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Multicultural Moments - a periodic newsletter with brief items of note on our multicultural lives (Newsletter #18.01.11).  See prior editions in our Archives.    

Recently I guest lectured at a local college on the subject of "Cultural Diversity," using a highly interactive format with cultural information interspersed.  Actual case histories from my own background were used frequently to reinforce points.  The students were people who deal with the public regularly, and their comments in my post-program survey illustrated how they are challenged by our multicultural Chicago-area population.  Here are high points of that survey, which may prove useful to you as well:

What have you learned that has helped you the most?

►The varied dimensions of diversity.  Who knew?!

►I thought the group exercise was useful for making the picture "real."

►It was rather eye-opening to learn about everyone's experiences in customer service and relating to people in situations with cultural differences.

►Everyone is different.  The feelings and reactions of everyone are just as important.

►I have learned to be more observant of people's behaviors.

►The situations other people have had, and how to handle them differently.

►Acknowledging people's feelings is important.

►Not to get upset.  Try to understand why, or the background of that person.

►How to react when interacting with people of different cultures.

►Always remember you are working towards a common goal when working with other people.

►Treat the individual first (vs. making assumptions based on cultural group heritage).

►That everyone has the same communication problems.

What will you do differently as a result of this program?

►Look for clues.  The mirroring will be very helpful.

►I will take the other person's emotion into consideration.

►I will be more receptive to learning about other people and will not assume.

►Be more mindful and sensitive.

►Learn to accept different cultures.

►Use some techniques we learned today to iron out any cultural issues.

►Don't assume.

►Be more cautious in what I say.

 What aspect of the program worked particularly well?

►All, but particularly the discussion at the end.

►I like getting resource lists, and will check them out.

►Every part.  I think the group activity helped bring everyone together.

►Hearing everyone's stories and discussing how we could react differently.

►Approach people as individuals first.

►Talking about different cultures.

►Learning to use open-ended questions.

►The small and large group discussions sharing experiences.

►The sources and topics covered. 

►We all benefited from your extensive background.  (Meeting Planner)

(Editor's note:  This college also requested permission to use my Articles in their on-line curriculum.) 

The arts communicate across cultures as no other medium can.

"What Brings a Nation Together?"

The March 2011 edition of Reader's Digest reports their latest poll on this subject covering 16 countries.  Included in their options were:

• Shared Values

• Shared Language

• Shared History

Other factors were also addressed, such as:

• Gender Equality

• Respect for Elders

• Church and State

The results varied by country.  For example, Shared Values was highest in eight countries (including the USA); Shared Language scored highest in seven others; and Shared History won in two.  To see how different countries answered the question, download the Reader's Digest magazine app from the iTunes store.

"Doing multiculturalism right calls for striking a balance between a respect for diverse cultures and respect for the common culture we all share."

Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune columnist

We welcome your comments...real stories are always the best.
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Blog Responses to our last newsletter  for reference see: MM 17 01 10.htm

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Let us know your thoughts.  Our goal is to facilitate better relations across cultures through greater understanding and improved communication.  What would you like to see covered in our next edition.  Write jas@StarkeyGrp.com.

We continue to speak, train and consult on multicultural issues (see http://starkeygrp.com/Client/Clients.htm)  Contact us for help with your organization or for personal counseling.

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Judith A. Starkey, President
The Starkey Group, Inc.
3180 N. Lake Shore Drive, #17G
Chicago, Illinois 607657-4867 USA
Phone:  773 348 0421
Fax:  773 348 3683
E-Mail:  jas@StarkeyGrp.com or StarkeyGrp@aol.com
Website:  www.StarkeyGrp.com

We are pleased that we continue to get requests to excerpt all or portions of our newsletters.  For permission to reproduce this newsletter, contact jas@StarkeyGrp.com.

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