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CULTURE 101:
EMBRACING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

L
et's say that you're traveling for a short-term mission trip to a country where
you don't speak the language. You forgot to pick up a dictionary or a book of
common phrases, and you got separated from your group and the translator
while you went wandering around a nearby market. So, you’ve only got hand
gestures to communicate. No problem, right? You’re hungry, so you decide to visit
one of the local food vendors for a bite to eat. Not a lot of choices, so it should be
easy. You make your decision
and wait to place your order.
While you wait you look at the
people around you. You smile
and nod at them. But, nobody
looks you in the eye. And they
don’t smile back at you. When
your time comes, you place your
order by pointing at the food that
you want and give her an “OK”
sign. But, what she brings you is
not what you ordered. You shake your head “No.” But, the vendor seems annoyed
and you’re becoming frustrated. You thought you were communicating clearly.
What gives?

We may think that the gestures we use to communicate across cultures are
universal and what we mean when we use them, shared. But, they’re not. And these
are just a few of the differences we might encounter when interacting with people
from cultures other than our own.

Welcome to Culture 101: Embracing Cultural Differences.

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INTRODUCTION

Hi, my name is Karen Young.

And my name is Alfredo Martinez and we are from the Intercultural Ministries
Department of The Salvation Army Central Territory.

We are pleased to present the first of a series of Cultural Intelligence resources that
could be very useful for you as you try to gain more cultural competence in your
ministry. This resource could be used at the local, Divisional and Territorial levels.
And it can be used with soldiers, staff, volunteers, and officers.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The face of America is changing; the demographics in the United States are
transforming the landscape. We just need to look around and see this happening
everywhere: at the grocery stores, at our schools, in our neighborhoods, with the
people we serve in our community centers, social service facilities, workplaces,
and Corps.

As Dr. David Henricks says: “The world is coming to us.” According to recent
projections from the US Census Bureau, by the year 2050 there will be no cultural or
racial majority.

 50% of the American

population is expected to be
made up of racial and ethnic
minorities by 2050.
 The United States is the
most multicultural nation in
the world.
 Three out of ten people in
America are members of
minority groups.

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  Asians are expected to grow to 25 million by 2025 and are currently the
fastest growing minority group.
 The United States is the most religiously diverse nation in the world.
 150 languages are spoken in United States public schools, with over one
third of students speaking a language other than English.
 Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States.

How do we react to these changes in our communities? Do we panic? Do we hide?

Or, do we embrace people with the love of Jesus Christ?

Acts 17:26 states “From one ancestor [God] made all nations to inhabit the whole
earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places
where they would live. (NRSV)

OTHERS

It has been said that the Army’s mission can be

summarized into a single word: “OTHERS.” Since its
beginnings, The Salvation Army has had a special
concern for the marginalized, the displaced, the
wounded, and the forgotten. Our mission has been to
“preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human
needs in [Christ’s] name without discrimination.”

I wonder if General
William Booth was
alive today, would he consider immigrants
coming to America as “Others?” Would he be
concerned with those who were involved in
human trafficking and those who were
displaced by violence and war? Would gaining
cultural competence--the knowledge and

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cross-cultural skills for effective outreach--be a priority for him in order to reach the
ethnic, cultural, and generational diversity of the United States?

For these next few minutes, our hope is that you can develop cultural awareness
and cultural competence to better fulfill the mission: “to preach the gospel of Jesus
Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

EMBRACING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

In this module we will focus on being aware and respectful of people from different
backgrounds.

HERITAGE

Our heritage influences who we are as people.

Heritage refers to:

 Ethnicity
 Ancestry
 Religion
 Culture

Our heritage influences everything from what we value and believe to how we
think, communicate with and behave towards others.

The three objectives for this module are:

 To identify how culture influences attitudes and behaviors.

To discuss the importance of respecting cultural differences.
 To select a few ways to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.

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ETHNICITY

Ethnicity is a common way to define people. There is even a song called “What
Color is God’s skin? It’s black, brown it’s yellow, it’s red, it’s white. Everyone is the
same in the good Lord’s sight.”

While there are many ethnic groups, the six that are most identified are:

• Black or African Americans

• Asians
• White
• Latinos or Hispanics
• American Indian and Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander

Within a particular ethnic group there can be many differences. For example, Latino
or Hispanic people may represent more than 20 different countries. These include:

 Mexican Americans
 Puerto Ricans
 Cubans
 Those in the Dominican Republic
 South or Central Americans

Or Asians, who in the Central Territory, comprise people from:

 Laos
 The Philippines
 Burma
 South Korea
 India
 Pakistan
 Vietnam

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 PAUSE FOR DISCUSSION

Please pause to discuss your awareness and sensitivity to the cultural

differences within your corps/church and community:

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS:

• Who are the different ethnic groups represented in your community?

• What are some of the customs, celebrations, values or beliefs expressed by
them?
• How might your outlook on life, beliefs and values differ from theirs?
• What customs, values or beliefs do you share in common?
• In what ways do you show acceptance of those who are of a different
heritage or background? Those who have an accent or difficulty with
English?

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Other factors which help define who we are as people include:

ANCESTRY

Ancestry. This reflects where our family members came from when they arrived in
the United States. For example, people may be descendants of German, Irish,
Israel, Russian or other ancestries.

RELIGION

Religion is another factor. This refers to a belief system based on God or a higher
power, and may include groups that are Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Protestant and
Muslim.

CULTURE

And, there is also culture. Culture represents shared values, learned beliefs and
behaviors that cut across ethnicity, ancestry, and religious lines. For example,
people with disabilities, similar socio-economics status, and even sexual
orientation represent different cultures within the United States.

In terms of culture, did you know?

CULTURAL AWARENESS

Cultural awareness involves having an understanding of ourselves and others?

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

And cultural sensitivity involves withholding value judgments, and includes

curiosity, empathy and respect.

A “one size fits all” approach just doesn’t work with our differences.

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THE FIVE FAVES
Our first awareness of cultural differences often comes through our senses – what
we can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch--sometimes called “The Five Faves.”
These include things like foods, festivals (with music, dance, and celebrations);
faces (the physical characteristics of people, what they look like); fashions (a
people’s cultural dress); and flags or folklore (the stories people share around
events that are important to them).

But, this is just the beginning, just the gateway into understanding cultural
differences, just the “tip of the iceberg.” Beneath the
surface are the values and beliefs that give these
things meaning and importance.

There is so much more to learn about the cultures of

others that it would take a lifetime to understand.

BEING CULTURALLY SENSITIVE

Being culturally sensitive is important for many reasons. The United States has
become more generationally and ethnically diverse. Sensitivity reduces the
potential to think that one culture is superior to another. That is called
ethnocentrism. Instead, we are different from each other. And how we see and
understand those differences determines whether we can benefit as a community
from them.

RESPONSES TO DIFFERENCES

When individuals from different cultures interact, their responses to this diversity
can vary significantly. These responses include:

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XENOPHOBIA
This refers to the fear of another culture. This fear could be rooted in a number of
causes, and has been evidenced in racism, hate groups and crimes.

ETHNOCENTRISM

This is the belief that one’s own culture, race or ethnicity is the best. This is not the
same as self-esteem or feeling good about who you are, but rather a belief in one’s
superiority to others. Ethnocentrism may show itself in patronizing or stereotyping
other cultures and in seeing others as “tokens.” As tokens, people may be invited
to participate, but not in any important way.

FORCED ASSIMILATION

Forced Assimilation is a step away from ethnocentrism, but still closely related to it.
At its root is the belief that “my” culture is the best; therefore, everyone should be
“like me.” Other cultures are welcomed, as long as they assimilate. In other words,
“They can be on my team if they play just like I do.”

SEGREGATION

Those who hold this position believe that different races and culture groups should
remain separate from each other. This was a popular view prior to the civil rights
movement when “separate but equal” was revealed to be separate but not equal.

ACCEPTANCE

With acceptance, people are willing to

co-exist, to accommodate and to build
relationships across cultures.
Acceptance is the recognition that all
cultures are equal and should be
respected. Businesses and community
organizations often advocate acceptance
and tolerance. And while this is a worthy
goal, God calls us to do more.

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CELEBRATION

Celebration is characterized as valuing other cultures because God created us as

cultural beings. There is diversity in all of creation. We appreciate mutuality in our
relationships and desire for multicultural experiences and relationships.
Celebration goes beyond accepting and tolerating to valuing and embracing. --
Source: Beginners Guide to Crossing Cultures, Patty Lane.

PAUSE FOR DISCUSSION

Pause now to discuss the responses to the cultural differences you see around
you.

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS

 What are some of the cultural differences you see in your corps/church or
community?
 What are some of the ways people respond to the cultural differences they
see in others?
 How do these cultural differences contribute to your corps/church or
community?
 What obstacles might there be to building relationships across culture?
 What advantages might there be to building relationships across cultures?
 How do you build relationships across differences?

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We have found that understanding the values, beliefs and complexity of our own
culture goes a long way in understanding the complexity and the uniqueness of the
different cultures within our communities. -- From CQ Knowledge, Cultural
Intelligence Center

RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION

Communication is key in learning about and benefitting from our differences. Rev.
Eric Law, of the Kaleidoscope Institute, lays out 7 basic guidelines for having
communication that is safe and respectful. He calls them the Respectful
Communication Guidelines.

RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES

R = take RESPONSIBILITY for what you say and feel without blaming others.
E = use EMPATHETIC listening.
S = be SENSITIVE to differences in communication styles.
P = PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak.
E = EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions.
C = keep CONFIDENTIALITY.
T = TRUST ambiguity because we are not here to debate who is right or wrong.

COMMUNICATION AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Communication is one of the most important elements in

understanding differences and building relationships across
culture. Did you know that “people of different backgrounds
bring with them different communication styles? For example,
every culture interprets body language, gestures, touch, volume
and tone of voice, or eye contact differently. Sometimes these
differences can cause misunderstanding – even conflicts-- and
we aren’t exactly sure why! Our first encounters with cultural
differences can be confusing, even awkward.

Communication, like a “dance”, can be challenging, especially when we’re first

learning the cultural cues, or the “new steps” of another culture. But, with the help

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of someone who understands these differences, say, a culture coach, we can begin
to understand and even appreciate those cultural differences.

We are conditioned by our society, in general, and by our culture, specifically, to

communicate in certain ways. We may react to others who are different with
negative attitudes, put-downs, judgments or dismissal because we don’t
understand these differences. The Respectful Communication Guidelines help
us to make space so that all can feel safe as we explore this new territory together.

CIRCLES OF MY MULTICULTURAL SELF

HANDOUT – ACTIVITY

We hope you are becoming more aware of some of the

differences of those around you and the complexities that
each of us brings to any interaction.

Now, for a moment, we’d like for you to shift your focus
from the culture of others to your own. Have you ever
considered that you have a multicultural self?

This next activity is called “Circles of My Multicultural Self” and it highlights the
many dimensions of our identities. It addresses the relationship between our
desires to self-define our identities, and the social constructions that label us
regardless of how we define ourselves. You will be given a handout to write your
responses.

HANDOUT

First, place your name in the center circle of the structure.

Write an important aspect of your identity in each of the satellite circles -- an

identifier or descriptor that you feel is important in defining you. This can include
anything: Asian American, female, mother, athlete, educator, scout troop leader,
Christian, scientist, musician, or any descriptor with which you identify.

Now with another person or in a small group:

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1. Share a story of a time you were especially proud to identify with one of the
descriptors you used above.

2. Share a story about a time it was especially painful to be identified with one of
your identifiers or descriptors.

3. Name a stereotype associated with one of the groups with which you most
closely identify, but that is not consistent with who you are. Fill in the following
sentence (see the examples below):

I am (a/an) _____________________ but I am NOT (a/an)_____________________.

EXAMPLES:
I am an African American male, but I am NOT athletic.
I am a New Yorker, but I am NOT a crazy driver.
I am an Asian American, but I am NOT a math whiz.

Not being aware of our own or others’ identities can be the cause of
miscommunication.

So, what we once knew to be true about ourselves and others can change over time.
For this reason, we should make every attempt to suspend judgment, ask questions
of others, and talk with those different from us as much as possible.

What we know through our interaction with cultural diversity is that there are
“differences that make a difference.”

What we know through our interaction with cultural diversity is that there are
“differences that make a difference.” To ignore them, to not explore them, to not
place ourselves in a position where we can learn from them, is to be at a
disadvantage.

Being more sensitive to people who are different from us, can help us care more
and support them in ways that are consistent with their values, beliefs and

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references. To better understand and be more sensitive to others, hear what people
have to say:

SPEAKER #1

In people’s attempts to be culturally sensitive, it seems like we are becoming less

sensitive. If I hear one more person tell me they see me and not my skin color, I am
going to scream.

SPEAKER #2

Don’t impose your values and beliefs on

me, because mine may be quite different
than yours. My values and beliefs reflect
my heritage and the way I was raised.

SPEAKER #3

Our differences may be minor. For

example, if I were to sneeze you might say
‘Bless you’. On the other hand, I say
‘Gesundheit’. Also, if you offer a prayer before a meal, instead of saying ‘Jesus’ why
not use the word ‘God’ or ‘Lord’ instead. If you have a question about my values or
the customs of my people, it is okay to ask me. I’d rather you ask me than offend me
by something you say or do, even if it is unintentional.

So, to say the least, being sensitive to each other and respecting cultural norms is
important in cross-cultural interactions. For example, what is and isn’t okay in
terms of personal space, physical touch, eye contact and hand gestures varies. If
you’re not sure what may be okay, ask people for input, watch for clues and follow
their lead. Not being respectful of cultural norms can cause embarrassment, be
considered rude and be hurtful.

While eye contact is common in face-to-face interactions, consider these

differences:

 European Americans typically use direct eye contact when speaking with
people.

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  Some Native Americans consider direct eye-contact impolite or
disrespectful.
 Latinos may view eye contact as a sign of aggression.
 And many Asians consider eye contact inappropriate between men and
women.

The following are examples of Asian etiquette.

Generally, Asian cultures believe:

 Older people are to be respected, revered and honored.

 Younger people typically bow when greeting their elders.
 Adult children are expected to take care of their parents as they age.

The eye-contact example is just

one of the many things we need to
be sensitive to. Can you think of
other examples of cultural norms
in your own culture or a different
one?
Cultural or social norms are those
rules a group holds in common
about how people should behave.
Examples would be shaking hands when you meet someone or saying “Please”
when asking for something or not cutting in line.

We encourage you to take the time to learn about the customs and values of the
people you interact with the most.

THE PLATINUM RULE

Hopefully, we see that being culturally aware and

understanding of diversity among people can make us
more sensitive.
Chances are you know the Golden Rule: “Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.” But have you

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heard of the Platinum Rule? “Do unto others as they would want done to them.”
The Platinum Rule is not what WE think they want, but what THEY actually want.

A.W.A.R.E. MODEL
We’ve shared a lot of information, but the A.W.A.R.E. model can help us to develop
cultural sensitivity.

A. is for ACCEPT. Accept the other person’s behavior without judging it based
on what that behavior means in your culture.

W. is for WONDER. Wonder what the other person’s behavior means in his or
her culture, rather than what it means in your culture.

A. is for ASK. Ask what the behavior means to the person, showing a
respectful interest.

R. is for RESEARCH. Research and read about the other person’s culture so
you are able to place their behavior in the context of their cultural world view.

E. is for EXPLAIN. Explain what their behavior means in your culture.

Demonstrate or describe the behavior in your culture that would express
similar feelings or meanings. Exchange information that will help you both
gain understanding and learn the behaviors that will help you function in a
cross-cultural setting.

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 PAUSE FOR DISCUSSION

Now, take a moment to share the A.W.A.R.E. model with another person or in
your small group.

QUESTION TO DISCUSS:

 How might you use this model with an individual or apply it to an ethnic or cultural
group that is different from yours and with whom you interact?

HOW DO YOU LEARN ABOUT OTHER CULTURES?

How do you learn about other cultures?

Every day provides an opportunity to learn about people from different cultures. The
more you learn from and about those with whom you interact, the more sensitive
you will become.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Read books written by authors from other countries or cultures.

2. Visit a museum and focus on the art or history of a specific country or
culture.

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 3. Look out for multicultural events in your community
4. Participate in a short-term mission project
5. Be an ESL volunteer.
6. Go to a movie that highlights a culture other than your own. Discuss with
someone of that culture, or a culture coach, whether the culture is shown
accurately.
7. Explore restaurants that feature authentic foods from a variety of
countries.
8. Learn a new language and interact with people who are native speakers of
that language.
9. Attend a church or house of worship different than your own.
[Link] relationships with people of other cultures.

EMBRACING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Here are some things to remember about embracing cultural differences …

► Trying to be funny by making ‘jokes or comments about others can be

hurtful and offensive. It is insensitive to engage in such behavior.
► Being sensitive to generational and cultural differences involves empathy
or “walking a mile in another’s shoes.” Your values, beliefs, attitudes and
experiences may be quite different than other person’s. Let’s be sensitive to
how we interact with and respect others. Each of us has the responsibility for
learning about the different groups of people with whom we interact.
► Be aware of and recognize
differences. A “one-size fits all”
approach does not respect and
appreciate diversity.
► People feel respected when
asked their opinions. Simply
asking “what do you think?” may
open up a whole world of
understanding and appreciation.

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 Sharing stories is a great way to connect with others and discover similarities,
regardless of differences.

To build your knowledge, skills, and comfort level working with people from diverse
backgrounds, consider a few general tips:

1. Examine your own assumptions and cultural perspectives.

2. Seek a basis for understanding, rather than judging.
3. Learn about communication patterns of various cultures and racial/ethnic
groups.
4. Express respect for practices, values, and beliefs different from your own.
5. Be willing to acquire new behaviors and perspectives.

CLOSING

This concludes our Culture 101: Embracing Cultural Differences.

We hope this presentation has helped you to develop cultural awareness and skills
for cross-cultural encounters. But, before we go, here are a few final comments to
consider:

“When we make an effort to understand other cultures, we add new

perspectives to those we already bring from our own culture. And we show that
we care.

We may learn about God.

“He has not revealed all of his knowledge and wisdom to the Western cultures
alone or to any one culture. But each culture can make a significant
contribution to our understanding about who God is and how he works in this
world.”

We honor God.

God gives us additional insight and wisdom as we gain knowledge from others.

And we fit together more completely.

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This material was adapted from “Look Closer See Me” generational diversity and
sensitivity materials, with permission of the University of Cincinnati, College of
Nursing Center for Aging with Dignity.

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 CIRCLES OF MY MULTICULTURAL SELF

“Circles of My Multicultural Self” highlights the many dimensions of our identities. It

addresses the relationship between our desires to self-define our identities, and the
social constructions that label us regardless of how we define ourselves.

HANDOUT

1. Place your name in the center circle of the structure.

2. In each satellite circle, write a descriptor, or aspect of your identity, that is

important in defining you.

This can include anything: Asian American, female, mother, athlete,

educator, scout troop leader, Christian, scientist, musician, or any descriptor
with which you identify.

3. Now with another person or in a small group:

► Share a story of a time you were especially proud to identify with one of the
descriptors you used above.

► Share a story about a time it was especially painful to be identified with

one of your identifiers or descriptors.

► Name a stereotype associated with one of the groups with which you most
closely identify, but that is not consistent with who you are. Fill in the
following sentence (see the examples below):

I am (a/an) _____________________ but I am NOT (a/an)_____________________.

EXAMPLES:
I am an African American male, but I am NOT athletic.
I am a New Yorker, but I am NOT a crazy driver.
I am an Asian American, but I am NOT a math whiz.

Adapted from [Link]

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 CIRCLES OF MY MULTICULTURAL SELF
HANDOUT

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Culture 101: Embracing Cultural Differences - Notes

INTRODUCTION adapted from Edmonds. M. June 14, 2010. “How do culturally

different people interpret nonverbal
communication..[Link]
[Link].

“Responses to Differences” from Lane, P. (2002). Do you understand your own

culture? In A beginner’s guide to crossing cultures. (pp. 37-42). Downers Grove, IL.
Intervarsity Press.

Closing comments adapted from Elmer, D. (2006). Understanding: Seeing Through

the Others Eyes. In Cross-cultural servanthood: Serving the world in Christlike
humility (pg. 131). Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.

“Statistics” from Session 1: The whole world has changed and the church is asleep.
In Missionshift: Reaching the world next door. 2012. MissionShift. Minneapolis, MN

This material was adapted from “Look Closer See Me” generational diversity and
sensitivity materials, with permission of the University of Cincinnati, College of
Nursing Center for Aging with Dignity

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