cultures. Diversity is the recognition and valuing of difference. Multiculturalism is the practice of respecting and engaging with people from different cultures. Through intercultural communication, we interpret and share meanings with individuals from different cultures.
2.2 I can explain how and why U.S. society has moved away from a melting pot philosophy, which advocates the assimilation of different cultures into the dominant culture. □As demographics changed and minorities gained visibility in all areas of society, cultural pluralism, or acknowledging that other cultural groups are equal in value to one’s own, has gained prominence. Respect and appreciation for difference are key in today’s society.
2.3 I can analyze various attitudes toward diversity. □Ethnocentrism is the tendency to see one’s own culture as superior to all others. Cultural relativism is the opposite of ethnocentrism. Stereotypes are mental images or pictures we carry around in our heads; they are shortcuts we use to guide our reactions to others. A prejudice is a negative or positive prejudgment that leads to the creation of in- and out-groups.
2.4 I can explain influences on cultural identity, distinguishing the difference between cultures and co-cultures. □Among the groups that influence cultural identity, and on which cultural identity is based, are those defined by gender, age racial, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, national, and generational identities. A culture is a system of knowledge; beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that are acquired, shared, and used by members. A co-culture is a group of people who differ in some ethnic or sociological way from the parent culture.
2.5 I can illustrate the five main dimensions of cultural variability. □Cultures vary in five general ways: (1) individualism versus collectivism, (2) high versus low context, (3) high versus low power distance, (4) monochronic versus polychronic, and (5) masculine versus feminine. Individual cultures stress individual goals. Collectivistic cultures stress group goals. High-context communication cultures are bound to tradition and value indirectness. Low-context communication cultures encourage directness in communication. High power distance cultures view power as a fact of life with subordinates deferring to superiors. Low power distance cultures believe power should be used only if legitimate. Monochronic cultures schedule time carefully. Polychronic cultures refuse to be time’s slaves. Masculine cultures value aggressiveness, strength, and material success. Feminine cultures value relationships, tenderness, and high quality of life.
2.6 I can discuss how technology brings diversity into our lives. □For many of us, the Internet facilitates this task. By enabling us to join a wide range of online communities and interact with people who hold different worldviews, the Internet enhances our ability to communicate within and across cultural boundaries. We also risk becoming more isolated or insulated from other viewpoints if we are not careful.
2.7 I can apply communication skills to reduce the strangeness of strangers. □Although the lessons taught by culture influence our communication style preferences, there are techniques we can use to reduce the strangeness of strangers. By adding to the storehouse of knowledge that underscores our communication competence, we increase our ability to handle communication challenges.
Become a Word Master
accommodation 34
assimilation 34
co-cultures 34
collectivistic cultures 37
cultural imperialism 28
cultural pluralism 26
cultural relativism 30
culturally confused 28
culture 34
digital divide 41
diversity 24
ethnocentrism 29
feminine cultures 39
globalization 24
high-context communication 37
high power distance cultures 38
individualistic cultures 37
intercultural communication 25
interethnic communication 25
international communication 25
interracial communication 25
intracultural communication 25
low-context communication 37
low power distance cultures 38
masculine cultures 39
melting pot philosophy 26
monochronic 38
multiculturalism 24
polychronic 38
separation 35
3 The “I” Behind the Eye: Perception and the Self
iStock/mapodile
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
3.1 Define and explain the process of perception.
3.2 Describe the nature of self-concept.
3.3 Describe the various ways self-concept affects behavior.
3.4 Describe the factors affecting self-concept and outlook.
3.5 Explain how to use life scripts, the Johari window, and impression management to develop self-awareness.
3.6 Identify common barriers to perception.
3.7 Explain how gender impacts perception of the self and others.
3.8 Explain how culture impacts perception of the self and others.
3.9 Analyze how media, including digital and social media, influence perception of the self and others.
3.10 Use communication skills to improve the accuracy of self-perception, perception of others, and perceptions of events.
As I am, so I see.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Can we believe our eyes? Do we actually see what’s there? Are you aware that the testimony given by eyewitnesses during trials is wrong about one third of the time?1 How can we account for differences in how we perceive ourselves, other people, objects, and events? What do our contrasting reports tell us about how we think and feel about ourselves, and our relationship to others and society? And if we do not see the same thing
