Interactive Lesson 1:
Cultural Conflict and Notes on Developing a Multicultural Perspective

What Happens when Cultures Come into Contact?

Whether positive or negative, cultures affect one another when they come into contact. Culture is ever-changing whether or not there is culture contact. The multicultural classroom is one context where various cultures come into direct contact and changes do occur for the better or worse. Teachers should be concerned since culture contact can lead to discrimination and racism, or it can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of all humans in a culturally diverse planet.

Negative contact can cause miscommunication leading to arguments, fights, racism, conflict or war.

It can also cause "culture shock." Culture shock is associated with marginality and bicultural confusion, and is sometimes evidenced by drinking, fighting, suicide, confusion and disrespect. This is an important concept because many immigrant and Native American Reservation students experience culture shock in the classroom as well as in their school community.

Open the link below to read more about culture shock.

The link below defines culture shock in detail.
This link provides personal insight if you are experiencing culture shock. It defines it, provides its symptoms, and suggestions on what top do to overcome culture shock. Explore other web sites on Culture Shock.

Culture Shock

Positive contact provides a contrastive and comparative view between two cultures. It is a process that may promote innovation and change as strategies for survival. Positive contact is evidenced by a clear understanding of one's cultural values and of others, and by taking an active rather than passive role. It is also a process through which both parties gain a better understanding of one another.

NOTES ON DEVELOPING A CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE:

How does a teacher develop a cross-cultural perspective? The initial step is becoming aware of culture in ourselves. This involves perception or knowledge gained through our senses and interpreted internally. The culture around us is not always obvious since it is shared socially with those we meet on an every day basis. However, understanding the culture in ourselves helps in understanding and avoiding areas of conflict and allows us to learn through contrast. The implication is that the thought processes that occur within each of us also occur within others, but may take on a different shape or meaning.

Becoming aware of the culture in ourselves involves a certain degree of Ethnocentrism which is the belief that our own cultural ways are correct and superior to others. Ethnocentrism is natural and occurs in each of us. However, while it helps to develop pride and a positive self-image, it can also be harmful if carried to the extreme of developing an intolerance for people of other cultures.

Understanding the culture in ourselves is best represented by the concept of Cultural Relativity which is the belief that there are many cultural ways that are correct, each in its own location and context. Cultural relativity is essential to building respect for cultural differences and appreciation for cultural similarities and differences.

What do you think? In your personal Portfolio area in the VCC, comment on culture shock in the classroom. Do all students experience culture shock in the classroom? Explain briefly. Remember to begin your response by referencing the title of the assignment, e.g., "Response on Culture Shock" or something like this.

Go on to Review: What is and what is not culture
or
Go back to What is Culture? Part 2