Complete Name of the Professor
Culture as a complex whole and intercultural sensitivity along with the Chinese culture specifically were discussed in the initial essay. Chinese culture, in the light of how it shaped me as an individual and how essential of an element it was while growing up in a particular society. The virtues of the Chinese culture was highlighted with the emphasis on how it became of great help to me in developing skills such as communication styles and different ways on how to interact not just with my family and friends, but with other people around me as well. Growing up in a Chinese community also helped develop the ability to understand the society on a different degree, which, I believe, is a very significant component in finding solutions to social problems. Not only was I able to have a grasp on my own culture and society, but having a deeper understanding on how it works, I was able to be considerate of the cultural differences as well especially when I spent some of my years in Texas. I developed the sense of cultural relativism through understanding my own culture, and knowing that there are inevitable differences when it comes to culture and society due to a number of factors that should be considered.
CULTURE AND INTERCULTURAL SENSITIVITY
In the words of Tylor (1871), culture is “the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.” Culture is the society and society is culture and changes through time along with other factors such as technology, the changing environment (geographical and ecological factor), new ideas, and exposure to other cultures brought by social interaction. Intercultural sensitivity on the other hand describes the different means in which people can interact to cultural differences. There are six stages of increasing sensitivity to differences, whereas the basis of the first three stages are ethnocentric—which means one sees his culture as central to reality; while the last three stages are replaced by ethno relative views.
CHINESE CULTURE
The Chinese culture values self-expression very much, however, it should be in the most respectful way. It teaches individuals to be considerate of others, especially in a familial setting. Chinese culture has a very high regard in families, and they are taught as children that they should avoid wishes when it contradicts the needs of the family. In line with this, Chinese culture sees independence and self-reliance as a failure of the family. In addition, the Chinese culture focus more on working with people and group solidarity rather than individuality which is a lot different in other societies.
Intercultural sensitivity is a skill that needs to be developed by each individual given the fact that we are living in a world that is very much diverse. Learning your own culture before anything else is essential in order for an individual to become deeply rooted to where he/she came from and to have his/her own identity. With respect, it is also important to learn and appreciate other cultures different from one’s own so as to communicate and relate with other people that, I believe, is essential to our growth as individuals as well. Understanding the complexities of different cultures and people practicing them would be of great help not just for our own good, but also for the good of our societies. There would be less cultural conflicts—even wars can be prevented if we only have ample knowledge about each other’s way of life and how they function on a daily basis.
What intercultural sensitivity really develops is the principle of cultural relativism wherein an individual’s beliefs and customs should be understood by others in terms of that particular individual’s own culture. For example, in China, “I love you” is not said to one another quite often because we have a different way on how to express affection; but in America, it is rather loosely used. Through intercultural sensitivity, one could understand that there is nothing wrong with this kind of practice as long as it is part of their culture. Nevertheless, oftentimes intercultural sensitivity creates a different perceptive standard on the general public considering that there are practices that are not considered widely acceptable or ideal.
Understanding that there are lines that separate one culture from another is essential in accepting other people and relating to them. It allows every person to set standards for their own selves related to their own culture and beliefs. It is in the sensitivity towards multiculturalism that determines how well individuals can coordinate harmoniously in all societal settings. In this sense, people should be free to patronize their own culture, practice their customs and traditions; and at the same time they should also be allowed the flexibility to understand and appreciate other cultures for this would not only serve harmony in societies, but it will also foster growth among individuals.
