For this assignment, I had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with one of my coworkers, who identifies as a Caucasian American with European and Irish heritage. What fascinated me about this individual is how our perspectives on everyday life differ significantly.
While I tend to have a more pessimistic outlook, she maintains an optimistic mindset, always seeing the glass as half full. Intrigued by our divergent perspectives, I conducted this interview to explore how our cultural backgrounds shape our views.
COM 2000 Unit 5 Assignment 1 Culture Information Interview
As our conversation unfolded, it became evident that culture permeates every aspect of our lives, including our perceptions of family, marriage, and friendship. We delved into these areas, uncovering profound insights and uncovering both shared experiences and distinct differences.
Family:
Family holds immense significance for both of us, albeit in distinct ways. When discussing the concept of family, my coworker strongly believed that “family is everything.” She shared her perspective on her closeness toward her immediate family, including her mother, father, and sister.
However, she also revealed that her relationship with her immediate family has been strained, influencing how she perceives her family and her importance to those who are accessible. In contrast, I have a close bond with my sisters and had a strong connection with my late father.
COM 2000 Unit 5 Assignment 1 Culture Information Interview
Nevertheless, both of us have experienced challenging relationships with our mothers, which has undoubtedly shaped our perspectives on the concept of “family.” It was astonishing to discover how closely our personal stories aligned, despite the apparent differences in our lives.
This exchange of personal information and experiences, known as self-disclosure, played a significant role in our conversation. Interestingly, European Americans tend to self-disclose about a wider range of topics than individuals from other cultures.
Marriage:
The topic of marriage also emerged as an area of common ground between us. As both of us are married women, we shared our experiences and reflections. Although she has been married longer due to her age, we discovered commonalities in our journeys.
Growing up in broken homes and lacking examples of successful marriages, we both cherish the institution of marriage. In the United States, there is a prevailing stereotype that young, unmarried mothers predominantly come from minority backgrounds and challenging circumstances. COM 2000 Unit 5 Assignment 1 Culture Information Interview
However, in her case, she became a young mother and subsequently got married, while I made the conscious decision to marry for love before starting a family. Our paths diverged, yet we found beauty and fulfillment in our journeys. These shared experiences reinforced that cultural influences extend beyond ethnicity alone, touching societal norms and personal circumstances.
Friendship:
Friendship, too, emerged as an intriguing topic that shed light on our cultural perspectives. We both identified as somewhat “weird” and found ourselves laughing at the same things at the most inappropriate times.
Similar to my own experiences, she mentioned that she forges friendships with individuals who understand her occasional need for solitude or emotional withdrawal. These friends recognize that there are moments when she may not have enough to give, and they don’t place excessive expectations upon her.
Reflecting on her upbringing, she revealed that she didn’t have many close friendships due to her inherent awkwardness. Consequently, in her adult life, she consciously seeks out friendships with individuals who make her feel comfortable in her own skin. Another intriguing aspect of her personality is her inclination for physical affection. COM 2000 Unit 5 Assignment 1 Culture Information Interview
She shared that her grandmother compensated for the absence of people by showing affection through hugs. In contrast, I have always felt discomfort with physical touch, as I did not receive much affection from my parents, who were influenced by their own upbringing.
This disparity in our comfort levels with physical touch became an emotional revelation during our conversation. She expressed deep empathy and, upon parting, embraced me in a hug. This non-verbal act of compassion conveyed her care and concern for me, and it deepened my understanding of her communication style and its significance.
Reflecting on this enriching interview, I am struck by the realization that, as human beings, we share far more commonalities than we often recognize. Regardless of our racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds, our stories have the power to touch and influence others, fostering personal and professional growth.
COM 2000 Unit 5 Assignment 1 Culture Information Interview
Engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals different from ourselves not only broadens our horizons but also opens the door to new friendships. The theories of intercultural communication have transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace diversity in all aspects of life.
I am committed to initiating conversations with individuals who differ from me and overcoming any initial uncertainties or discomfort. Through these dialogues, I aim to convey that, despite our differences, I am eager to communicate, connect, and foster understanding.
This interview has reinforced the notion that our shared humanity transcends cultural boundaries. It is through active listening and genuine curiosity that we can learn from one another, discovering the richness and depth that lies within our diverse perspectives.
I am grateful for this opportunity to engage in intercultural communication, and I am excited to continue exploring the myriad of experiences that others can offer. By embracing diversity and engaging in dialogue, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society, one conversation at a time. COM 2000 Unit 5 Assignment 1 Culture Information Interview
Reference:
Lustig, M. W., & Koester, J. (2012). Intercultural Competence: Interpersonal Communication Across Cultures (7th ed.). VitalSource for Capella University. Retrieved from
https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781269132756/
