I found out from my Chinese-American friend (my designation-not sure how he self-identifies) on his Facebook update today that he felt misled by what he thought was a traditional Mexican holiday. However, he discovered and shared that: Cinco de Mayo is only a big deal in America. It’s not even a holiday in Mexico…It’s actually a Hallmark Holiday!!!…
DetailsUsually I’m calling out films for perpetuating stereotypes about other cultures, but movies also can be a gift–a window offering deep insights into other cultures. In fact, in studying Comparative Literature as an undergrad at Indiana University, the arts (literature, visual arts, film, music, dance, etc.) were all evaluated via the lens of the society…
DetailsI need to go take a shower. I just caught myself talking to my husband’s kindly Indian colleague over the phone like he was an idiot, plus I read this article by Tim Wise “Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black,” and realized I am guilty. (This is a must read!) One, because looking…
DetailsIntercultural Talk was delighted to catch up with Dr. Charlton McIlwain following his ‘appearance’ on DoctorRadio on Sirius/XM Radio earlier this week, talking about “Teaching Kids about Race.” 1. What are the top three pointers you have for parents when teaching kids about race? 1. Be willing to talk to your kids about race. 2.…
DetailsSome stereotypes are so ‘ingrained’ in our popular psyche that you don’t always notice them. Okay, I don’t always notice them. Which is why I liked this piece by alexanderxiv on You Tube (looks like a final art project for a course.) The first couple minutes traces historical ads which are blatent in their racism. At about 2:17,…
DetailsThis may look like I accidentally posted a private e-mail to my blog. I won’t deny it, I really do want to introduce artist Chris Jordan, author of Running the Numbers to Brenda at Kinship Circle (and to Janet at SHARK). But it’s really about Intercultural Communications. Intercultural communications looks at our similarities and differences, evaluating…
DetailsMy colleague was conducting a training during a “train the trainer” session this week on Intent and Impact, the idea being that in communications, sometimes our Intent does not equal the Impact we intended. For example: “That sweater you’re wearing is really interesting” (intended as compliment). Unexpected impact: “You hate it don’t you?” (Spontaneous reaction: …
Details“Welcome everyone, this is your Captain speaking,” came the female voice over the announcement system during my flight to Seattle last week. I took pause for a moment. Having set up speaking engagements at grade schools for Women Commercial Pilots during Women’s History Month when working for the Chicago Department of Aviation, I was surprised…
DetailsIn today’s multicultural world (depending on where you live) it is common to engage with people for whom English is not their first language. While sometimes the interaction may be casual, with not much at stake, other times business deals, potential sales or enduring relationships may be at stake. Here are three tips to spoil the…
Details“You were right, mommy. Boris said what you said he would. The best person in History? Jesus. The worst person in history? Stalin. Just the day before my 9 year old son asked who I thought had the biggest impact on history—both good and bad. I said I thought it might depend on your experience…
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