Guinea is not New Guinea is not Papua New Guinea, or 6 Ways to Learn about Another Culture

 There are many reasons to learn about other cultures.  While some may be ‘cramming’ to prepare for a business trip to China next week, I was thinking more about an interest in learning about another culture in general.  Granted in today’s fast-paced purpose driven business world where meaning is communicated in 140 character snippets, learning…

Details

I came across this quote today, and it reminded me of the value of intercultural communications based on knowing and embracing one’s own identity, first voice, and respect for others. “I, with all my abilities, potentials and talents both physical and spiritual, am unique in the universe. Amongst all those alive today there is no other…

Details

Kids Movies Still Carry Either/Or Message for Girls

Nancy Olson as Betsy Carlisle in 1961’s The Absent Minded Professor vs. Anna Faris as Sam Sparks in 2009’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs…We’ve come a long way, right?  Not really. One of the joys of having kids (or borrowing other people’s kids) is for the excuse to indulge nostalgic yearnings by re-watching favorite childhood…

Details

Intercultural Communications: Curiosity vs Empathy, Appreciation vs Anti-Racism

 When I write about attending cultural events or ethnic restaurants with my son, I often hear Carmen Van Kerhove’s voice in my head (not literally, but from her blogs, anti-racist parent and racialicious) saying “Enough of the Celebrating, time to get down to business!”  I believe that the appreciation or curiosity about other cultures (as opposed…

Details