Reflection #4

This is the final reflection to the course cultural diversity. This reflection will talk about what 3 classes I felt were the most interesting. Why is it important to learn and study cultural diversity? What age would be good to get into cultural diversity topics? What is the most interesting topic of the course and finally if the UAE had a Harmony Day like that in Australia, how and when should it be celebrated.

The 3 most important classes that I found to be interesting were the blue eyes and brown eyes video, the video about the hikers climbing Mount Everest, and the Qatari Nepali incident. The reason being is because they explained a lot on what the course had to offer and it was very easy to understand and absorb. Also they were very new concepts to me and I felt that it has broadened my mind and opinion to other ethnicity and cultures.

Due to the video of Brown Eyes and Blue Eyes, I feel that it should be taught at an early age. Primarily to the reason that children are born with pure hearts and they are quick to learn and they would grow up more understanding. The most interesting topic of the course was about how many slaves you personally own. I was surprised by just being a simple consumer I am contributing to slavery. Finally if the UAE had a Harmony Day, then it should be on a June because we have no days for that month and the best way would be to have Emirati and Expats together socializing.

In conclusion, this course has a lot to offer, and I strongly recommended the development and expansion of the course. I feel it would really assist Emirati youths in University as it is no secret that we live in a heterogeneous society.

First two powerpoint slides

 



Slide 1

 

Slide 2

Exercise 10#a

Exercise #10a:

Modern slaves today:

As compared to previous eras of slavery, we must admit that the position of slavery is at better state. Due to abolition of slavery and following events, is that there are no countries in the UN that trade or acknowledge the legality of slavery. The modern concept of slavery has been reduced to criminal organizations. Majority of modern slaves work in the sex industry and under the cover of cheap labor. The trouble with cheap labor is that there are many instances the workers arent even paid. However these situations are always contained but after the human cost of suffering.

According to the website, Slavery Footprint, I have 29 slaves working for me. I find the number shocking and gave me a good awareness that I am actually contributing to the trade without even realising.

Exercise #8c

Exercise #8 b

Exercise #8b:

Cultural Dimension	Character Todd, Puro, Aisha or other	Outsourced Scene or Circumstance
Low-context culture	Todd	In Class
High-context culture	Aisha	InClass
Individualism	Todd	He lives alone
Collectivism	Aisha	Stays with her family
Low power distance	Todd	To the point, ex his boss
High power distance	Puro	Talks very generally
Uncertainty tolerance	Aisha	Scene with boss
Uncertainty avoidance	Todd	Scene with boss
Task orientation	Puro	The boss
Social orientation	Aisha	communicates and speaks well

Exercise #8b part 2:

As according to the movie, I would say that the Emirati cultural dimension are similar to that of Aisha. We are both high context, meaning that we generally not mean what we say and that we like to talk a lot. We are also collective as individuals, because we always hang out in a group and live with our families to very old ages. We are both high power distance, for example we would tend to regard a person higher for who he knows and what he has. We tend to be uncertainty toelrant, for example if I would tell my friend we are going to meet up tomorrow, the venue, time, and event doesnt matter, it could be decided 30 minutes before we chill.

I think the positive side to these dimensions in university would be communication. For example since we are colective, if the message is passed to one of us then we all get it. Team plays are very more effective since we always stick with one another.

Exercise #8a

Exercise #8a:

Below is a brief explanation of the cultural dimensions:- 

·         Low-context and high-context culture.

Low-context	High-context
Westerners Direct Exact on time Expect a common understanding	Orientals and Arabs Indirect Flexible with timings Unspoken etiquette

·      Individualism and collectivism.

Individualism	Collectivism
Usually western people are individuals. They tend to do things on their own.	Middle Eastern cultures, especially Emiratis, tend to work as a unit or a family whether its college or going for lunch.

·         Low power distance and high power distance.

Lower power	Higher power
It’s between an employee and his boss have a close relationship.	Leader, gets respect and money, but don’t have any relationship.

·         Uncertainty tolerance and uncertainty avoidance.

Uncertainty tolerance	Uncertainty avoidance
Emiratis tend to tolerate uncertainty, for example I could say I can see you tomorrow, and the location, timing and reason not mentioned.	Japanese tend to avoid uncertainty by being sure time, place, and objective planned before hand.

.          Task orientation and social orientation.

Task orientation	Social orientation
It generally means that the primary focus and preference is the job itself.	An Emirati cares more about who is in the company, the reputation society talks about, and other factors like family, where as the task itself is not the primary focus.

Ethnocentrism Assignment – Exercise #7 EXTRA    ++

1.     Read about Ethnocentrism on Edmodo (Week #6)

Ethnocentrism is the belief of superiority is one's personal ethnic group, but it can also develop from racial or religious differences.

2.    List three examples of ethnocentrism from history

1   Roman Empire

     Adolf Hitler

     Empire of Japan

3.    What country is known for being ethnocentric today?

    China

4.    What is the famous quote from Shylock which reminds all of us of our humanity?

    

      I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian example? Why, revenge. The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.

5.    Look at the two maps of ethnocentric Americans and ethnocentric Indians.

6.    Now make your own map showing how Emiratis see the world: