04-08-2015, 06:44 AM
HOTPE, good point, culture is absolutely a survival mechanism.
It's also worth mentioning that the value on "truth" happens to be a big one in Western culture. And to get to the elusive truth, the Greeks invented the dialectic. Now 2,500 years later we engage in and are comfortable with public debate, unlike some of our Asian brothers who come from cultures that give priority to group harmony, cohesiveness and working things out behind the scenes (in a way, I might add, that allows all sides to maintain their dignity).
How does this relate to the telescope? I can assure you that these gaps in mindset routinely create friction and discord in cross-cultural negotiations and relationships. And while I am not an authority on Hawaiian culture, I suspect that showing the host culture respect would go a long way in facilitating a meaningful dialogue.
In my experience, just a slight elevation in empathy on both sides can make a huge difference in bridging gaps. The good news is that empathy is relatively easy to cultivate in face-to-face situations (not to mention that folks are less likely to be rude when a living, breathing human is in front of them).
The bad news is that it's almost impossible to cultivate empathy on a public forum, because it's so damn easy to dehumanize those who would have the audacity to disagree with us!
And here we are.
I read somewhere years ago that communicating and negotiating with another culture is like walking through a minefield blindfolded. After living and working in the cross-cultural world for almost 4 decades, the metaphor still resonates. Powerful invisible cultural forces are at work, driving this discussion and behavior on both sides of the divide. Gaps abound, some I see, lots more hidden. When thrown into these kinds of situations, I instinctively go into listening mode and endeavor to be respectful. This approach has never let me down.
It's also worth mentioning that the value on "truth" happens to be a big one in Western culture. And to get to the elusive truth, the Greeks invented the dialectic. Now 2,500 years later we engage in and are comfortable with public debate, unlike some of our Asian brothers who come from cultures that give priority to group harmony, cohesiveness and working things out behind the scenes (in a way, I might add, that allows all sides to maintain their dignity).
How does this relate to the telescope? I can assure you that these gaps in mindset routinely create friction and discord in cross-cultural negotiations and relationships. And while I am not an authority on Hawaiian culture, I suspect that showing the host culture respect would go a long way in facilitating a meaningful dialogue.
In my experience, just a slight elevation in empathy on both sides can make a huge difference in bridging gaps. The good news is that empathy is relatively easy to cultivate in face-to-face situations (not to mention that folks are less likely to be rude when a living, breathing human is in front of them).
The bad news is that it's almost impossible to cultivate empathy on a public forum, because it's so damn easy to dehumanize those who would have the audacity to disagree with us!
And here we are.I read somewhere years ago that communicating and negotiating with another culture is like walking through a minefield blindfolded. After living and working in the cross-cultural world for almost 4 decades, the metaphor still resonates. Powerful invisible cultural forces are at work, driving this discussion and behavior on both sides of the divide. Gaps abound, some I see, lots more hidden. When thrown into these kinds of situations, I instinctively go into listening mode and endeavor to be respectful. This approach has never let me down.
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius