Is it cultural appropriation? I have a few questions…
Cultural appropriation is a phrase that has gathered traction as more folks are critically looking the unacknowledged, fetishized and exoticized use of culture that is not their own. And rightfully so. But is it all that bad? The difference between appropriation and appreciation can be muddled. The fact of the matter is that culture is fluid, […]
“Communication Breakdown” does not exist
What if I told you there is no such thing as a “communication breakdown?”(Aside from a Led Zeppelin song.) “Communication breakdown” is often a go-to phrase to name an incident in which “something went wrong.” This phrase, however, never takes into account what we know today as the Shannon-Weaver interpersonal communication model. Within the model, […]
Do you believe that it’s possible to treat everyone with respect?
In one of my previous roles, I remember speaking with a supervisor about being aware of some cultural differences the crews may encounter when entering a community to begin construction work. I’ll never forget his comment: “We treat all of our customers the same.” And that’s the problem. Listen, I’m sure he meant to finish […]
Why are hand gestures so important?
Hand gestures are forms of nonverbal communication. As with other forms of nonverbal communication, hand gestures are innate, redundant and non-rules bound. While gesturing and posturing are humans’ first form of communication, hand gestures are generally learned side-by-side with language to form meaning(s). Hand gestures are culturally significant; one hand gesture may possess various meanings […]
Innocence and Culture
When we think about the words “innocence” and “childhood,” they often go hand-in-hand. Innocence, in this context meaning “lack of experience,” cements the ideals of childhood that invoke simplicity by means of exploration and acquisition. The phrase “tabula rasa” or blank slate reinforces this idea. Innocence is synonymous with the ideas of optimism, naivety and […]
What is the link between childhood, communication and culture?
In the lens of communication and culture, childhood and adolescence are viewed as a time of acquisition. Children will view patterns of behavior in their physical surroundings and develop accordingly into their own identity. Non-verbal communication, language and meanings (culture) are passed down through acquisition.