Topic: Culture Myopia. Culture, which includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, political, perspective, gender, sexual orientation, age, education, occupation, and abilities, is a powerful influence on communication.
It not only has significant effect on how we perceive ourselves and those around us, but it is also made up of a multitude of variables that make each person''s perspective unique and individual. Culture is typically how we define ourselves in the world and it influence how we see others.
As you have been learning, communication is complex, i.e., a process made up of language, nonverbal cues, and even unintentional reactions and expressions. Compound this process with the unique cultural make up of every individual, and the variables are staggering.
In light of what you have been learning in your course work about culture, diversity, and communication, consider the following statement: "Individuals who fail to consider the cultural perspectives are said to suffer from cultural myopia, a form of nearsightedness grounded in the belief that one''s own culture is appropriate and relevant in all situations and to all people" (O''Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p.43).
Post your responses to the following questions. Do you agree with the statement? Why?
Support your thinking using specific examples taken from current events, personal experiences and your Learning Resources. O''Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D.I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real Communication (3rd ed.).
New York: Bedford/St. Martin''s. Chapter 2. Perceiving the self and others" (pp.41-45). Have you experienced "Cultural myopia"?
If so, in what ways? How might cultural myopia affect communication as related to the work of early childhood professionals who are communicating/interacting with young children and families, as well as colleagues, community members, or agencies?
Support your response with references from your Learning Resources. Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010).
50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. "Understanding and Appreciating Cultural Differences" (pp. 36-38) "Looking at Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures" (pp. 80-81). Beebe, S.A., Beebe, S.J., & Redmond, M.V. (2011).
Interpersonal communication relating to other (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 4, "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to others" (pp. 85-114). Vuckovic, A. (2008).
Inter-cultural communication: A foundation of communicative action. Multicultural Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47-59. Zhou, Bin, & CUI, FU-quan (2007) On the promotion of intercultural Communication Competence. O''Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D.I,. & Teven, J. (2015). Real Communication (3rd ed). New York: Bedford/ St. Martin''s.