In this textbook chapter the author discusses the key factors that cause humans to hold biases against outgroups (or strangers.) These factors are mental and emotional filters humans use to interpret and evaluate the behavior of intercultural strangers. Areas defined, explained and illustrated include perception tendencies, intergroup filters, ingroup-outgroup membership boundaries and the basics of prejudice, discrimination and racism. The chapter concludes with a bullet list of techniques that people can employ during intergroup encounters to flexible communicators.
While I understand full well that concepts including racism, stereotyping, ethnocentrism and prejudice are designed to explain mostly negative behaviors and experience, I find that recognizing these concepts creates opportunity for me to better engage an audience during intercultural encounters. Ethnorelativism is one of several new concepts I take from this reading. It describes a type of person who is accepting of cultural differences, willing to adapt and may be able to integrate cultural difference into their own life. This is how I would characterize myself; as someone who speaks multiple languages (poorly), enjoys ethnic food opportunities, loves to travel and engages freely with strangers to fulfill my curiosity about their culture. What I also glean from this reading is that can also be naïve. As an educated white American male my experience is not representative of all people and could well be considered a threat to someone I may engage despite my intention. By keeping an open mind and thinking carefully about my behavior I become a work in progress, reconsidering my deep rooted beliefs and values.
LO4: Apply communication-centered scholarship to strengthen communication and effectiveness.
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