Response to CH 1-8
Prep for Study Abroad
Response to CH 1-8
-Response: I was aware of many of the “traditional/ugly american” stereotypes, but it was nice to see a list of them and be able to note which ones could potentially be problematic in regards to foreign travel. The chapter on primitivism was interesting to read through, but it was nothing new. The emphasis on being culturally respectful and polite/politically correct about different cultures and their varying stages of development, particularly on not judging how or in what direction they develop was stressed. I felt this was an important point as to not reinforce stereotypes or fear of different ways/beliefs in doing things. Everybody has a “right” way of doing things, and in the end the journey not nearly as important as result. The “comparing and contrasting cultures” section was by far the most helpful part of the assigned reading, mostly because it draws attention to the fact that the reason people do/think differently is because of their values. It makes perfect sense that the core beliefs (which as the book explains are instilled in each person by living in their respective culture) of someone are reinforced by the group of humans that make up a specific culture, and that those beliefs that they have had since birth will dominate their perspective of what is alien and strange. By placing importance on different values, certain behaviors and actions would seem ludicrous, or even “savage” to an outsider of that culture. This was a good, informative read, even if some of it seemed like review.
-Goals for this class: To expand my cultural awareness (including awareness of my own cultural lens) and reduce my ignorance as it pertains to traveling and integrating into foreign cultures. Having previously traveled internationally I possess some semblance of an idea of what I will have to deal with, but not on a long term basis. Ideally this class will help prepare me for long term immersion in another culture by allowing me to learn about common problems and faux-pas experienced by others in the class, as well as anything else that could be helpful. You can never be too prepared.