Of course, the ideas presented by Sorrells in the Intercultural Communication: Globalization and Social Justice are quiet educative and relevant to the contemporary plural society. It is fascinating and covers almost of the issues that need to be understood by everyone in order to address the emerging issues in the society today. I would like to agree with Sorrels for the kind of information given in the chapter four: Placing Culture and Cultural Space: Locations of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication. Actually, this topic is quite relevant to the contemporary society because it enlightens the readers on the diverse situations in our midst and explains how we can employ the best possible strategies to confront them.
In deed, the chapter is applicable in my neighborhood which consists of all the classes of people from different racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, political and social affiliations (Elliott, M., 2006). This means that it accommodates the whites, Europeans, Asians, Arabs and black Africans. At the same time, there are the young, teenagers, and elderly, Christians, Muslims, Judaists, Hinduisms, and Buddhists amongst others.
The residents of my neighborhood have been living together for a very long time. It is reported that a small section of the population are the original inhabitants of this place. Their history can be traced to the 16th century. The rest are immigrant groups who came here during the colonial period. They include the Black Africans, the Asians and other Indians. All these have preserved a good portion of their heritage up to date. The remaining colored group has emerged as a result of the intermarriage between the existing groups.
Of course, the residents of my neighborhood are contented with this place. They identify with t because it is more accommodative to all of them. Everyone enjoys a personal space and freedom to lead their own life. We are all free to decide on the kind of grouping to belong or activity to perform without any interference from any other person. This is why all the residents are proud of associating with this neighborhood. This can be seen from the attached pictures where each person seems to be happy with their condition.
However, my neighborhood, just like other places, is not static. As a result of the changing world, I would like to report to you that it has undergone various changes transforming it both positively and negatively. In this regard, there has emerged a clear distinction between the ageing and the young generations (Elliott, M., 2006). Whereas the old folk have a traditional conservative perception characterized by strict discipline and other ethical considerations, the teenagers are more violent, secular and opposed to any old fashioned opinion from the seniors. Just the way Sorrells, argues, to them, what matters is a disruptive lifestyle in the name of enjoying. That is why they find their space in the night clubs, abuse drugs and get engaged in other detrimental practices. To prove this, I have attached their photos in different scenes like night clubs.
My neighborhood is occupied by the people from different races including Europeans, Americans, Africans, Asians, African Americans and the Arabs. As it is stated in chapter four of this book, these people have different backgrounds. Their cultural practices are therefore not the same. Hence, for peace to exist in such a place there should be a toleration of each of them. None of them should be viewed as backward because of their beliefs. If this done, they may not live in harmony as it has been for a long time (Elliott, M., 2006).
As already highlighted, my neighborhood is inhabited by the people subscribing to different religions. Ideally, this is typical of all the cosmopolitan neighborhoods. As Sorrels illustrates in chapter four of this book, being that their may be such groupings calls for fair treatment for all of them without any discrimination. Whether someone is a Christian or Muslim should not be an issue. They should be allowed to mingle freely with any other person from whichever religious background as it is in this place.
Despite all these, many cases of disunity have been reported because people at times seem to be segregated into distinct groups based on their historical, cultural, religious and political affiliations. Besides, they have been divided along the age and gender lines. Precisely, there are wrangles between the Christians, Muslims, Hinduisms and males and females; and the young and the old. Each of these has forms a clique under which they come together as a team as they fight for themselves (Elliott, M., 2006).
Finally, to prove that these people have been living as brothers regardless of their diversities, cases of intermarriage have been on the rise. These people have been free to marry within and across their races, tribes or religious groupings. This explains why we have been living in harmony since the establishment of this town over 100 years ago. However, this kind of success can only be achieved as a result of self reflection as detested by Sorrels in her must read book.
Works cited
Elliott, M. (2006). Color-Blind Justice: Albion Tourgée and the Quest for Racial Equality from the Civil War to Plessy v. Ferguson. New York: Oxford University Press.
