Historical Examination

Historical Examination

1.     Why would it be important to examine the role of history in Intercultural Communication?

a.     Our entire basis on understanding cultures is based off of our own personal history as well as the culture we wish to understand. We are all part of a larger history and historically intertwined as time passes.

b.     In order for us as students to gain the understanding needed to communicate our intercultural we will need to see where it is we gain our understanding of other cultures. This is largely based on our personal communication within our families and histories and our conditioning to the information as well.

2.     What are hidden histories and how might hide histories affect intercultural interactions?

a.     The past is just as important as the current and future. There are questions such as should we forget our pasts or history if we could these hidden histories is what makes us who we are today. And this is not something we should shy away from, but learn form.

b.     The hidden histories can affect the way we communicate and our intercultural interactions because you never know the spectrum or caliber of this history you are dealing with. You may do business with a well-respected and known white man but in his house he may be the biggest bigot in the world. And his history may be dominant regardless of the social implications for him and his family.

3.     Compare and contrast family histories with national histories.

a.     This can be described as the Hispanic culture that I deal with every day. I am Cuban in my ethnicity but American in my Nationality. I am bound to the Cuban traditions based on that family and ethnicity, However My national histories to my country are just as strong.

b.     I joined the Navy to do my part and earn my place when I was young.  Felt that I needed to prove I was American, because being born here isn’t enough anymore. Or at least that is what I felt and thought at 18.

4.     How is the history of gays and lesbians relevant to intercultural communication?

a.     This is something that has been happening since the beginning of our existence. I am not sure why it was not recorded more frequently in our history. I feel that during the creation of the bible, there were many man made rules placed in under the cover of “God’s views or words” I do not believe that the Lord makes mistakes and by saying that being anything other than straight that you are going to burn in hell is not something I have ever agreed with. I feel that the perception is a man made perception and that the fist ones preaching tolerance and unity are the first ones in line to crucify someone.

b.     I fell that the history is extremely relevant, as the lack of history does not allow us to capture a perception other than bad based on the current views. This should be something that changes with time as society gets to see first hand that they are just people and are attempting to make regular lives for themselves. As time progresses there should be a shift in the way their history is portrayed.

5.     How can we negotiate histories in interactions?

a.     There should always be histories in all our interactions as we attempt to understand where these individuals are coming from. If we neglect to understand and use what histories we are aware of than we may offend and be inefficient in the way we communicate.

b.     When having a conversation we should mentally prepare ourselves to understand the histories that may be a factor when communicating. There should never be an assumption that everyone is from the same type of environment as we are. We should always be respectful and mindful with our communication style and delivery.