Why? For those who haven't read this article, it basically looks at some broad areas of argeement about the communication styles of people in various cultures. While most people won't neatly fit into all of the categories, it is important to think about how you've been taught to communicate (using not just words, yet body language and things like eye contact) and that others do not have the same rules.
It isn't a matter of right or wrong, just thinking about something like eye contact for example- in dominant culture many people have been taught or have heard that making direct eye contact is a sign of respect, yet in many Native communities it is the opposite- you show respect by not looking someone in the eye.
Again, not everyone fits into this neatly, yet if we can be conscious of interactions not always being as simple as what we can interpret based on our knowledge, some misunderstandings can be avoided.
So, political correctness was originally just to ask people what they actually wanted to be called, how they identified themselves and so forth. It was about respecting people who have historically been disrespected, including having white-European settlers label them.
It is complex trying to decide where is it relevant and acceptable to bring race into it and where is it not? I have no easy answer on this overall point, yet as far as this article on communication styles, just think of it as an overview and think about where you fit into the different aspects.
That makes perfect sense Melissa, thank you. I think I was thinking of this article as more rigid than it was intended, and after your explanation I understand the relevance.
Hi Bryan,
ReplyDeleteWhy? For those who haven't read this article, it basically looks at some broad areas of argeement about the communication styles of people in various cultures. While most people won't neatly fit into all of the categories, it is important to think about how you've been taught to communicate (using not just words, yet body language and things like eye contact) and that others do not have the same rules.
It isn't a matter of right or wrong, just thinking about something like eye contact for example- in dominant culture many people have been taught or have heard that making direct eye contact is a sign of respect, yet in many Native communities it is the opposite- you show respect by not looking someone in the eye.
Again, not everyone fits into this neatly, yet if we can be conscious of interactions not always being as simple as what we can interpret based on our knowledge, some misunderstandings can be avoided.
So, political correctness was originally just to ask people what they actually wanted to be called, how they identified themselves and so forth. It was about respecting people who have historically been disrespected, including having white-European settlers label them.
It is complex trying to decide where is it relevant and acceptable to bring race into it and where is it not? I have no easy answer on this overall point, yet as far as this article on communication styles, just think of it as an overview and think about where you fit into the different aspects.
That makes perfect sense Melissa, thank you. I think I was thinking of this article as more rigid than it was intended, and after your explanation I understand the relevance.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, that response was pretty bad ass on your part!
ReplyDelete