User talk:The Melting pot

Hey guys! this is our group page :)
Make sure that whenever you post anything up here you:

1. Leave a space between your post and other people's posts.

2. Type your name, date and time before you post your information

3. save the page!

When you log in....

user name: The Melting pot

password: diversity

Here are some links that you can all use for research (add links as you please)
you need to insert http://

http://eastlrc.valencia.cc.fl.us/  (VCC library website)

http://www.google.com  (use advanced search)

http://eastlrc.valencia.cc.fl.us/page.cfm?pageid=114   (VCC library electronic databases)

http://www.linccweb.org/  (gale group databases)

ok cool have fun love, Claudia

Topics
Claudia: Diversity is real and valuable p.282

Crystal: overcoming stereotypes p.288

Alex: Seven Steps to nonsexist writing p.293

Akib: Communicating across cultures p.284

Dave: Dealing with sexism and sexual harassment p.291

E-mail each other :)
Claudia: cvargas20@atlas.valenciacc.edu

Crystal: CBillins@atlas.valenciacc.edu

Alex:    arivera103@atlas.valenciacc.edu

Akib:    asirkhan1@atlas.valenciacc.edu

Dave:    slyguy47@cfl.rr.com

Add your info down here!!
Akib (Communicating Across Cultures Pg. 284)

Having the desire to communicate is the first important step to getting to know other cultures. If you truly value cultural diversity, you do whatever it takes to build bridges between people.

Back up your desire with knowledge of other cultures. Cultures differ in their way of learning with dimensions of style. The more we know about other cultures, the more tolerant we are towards them. Be sensitive towards learning, and be willing to ask questions. Remember when more differences are explored, more similarities are discovered!

3 Levels To Take towards Communicating

A) Personal Level: Be Aware of your own views and biases.

B) Interpersonal Communication: Form groups or aliiances with people from other races and ethnicities.

C) Institutional: Point out discrimination and racism that you observe in organizations. Be an advocate for change.

When you are in a classroom, it's not other people's responsibility to recognize your race. Your job is to raise cultural awareness (You want to do this in a positive way).

Look for Common Ground. Never assume the worst in people. Many people of different cultures and races have the same economic, and educational goal. If you are "iffy" about a certain race or religion of people, then join a group at school to get to know these people. Ignorance is Venomous. More knowledge, More Power.

It's VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT that you have the right intentions to treat people with EQUALITY. For example, if you come across a person who doesn't speak english very well, here are some tips that you should go by for treating that person with PROPER respect.

1. Speak Slowly and distinctly.

2. Avoid slang, and don't repeat the same words over and over again.

3. Use gestures to accompany your words.

4. Stay calm and avoidnon verbal messages when you're frustrated ( You will cause animosity). Call someone else for help if you can't handle the situation.

- "Look at the individual, not a group representative." Do Not look at a black classmate and assume he/she is not good at math, and must be good in jazz class. Do not look at a white guy and assume he's an A student in English class. Don't look at the Asians and assume they have Straight A's. There are no Spokesmen for races.

- Celebrate Your Culture in Achievements while trying to get to know another Culture. Getting insight from other cultures may help you more than your own.

- **** DEVELOP A SUPPORT SYSTEM****

Many Students find the excuse of having their social status/class affect their academic performance. If a student doesn't have a family that does not support them, it's not an excuse not to do well in school. A student can easily get a mentor (can find one at school), seek help from church/mosque groups, and join clubs to help them with their success at school. Many students are joining clubs as a strategy to help them out with their courses. Support systems can also help you bridge culture gaps. Always Ask Questions. If a person turns you down or makes you feel dumb for asking a question, then you're obviously not asking the right person.

Lastly, here are some tips to share knowledge while having compassion and understanding common values:

1. Keep your temper in check. Avoid shouting and pointing. Don't address your differences among a person saying "you are accusing me... You're nothing but trouble... You don't understand.. You have no respect..." To Be the bigger person, you have to say "I feel that you're doing this... I think you're not trying to understand... I didn't think that was necessary.." Always address your feelings before you point and say "You." < that's being judgemental towards what you don't know.

2. Stick To The Point. When feeling angry or afraid, you might talk more than usual. When you're talking to someone from another culture, Pause and Clarify questions.

3. Focus on Actions, Not personalities. For example when requesting for someone to show up for work, you wanna say "Please show up at 9 am" rather than "You are irresponsible."

4. Last but not least, Take time to comment when others do well. But avois excessive comments, because another culture may be uncomfortable and may even question your sincerity.. Remember different cultures may prefer a private conversation rather than a public one.