We perceive each other by looks and culturally conditioned behaviour.
We do not dare to see each other as just one human looking at or meeting another. We even hide behind our colour and culture.
But what it really boils down to is in the genes.
Note: Read this interesting take on being foreign or different from a southerly angle, the piece is called The Great mis-confusion by the author.
True… Empathy is a non-existing word in intercultural communication. Actually, according to intercultural theorist it’s impossible to show empathy crossculturally. But what do they know…
Maybe sympathy is the place to begin.
Fisker, the lack of inter-cultural empathy is exactly the downfall of this world. We need to respect each other and reach out.
As for the theorists, I must admit, I rarely pay any heed to them, they are often, in my view, too removed from the reality on the ground and in the context of inter-cultural communication and empathy, they obviously know nothing.
Sympathy, empathy and an open friendly attitude is, in my double cultured experience, the way forward.
Leaving culture to one side, we’re are all merely humans…
PS. Thank you for commenting in English to this, that exactly shows willingness to communicate with everyone!
Irene, I so agree with you. Respect and acknowledgment are keywords in this matter.
Cultural theories are for academics to find answers and conclusions to the never ending, inconclusive story. The theories work fine on paper. However, in practice it’s even more simple than theories and artificial field studies, it’s simply acknowledge, embrace, and respect.
I’ve also become an intercultural product (and loving it!), so a reply to this in English is only natural to me
Yes, one should never assume facts from the looks and behaviour of fellow human beings. Empathy/sympathy would be good, but personally I’d settle for more tolerance first.
Nurhanne, you are absolutely right. I am just one of the naive ones that set the stake above the tolerance level.
Thanks for your wake-up comment!
Ah, but then again, if we reach for the sky we might actually reach the tree top
We must Nurhanne, otherwise us optimists would just despair!