Assignment Takeaway 5

Assignment 5 was focused on comparing a certain aspect between cultures. I chose emotion and social interaction regulation between the United States and Germany and Spain was also included. I saw that the meaning of social interaction and the active avoidance of conflict was different in the three countries. Those in Spain and in Germany didn’t avoid conflict but the way they behave in social interactions shows that they avoid conflict much more than Americans. In turn, they have stronger positive relationships with friends and families. I see that this assignment related to assignment 2 where the values and socials were different in countries other than the United States. Germans specifically are focused on being truthful, straight and to the point, and are not avoiding conflict but how they are straight forward they tend to avoid conflict. While in the United States, people are not as straight forward with their emotions and in social interactions which can lead to false positive relationships and interactions with other. I think in Assignment 2 , it was focused on Americans looking for immediate gratification while other countries are more focused on long term.

Assignment Takeaway 4

Assignment 4 was a little difficult to find advertisements, because I don’t really watch TV or see ads other than those on social media, which often don’t have people in them, only products. However, I did find a few random advertisements through google and I was surprised to see how many companies changed the way they advertised based on which gender they were using for that specific one. I saw just how men and women are portrayed differently, even if it’s a very subtle difference. Even though some of the portrayal may not be evident right away, it can still have an unconscious impact on viewers. Men are sexualized as well as women, however, the men are mostly clothed, and have a variety in the body types used, while the women are always wearing little clothing and are the skinniest people that the company can find. I think these types of advertisements help influence the culture of a community as well as impact individuals sense of self and identity, whether it’s conscious or not.

Assignment Takeaway 2

Assignment 2 helped see which of the 13 American values that are in society today. I chose that I resonated with future orientation at this point in my life right now. While working through this assignment and learning about the multiple values in American culture that are often the complete opposite of most other cultures, I could see how the American values can be viewed negatively to others. I think the American values, aligned with what we see in society and how our society functions. This way of functioning is different than most cultures because of our advancement over many in certain aspects. However, I don’t feel as if they should be viewed negatively just because they are very different from what is found in other parts of the world. As for future orientation, which is the value I chose, I think in a way, every culture holds this as a value in some way. Everyone is working to better their family, knowledge, and survival in one way or another. The difference comes when one culture focus’ on this value in different ways than others.

Assignment Takeaway 1

       Assignment one was focused on the sensitivity of different cultures. The word document explained each step of the model and what individuals in these stages may feel, think and say when referring to other cultures. I found the stages of denial and defense a little unsettling because I am aware that people do fall into these stages, but hard to believe that people may still reject the idea of other cultures, especially when it is a hot topic in today’s media. I think the assignment paired well with chapter 3, which talks about the role people play in developing children’s lives. I believe that the stage someone is at in the sensitivity model, could be a window into how they were raised and the people they were influenced by. I think the cultural sensitivity stage of acceptance and adaptation are ones I relate to the most. My mom is from Germany and I grew up with some of the traditions along with American traditions my dad brought into the family. I am also close to many of my cousins who live in Germany and I accept how different they are, but it also helps me adapt the way I talk as well as behave when I am around them or just messaging them. I think the adaptation really helps me have the ability to look at topics in different views, which if I wasn’t in this stage, I do not believe I would be able to.