Social stereotypes, that is, individual’s belief on the features of the predominant world culture has for long varied among the players. The study of social relations among different societal members is categorically a hybrid distinguishable on bases of orientation and lineage relation. Intergroup relations are the collective behavior of groups traditionally regarded as the domain of sociology and political science. I think cultural self-awareness and sensitivity to ones cultural heritage are essential. Culture is the way of doing things (Richard, 2008).
It significantly influences the lens through which we see the world. Each individual grew with a different set of cultural messages acquired from, the environment we grew. Therefore, we hold different attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes towards the various aspects of life. Any civilized society faces diversity in issues because of culturally and racially different compositions. This diversity in culture, belief, and understanding is extremely beneficial especially in the art of globalization. The diversity in culture boosts the belief systems of persons and other un-examinable values like anger, fear, and mistrust. It also improves interactions at the personal level, interpersonal level, and in organizational or systemic level. Therefore, the existence of culturally different groups has many positive benefits attached.
Population of persons composed of many cultural backgrounds and diversity of traditions may harbor some social problems. Multiculturalism has a psychological effect as founded in the ethical conduct and the influences on beliefs and practices of individuals involved (Moran et al, 2010). This may emerge in the socialization of the persons involved because of the racial and ethnic affiliation.
Human beings are cultural beings and their difference in beliefs and practices detrimentally influence an individual’s perceptions to interactions with individuals who are culturally different. Cultural heritage, different dimensions of identity like ethnic and racial identity have effect on socialization and predispose individuals to certain biases and assumptions about oneself and others. Having this in mind, attitudes, and perceptions may influence my interaction with individuals who are culturally different from me because of sensitivity to other cultural values (Richard, 2008)
Unlike the human nature, culture is learned. Individuals within a cultural bracket vary in ways that are dramatic as variations across the cultures. Culture may be in many layers starting form the work, family, community, and regional culture as well as international culture. Cultural preferences have strongly embedment because human beings are highly social creatures (Moran et al, 2010).
Culture and human nature have a monumental influence on the personality of an individual. Some personalities also have profound influences on a certain culture. Culture, through the process of natural selection, influences human nature over time. The act of cultural evolution does not however suggest how practitioners carry out cross-cultural interactions but the preservation of culture as an important aspect of a society.
Approach to cultural findings requires solutions to difficulties that satisfy the demands of the persons raised by the different cultural perspectives (Richard, 2008). I have acquired understanding on others culture enhancing my interactions with persons of different cultures. Being hospitable and welcoming to other culture reduces the chances of misunderstandings with this cultural diversity. My greatest weakness is the challenge of assimilation.
It is difficult to accept individuals born of a different environment and perfectly absorb them in our situation (Moran et al, 2010). The newcomers may not be willing to adapt all the beliefs of the native culture. Another weakness is the case of competing cultures where the newcomers may reject a certain culture in favor of another. All these weaknesses can however be addressed by having a positive mentality towards all the cultures. This will influence the art of closeness among these people and draw them closer. It also increases their cohesion.
References
Moran, R.et al. (2010). Managing Cultural Differences: Global Leadership Strategies for Cross-Cultural Business Success. New York: Routledge.
Richard, B. (2008). Working with Cultural Differences: Dealing Effectively With Diversity in the Workplace. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group.