Resolving Cultural Differences - Article Example

The paper “Resolving Cultural Differences" is an impressive variant of an article on sociology. The article discusses the challenges that people face when they find themselves in environments with cultures that are different from theirs. It highlights the problems people encounter when trying to fit into their new societies; especially in cases where they find themselves in circumstances where they have to adopt new things that conflict with their traditional cultural beliefs and norms. These conflicts in culture make people feel out of place and lose confidence, thereby affecting their productivity.

The author goes ahead to present a solution that people can use to adjust to new social environments while keeping their own original identity. He introduces the concept of switching cultural codes to acceptable levels that keep everybody happy. The author also gives examples of his students who used his program to integrate into new social contexts successfully.  Personal observations/comments concerning how the article relates to previous knowledge. I have always been of the opinion that one cannot depict two sets of culture at the same time.

Until I read this article, I believed that if an individual found himself or herself in an environment where cultural norms are in conflict with his or her own, then he or she would either have to stick to his or her culture, or acquire the new one, not keep a balance between the two. From the article, the author has shown how one can nature two conflicting cultures can be natured to exist as one. People can give and acquire new cultural states that do not offend their conscience, or those of the people they interact with by ceding negligible cultural norms.

The author talks about Jorg’s situation with small talk, a situation that I can identify with. I have learned that it is not what others will think about us, but rather what we think others will think of us that makes people reserved. It is up to individuals to make up their minds and decide how to interact with people. The fear of breaking the status quo also works against many people in society, especially when a person is in the minority. Despite her strong academic record in Vietnam, Thao did not have the nerves to speak out her mind because her society made her believe it was wrong.

She had rather not “upset” her colleagues in class with her ideas. She, therefore, could not speak up her mind for fear of causing chaos. This brings out the idea of ‘pleasing’ other people at one’s own expense. The article stresses the importance of being able to express oneself while keeping other people’s ideas in mind, rather than keeping quiet in situations where your contribution could be of considerable help. Excerpts .they need to do more than learn simple differences in cultural etiquette.

This excerpt illustrates the point that just learning about other people’s cultures is not enough if we are to have any meaningful interaction with them. It is important to practice the culture to guarantee healthy relationships. .some situations pose greater culturally driven psychological and emotional challenges for many students. The excerpt above stresses the diverse effects of cultural differences; not all cultural discrepancies have the same effects on students. Some are extreme, while others are mild.

This depends on the individual as well as the environment where the cultural clash occurs. .so that students can learn from these intense interactions without becoming overwhelmed, I establish a safe classroom environment where they can share their experience with their peers. This statement confirms that people get uncomfortable when faced with situations that are in conflict with their cultural norms and beliefs. It is vital for an individual to learn to create personal environments that make him or her express himself or herself without fear of retribution.

Questions 1. What is the most effective way of resolving cultural differences in situations where everybody in a group or team comes from a different cultural background? 2. To what extent does one's education level affect his, or her, cultural beliefs? 3. Will there be a point in time when all humanity will subscribe to one culture?