CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN MY LIFE

As I reflect on the cultural diversity that I see in within my family, colleagues in my workplace and school, I can personally attest to the fact that I do communicate differently with people from different groups and cultures. For example the manner by which I communicate with my supervisor who is 17 years older than me is quite different than the manner by which I communicate with my co-worker who is 2 years older than me. The variation in communication is due in part to my respect for my supervisor’s professional status as my superior, in addition to my respect for her as my elder. The communication between me and my supervisor is primarily structured on my supervisor’s transfer of wisdom, experience, and knowledge; whereas communication between me and my co-worker is usually an equal exchange of advice, opinions, and life experiences. My communication with my supervisor tends to be more formal than communication with my co-worker considering the differences in age, occupational status, and level of respect. Considering other aspects of cultural diversity such as race, ethnicity, abilities, religion, political orientation, and sexual orientation, my communication is not modified as a result of one’s cultural diversity. With the exception of one’s age and the abundance of wisdom, knowledge, and life experiences that may serve as a complement to that individual; I see individuals as equals and deserving of equal respect. Although the topics discussed and degree to which I can relate to that individual may vary dependent upon one’s cultural diversity, the individuals is seen and respected as an equal to myself.

TELEVISON COMMINCATION STYLES

HERE COMES HONEY BOO BOO"

The young girl pictured above is Alana Thompson aka "Honey Boo Boo" who is the star of a TLC reality showed titled "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo". The reality shows depicts the day to day life of Georgia family, the Thompson's and their involvement in Alana's "Honey Boo Boo” beauty pageant competitions. I initially discovered this show while "channel surfing" late night televions. The show initially caught my interest as I have never heard about nor viewed the show. I initially decided to watch this television show  with the sound off in an effort to analyze the family dynamic, and later viewed the show with the sound on to determine the accuracy of my assumptions. The family appeared to use a plethora of non verbal communication with many hand gestures to show their excitement and eye rolling to show their dislike or frustration. The star of the reality show, Alana used nonverbal communication including facial expressions such as smiles when speaking to the camera or practicing with pageant coaches, in addition to rapid hand gestures and eye rolling to express her frustrations or dislikes. Once I turned the sound on to determine the accuracy of my assumption, most proved to be accurate. The Thompson family is outspoken, spontaneous, and impulsive. The children and parent dynamic is one which my be viewed as unusual and uncommon for may families, with limited boundaries established between children and families. Te children of the family are opinionated and very outspoken when speaking to their parents, and the parents appear to be accepting of this behavior and in some way encouraging. The nonverbal communication I witnessed during my view of the television show with the sound turned off appeared to be a direct correctional to the verbal communication exhibited during my view of the television show with the sound turned on.

COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR

When I think of an individual who demonstrates competent communication with a particular context my father immediately comes to mind. My father is and has been well respected for his values, beliefs, personal qualities. For as long as I can remember my father has always been the family member to whom others approach to receive wisdom, guidance, and advice, all of which my father has been known to label “food for thought”. Behaviors that my father exhibit that qualifies him as an effective competent communicator are self respect, respect for others, and essential communication skills including consistent eye contact with the individual with whom he is speaking, effective listening during conversations, and ability to articulate himself respectfully and professionally in all circumstances. I admire my father’s communication behaviors and inspired to model these behaviors within my personal and professional life. I often struggle in effectively communicating within my personal and professional life; typically suppressing my feelings and/or opinions and refraining from addressing my primary concerns with those who are the focus of these concerns. Incorporating my father’s communication behaviors combined with effective communication skills outline within this course will foster an increased confidence, awareness, and production of effective communication within all aspects of my life