Global Posts

 Growing up, there was never a question of where we could find food or worry if my home was going to be hit next in an attack and I never had to think about any of this. Throughout the semester there have been many enlightening topics in the course that encouraged conversation and asking questions on topics that aren’t normally engaged in unless already invested in the topic. Where ideas were able to be introduced giving people different perspectives and topics that might not have been something of worry till brought up.

The reason we can have these conversations is because this is a class that encourages thinking globally, something people who have never traveled or gone to university would have to think about. It’s important to know about other cultures and identities and the issues happening in countries outside of the US . Which begs to bring up the idea of having a course like global cultures and communications in the k-12 education system or a mandatory travel abroad program provided by the government. Teaching children from a young age to  think globally and encourage a more extraverted and closer connection and understanding of other cultures within and outside the United States.

If taught in k-12, where ideas and information is more easily retained, it would help bridge a divide if students learned about different customs or social cues for other people from different countries. Than there would also possibly be better communication as people would have the opportunity to experience actually being apart of a different culture. 

I believe this would be useful because the United States is separated by oceans from other continents and so it seems as if the issues in other countries are not affecting us, but direct consequences of such ignorance is having a hostile response to the refugee crisis if you do not understand why they are seeking a new home. Even the countries connected to the United States there still seems to be a disconnect as rhetoric through the years have become negative directed to Central and South America even though there are many Latin Americans and the numbers continue to grow through the year.

The reason I bring this up is because there are opportunities to better expand your knowledge and it would give communication a different meaning. Rather than finding one another rude or not knowing the issues the different minorities face in your own country, such as taking up job opportunities that they never would have in their own country just to be able to survive and provide for their families. This matters because people are becoming globally minded and soon enough it’s going to affect you social and professional life if you have anti-rhetoric towards immigrants and the global world. Each country matters, from the blogs created over the semester we found people from so many diverse countries; Having come to America to escape a corrupt government, to live a better life with a husband, to protect the children from war or just to have a better education. All valid reasons that shouldn’t mean that they should face discrimination or hateful comments, if we taught extraversion or even to think of others, we may be able to create a society where people genuinely worry about other’s without thinking how it will affect them and judge just on if it’s inconvenient. 

Also if we had a travel program provided by the government we may be able to have a deeper connection with other countries individually. It’s possible to fall in love with more than one country and it could lead to genuine connection on a personal level if you meet friends or places and see the value in the countries. And studying the information in school is just as useful as you have a more open minded approach to the world in that case.

It should make sense to take these classes outside of college and if you are to have them in college, make a course teaching diversity and culture a mandatory general education class like math and science. It’s equally important and could have just as strong of an impact on students, it could even encourage students to study abroad or volunteer. 

There are people actually affected by the lack of education, they do not understand the other sides of wars or how they start. The United States had the Mexican-American war and not many know what the Mexican  Army were fighting for and how the war began in their eyes. Or there are people that do not know what the refugees are going through, how at night they freeze because there’s nowhere warm for them to stay, and how children are getting sick and camps are so close together because there is not much room. There are truly disturbing and heartbreaking things happening around the world, and because of the media and how they are able to control what people see or how they perceive what they see it can be truly daming to how Americans would want to help or their opinions on situations.

That is why I believe an educational/travel program can truly combat the situation, people would know to go looking for the information. People could even see the different perspectives as well without it being a one sided argument, listening to someone’s perspective and story can go a long way. Listening can build a bridge to cover the gap that people have when thinking that they are different from someone who is not them. People could have the same story even in a different setting and that would be important to teach children. It could even help with communication within the United States, gapping that separation between different classes and minorities in the county. This is more than just a class, it is a solution to the wall that stands between people and intercultural understanding.

The reason I believe education is the best way is because women like Noa Baum show us that being able to communicate and have the skills to properly listen can bridge gaps.  Dalia Mogahed even explains how there is a disconnect from Muslim Americans and America even though they all are apart of the same country. That should and can be changed if people truly understood the world around them and were open minded in changing their opinions and being seen differently by the rest of the world.

In Schwartz & Heinrich Shades of Regret, we are able to see that Americans tend to reject the moral high ground because they do not understand why they would apologize for something others did, especially ancestors since they had no part in it. While the Germans are willing to actively continue to take responsibility as what their ancestors did since it affected all minorities. If we are able to teach the importance of this then there would be a consensus to help fix the systematic oppression of minorities and refugees rather than continuing to cycle through the same pattern.

In the end, it is up to us as a people to try and change, we have the power too. We are the county where our voice is loud, tell your professors and dean of departments, appeal to have courses that could help. Encourage the school system to add to the curriculum at a meeting, it is an important issue. Tolerance is important and caring is even more important, because we are not the only ones in the world that matter. 

News shapes our world. News can create different perspectives on the same issues based on how it is presented. It can tell us what subjects to think about and disregard others by not giving them equal coverage. This can happen with national news and international news. International news is key to educating oneself on the on goings of the world. It can help educate people on other cultures. A lack of that news can lead to warped perspectives and create a barrier between cultures. Equal coverage of international and national news would be better for us all.

Agenda Setting Theory refers to the media’s power to influence it’s audience. This theory states that the media tells us what to think about. The media also does not reflect reality rather it shapes reality meaning that an agenda can be set and give viewers a warped perspective on reality. Essentially, reality can be whatever the media wants it to be, so long as the viewer is paying attention to it. This gives the media massive power and influence.

Pew research indicates that 87% of global medians follow national news whereas only 57% indicate they follow international news. If the media decides to set that agenda to local and national news over international news, then it’s viewers will assume that those issues are more important than others. Naturally it makes sense that one would be more interested in local or national news as it geographically is the area immediately around them. The problem with this being the only focus is that it creates an isolated world view. The isolated world view can lead to misunderstanding and general lack of knowledge about what is going on in other countries. This can lead to a lack of understanding of relevant cultural issues outside one’s own reality.

Warped perspectives on the world can create communication barriers between cultures. If people do not understand other cultures well and have a lack of knowledge about issues within those cultures, there can be a wall between those groups. Lack of knowledge can create disregard and insensitivity towards on going issues in other cultures or countries. Even worse, biased news towards others cultures could lead to fear and disdain for other cultures or countries due to warped perspectives from media coverage. These problems do not allow for smooth intercultural mingling.

Media coverage should include more international news. More international news will lead to a more interconnected world. An increase in international news will advance the process of globalization. A more interconnected people will be more willing to unite and work together towards something. If people are more connected with other cultures they can have a better understanding of there issues, beliefs, and ideologies. This broader perspective could create more empathy and understanding between different groups.

One thing that should be kept in check with more international news coverage is bias. Bias can be dangerous as it can also lead to warped perspectives. Biases can create cultural narratives and lead to clashing perspectives which will only lead to more disconnect between people. Pew research indicates that people want more unbiased news.

News has the potential to connect and unite us across different countries and cultures. Sadly, it can also isolate us and disconnect us just as easily as it can unite us. News media has a responsibility to represent different places and people all around the world. Keeping us connected as humans is important in order to obtain a broader and more knowledgeable worldview.

Throughout America’s history, we have been known as the land of the free and the home of the brave. However, if you take a deeper look into society and its practices, that has not always been the case. The free people for the majority of our history, have been white males. And the fear of people who are a different color is not brave. Overtime, progression and change has happened, until 10 years ago.

On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by terrorists. They had hijacked airplanes and attempted to crash them into major US government headquarters. As everybody knows, the World Trait Center was hit and destroyed. The culprits of this terrorist act where the radical Islamic group called Al-Qaeda. Because of this, a very negative stigma was put towards Muslim people. From this point forward, Muslim people where treated differently. In airports, public places and even their internet privacy and their livelihoods where in jeopardy. Regardless if they were just normal, non-violent people. 99% of Muslim people are not radical terrorists. It is so important that we come to realize that. These people want to better themselves and their loved ones around them. However, we let the fear of a very small percentage of Muslim people (radical terrorists) block our minds from acknowledging this. This is our path to progress and solution.

The process of negative assumption towards Muslim people began during the Bush administration. His administration and followers where pro- America going to war, and as America had done in previous conflicts, they attack the enemy. Whether if that was literally on the battlefield or socially in society. “Patriotic” Americans began to socially attack the Muslim-Americans and other people of that culture. The Media was constantly broadcasting the War and was pointing fingers at all sorts of people. Because of this, the American people sought out vengeance towards any Muslim or Arabic person.

Evidence of this is everywhere. Whether if you read about it, hear about it, or even witness it in person. Multiple accounts and testimonies from Muslim people show you the true side of this madness. These people feel the burden of their judgment. How they hold up lines at airports and feel embarrassment and shame when they are no different than any other passenger. Or if they are called a derogatory name for wearing a hijab that is a part of their religion and the beliefs. Dalia Mogahed, a Muslim public speaker and activist, said that even her closest friends questioned her when she decided to embrace her religion and culture and start wearing a hijab. We see these head coverings here in America, and see them as something unusual and strange. However, in these Muslim countries it is a very normal and usual thing.

The solution to this is not simple. When someones mind is committed to something, it can be very hard to change. The solution is the future. The upcoming generations must be informed to the truth and the culture and heritage of this so called “enemy”. For starters, teaching Muslim culture and heritage in school systems would be a great start. Learning about the people of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran in grade school would be a huge leap forward in regards to changing the narrative. Being exposed to their music, fashion and food, even from a learning standpoint, would also be huge for progression. There is so much that us Americans do not know about this lifestyle. We learn about Asian, Indian, and Mexican cultures, learning about Middle Eastern and Muslim culture would expand the minds of the future generations.

Children learn habits at a young age. Whether if that is a good habit or a bad habit. This means bigotry, racism and negative thoughts can be implanted into someones brain at a very young age. It is time to change this. This can begin with the parents or guardians. Once we implement Muslim and Middle Eastern culture into school systems, parents will pass this knowledge to their children. With the proper education on a culture, parents will be able to address and reinforce the truth into their children. This domino effect, in my opinion, would really help the negative stigma towards Muslim people. With a positive attitude and the willingness to be better and learn, the sky is the limit. The only thing left to do is to put the words into action. Many Muslim advocates have forwarded this notion and although I am no longer apart of the public school systems, curriculum is changing.

Being open minded and accepting is so important. Understanding and being supportive others is not only good character but also humane. Nothing will change if there is negativity and hate in the world. Learning from others and being there for people no matter who they are is what will make change. Society is progressing in a positive direction, but we need to get everyone on board. It won’t be easy but we can do it. If we tell ourselves and our future generations to learn and be understanding, we will get where we want to be as a nation. The future is ours to control. It is just a matter on if we choose to do it or not to do it.

My name is Jacob St. John. I am currently a senior at Longwood University with a major in Elementary Education and am creating this ePortfolio for my ENG 470 class. 

Throughout this semester, I have read and researched a lot about the cultural differences and similarities that make us unique. Through this research I have come to the conclusion that as Americans, we are mostly unaware of our freedom and individuality until we are informed otherwise. This lack of awareness is a key issue facing effective intercultural communication between cultures with varying interdependence levels.

How does one overcome this lack of awareness? As stated above, people are only unaware until someone or something informs them otherwise. Once you are aware of your privilege, it cannot be ‘unknown’. To bridge the gap between American culture and cultures that are centered around collectivism, it is critical that we educate not only children, but all of American society of our individualistic nature and how it differs from that of others.

We need to understand our differences in nature to better communicate, but also why we should care in the first place. Our human biology naturally fears and guards against that of the unknown, different, or unpredictable (Carleton). Though, in reality, the differences we fear do not make the said person good, evil, or neutral. Still, we fear those who differ from our own person due to the fact that humans are unpredictable. This unwarranted fear inhibits the flow of effective communication and understanding and only narrows our individual perspective, leaving us culturally divided over our differences that do not affect reality until we label them as something to fear.

Individualism, as defined by Hofstede Insights, is “the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members.” Why does this matter? In American society, for example, the individualistic culture has made it difficult for the United States government to slow the spread of coronavirus. A study conducted by Jingjing Li, Ting Xu, Natasha Zhang Foutz, and Bo Bian found that localities averaging higher in levels of individualism were facing compliance levels of 41%, under half of local populations (courtesy of UVA Today). 

“We were astounded by the large magnitude of those numbers, because they suggest that variations in individualism could account for almost half of a policy’s effectiveness,” said researcher Li. These variations in individualism may be holding America back from slowing the spread of COVID-19, however, that is not the case for most Asian countries. Malaysia, for example, dealt with the fast surge of outbreaks just like the rest of the world, but managed to lower their daily caseloads to between 10-20 cases since June, according to VOA News.

When asked why he felt Asian countries were handling the pandemic better, Alan Chong, associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, stated that he felt cultural differences played a role. “People here are still collectivist in orientation of thought, meaning even if a certain government is despised, they will still listen to instructions especially if they are reasonable,” he said. “The idea of stay at home, people will obey because the collective good is explained to them in a self-evident way.”

During my studies this semester, I was asked to watch a TEDx Talk by Israeli-born storyteller, Noa Baum. She talked about the importance of storytelling and how through being in the same space and time together sharing stories, two people can form a bond or human connection. This bond affects the brains cognitive function in a way that allows two people to suspend their disbelief to view the world through another person’s eyes. This method of communication allows for both parties to share their feelings without their identities being threatened, which provides the perfect conditions for open, honest, effective communication.

Do I believe every problem could be solved through storytelling? No, I do not. However, I do believe that storytelling provides a safe platform for open communication that leads to better understanding of cultural differences. Storytelling not only builds familiarity and trust, but is also a great tool for all learners, meaning learning is not limited to one culture, but open to all, according to psychologist Vanessa Boris (HarvardBusiness.org).

I have learned a lot from my studies this semester. Most importantly, that my perspective is mine and mine alone, and extremely limited at that. I now know that there are many cultural differences that separate us from one another, but that they are not to be afraid of. I have learned about the many benefits of storytelling, and come to the conclusion that through storytelling, we are able to unite and understand one another in ways not possible before. I’ve become aware of my lack of awareness and continue to seek to expand my perspective, one story at a time.

About Me

My name is Evelyn Wozniak and I am a 4th year student at Longwood University with a major in English and a minor in history and will be graduating in December of 2022. I served as a member of the Longwood History Club during 2018-2019 and worked closely as an intern under Greenwood librarians I also am currently working at Barnes and Noble inc. in order to further my knowledge of publishing relations and boom distribution. Ever since I was a child, it would only take force to pry my nose from a book and I spent even longer organizing any bookshelf I came across. I have dedicated my academic and professional career to appeasing that bookworm child inside myself, and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon. I am an enthusiastic, dedicated individual with a love for people, literature, and hands on experiences.

The assignments in my English 470 Professional Writing course have helped me understand the importance of knowing the different genres of writing as well as understanding the fundamentals of professional writing. I now consciously use elements I learned in order to review, edit, and create my work.

Course Learning Outcomes

• analyze and produce writing genres according to the rhetorical situation of workplace contexts;
• create professional documents that use plain English principles (to targeted audience);
• conduct research to create content for a variety of professional documents (memos, letters, reports, etc.);
• create professional documents that use design principles;
• practice oral communication skills to present content effectively (enhanced with multimedia tools);
• participate productively in collaborative projects.