Saturday, September 22, 2012

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.

6 comments:

  1. Tinisha,
    I can sure take a lesson from you. I have on more than a couple of occasions gotten in trouble for "copping an attitude" in professional settings.
    It's even led to a written warning.
    I am like that child that can't quite seem to filter his thoughts. When I do try and filter - to present a professional front - sometimes I can just feel myself get wound up inside, as if I'm trying to control that wild child within. I'm a little old to learn new tricks, but I will certainly try to keep in mind your thoughts about being respectful.

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  2. Hi Tinisha, I can relate with you on the different communication style in the work setting. I live in SC now, but I’m from NJ. In SC, the communication is very different from what I grew up with in NJ. My co-worker is from MI, and she and I can always relate to things more because both of us are from the northern states.

    Thanks for Sharing,
    Andrea C

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  3. Hi Tinisha:

    I see we are on the same page. I just mentioned on Arica's post that there were only certain co-workers I could talk to about certain things. But if I said those same things to my boss, I probably would have gotten fired lol. But that was out of respect too because some things you just can't say to other people whether it be due to their beliefs, cultural background etc. However at the same time, it is not what we say but HOW we say it too. So that is something we should keep in mind as well. Great post!

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  4. Hi Tinisha,
    I can relate to what you said about communicating differently with certain co-workers based on their age. I also noticed during this assignment that I communicated differently based on age as well. It is interesting how when someone is close in age to us we feel more at ease to communicate, or less formal. I enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing!

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  5. I also agree that although we may communicate differently with others based on their individual personalities, everyone is equal in the fact that they deserve respect, no matter what. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    Sarah

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  6. Tinisha,

    When paying attention to how we communicate it is important to understand your cultural differences. Some people communicate differntly based on who they are communicating with. I like how you shared you exeriences with differnt people. Sometimes how you communicate is effected by titles people carry and not their culture. Thanks for sharing your observatios!

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