2006-12-23 04:55:56 · 16 answers · asked by linalawson 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I think the answer to this question is simple: Take out "multi cultural background" from your question and re-ask it to yourself. Simply treat people as people. I know this might sound overly simple but I deal with an array of people at work everyday. I think it is pretty easy for any reasonable person to know what would be considered offensive to anyone. The more we separate each other and try to worry about our differences, the farther away we get from realizing that we all have so much in common.
2006-12-23 05:04:34 · answer #1 · answered by druidofthesouth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, you need to know where your from and what is your culture, nationality and origin; most people fail to realize that we are all multi-cultural, and that because of the global economy the integration and disappearing of cultures is far more rapid than ever before. White is not just white; it might also be British, Irish, Dutch, South African or even Argentinian. In the same manner, thepredisposed notions of race built here in the U.S. are useless when dealing with multi-cuturalism.
Second, there is a blur between race, culture, ethnicity, and nationality; finally, the most important element for a successive meet is to be aware of the dynamic facet of the international system. For example, many Eastern European countries have 15 to 16 years of existence; at the same time, within those countries there are many cultures, which are different from one another.
The definition of culture is broad and interchanging; even in homogenous communities, multi-culturalism is an every day facet of human development. When dealing with someone who is multi-cultural, the most important aspect is to be tolerant, understanding, and willing to actively listen to someone who is not entirely different from you, but just has a different historical trajectory.
Brush up on some basic history, due some research on the person's country, and show that you're willing to go out of your way to learn.
2006-12-23 05:54:25 · answer #2 · answered by Kenaldinho 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a person wants to be successful in working with people from various cultures, they should study those cultures. This way the person will know their customs, preferences, and values.
If you aren't sure what cultures you will be dealing with, studying different cultures will still help because you will know not to make assumptions about any particular culture.
2006-12-23 04:59:37 · answer #3 · answered by inkantra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing you gotta do is forget they're multi-cultural and that that only reflects upon their attitude toward it and not yours-treat them like you'd treat everyone else who are your Friends and acquaintances and respect that difference. If they're hung up or want to posture that they're differ ant you gotta deal with an ego but if they're just stuck in being "I'm a ____________" then you gotta deal with that and it may be a short relationship.
People are people-some you like-some you gotta deal with-others you can avoid!
2006-12-23 05:05:29 · answer #4 · answered by arthur d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kind of a strange question.
Treat them like normal people even if they don't appear to be. Behind all the abuse mascarading as culture they may have endured they are human beings with the same hopes, dreams and fears you have.
2006-12-23 05:00:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treat them like anyone else- with respect, care, and interest. Find out about their cultures so you can be more comfortable with them. Here are some funny cultural blunders made by commercial companies...
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/crosscultural-blunders.html
2006-12-23 04:59:49 · answer #6 · answered by stella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well.. your question imply that you look from above to other. Look to people around you from within, focus in the similarity and understand the difference. Lower your sensitivity threshold and do not be in the offensive all the time. Accept the fact that you can not change them to be you and they can't change you to be them. In the end we all born naked and we all go back naked.
2006-12-23 05:55:42 · answer #7 · answered by tea_bread2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are people. Unless there is a language barrier that would require an interpreter, treat them like you would a beloved member of your own family, and you can't fail! Good luck!
2006-12-23 04:59:23 · answer #8 · answered by Stacy Cuccia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to find out what you can about the differences to help you become more comfortable. There isll actaully be more similarities in the end because people are people.
2006-12-23 04:57:30 · answer #9 · answered by yogangel7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Respect them. That means many things. You decide what those things are. Next decide what it is you wish to succeed at and then work with them and for both it will be a good experience.
2006-12-23 05:04:33 · answer #10 · answered by JORGE N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋