Weekly Blog #4 - 

     In class this week, we talked about identifying with other cultures and dealing with cultural diversity in class.  It's a topic that should be readily addressed. Sometimes the topic of cultural diversity is avoided - at least it seems that way in Iowa where exposure to other cultures can be limited at times. Nonetheless, from the book we learned a few of the obstacles to cultural proficiency as well as a few strategies to move past these boundaries. 

     Lack of knowledge about other cultures is often the predominant factor or instigator to culture-based problems. Our Hixson book recommends establishing common grounds when dealing with these situations. The second obstacle involves being unaware of majority privileges. I know at Iowa State, where most students are of European ancestry and from middle to upper class families, we can become oblivious to some advantages we may have simply by being the majority. It is only when we try to empathize with those who may seem different from us, that we can truly begin to understand the many different cultures represented at Iowa State. Lastly, the book identified believing things should remain as they are as an obstacle to cultural proficiency. Unfortunately, many people in this world are intolerant to other cultures and diversity being presented into areas with strongly defined norms and procedures. This can't be an excuse. We all have to be open to new experiences with others who may not see the world in the same light we do. 

    I have been fortunate enough to travel to a few different continents and even live abroad for a while. I feel like I have had a good amount of life experiences with other cultures; but, this has only made me realize how truly little I know of the rest of the world. We all need to be willing to explore the similarities and differences amongst cultures and to be careful and hospitable when someone new may come into our lives.