factors 4,Strength of identiication with one’s culture Perceived threat to their culture increases one's cultural entity -Even members of the Majority can feel their culture is being threatened by the subordinate <.Typleality- Making judgements about what degree a person is typical or atypical to thelr culturePositive experiance with an individual will not necessarily result in positive attitudes toward their culture -if a person doesn't conform to cultural stereotype in some important way they can be dismissed as atypical Cultural identity and Intercultural Competence ‘Study your own beliefs, values and norms to improve intercultural competence by knowing your cultural identity, ‘Knowing your own cultural identiy will help understand the possible consequences either positive or ‘negative when communicating interculturally. {Improve your intercultural competence by building positive motivations and emotional reactions to intercultural interactions, Bo Seit-efiective by taking an honest inventory about stereotypes you may have toward other cuturat groups, ‘Soolal categorizations interfere with one's abilly o effectively communicate with people from other cultures. Ethnocentrism stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and racism are so familar that overcoming them requires a commitment fo leaming about other cultures and to understand one's own culture,