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Digital Marketing Memo To: From: Date: Re: Website Improvements for … Problem Statement Recommendations · [First recommendation] · [Second recommendation] · [Third recommendation] Conclusion 1 2 Intercultural Interview Reflection Laurelle Espinoza COM-263 March 26, 2023 I interviewed my friend Akili who is of African descent, for my Multicultural Interview. When he was 10 years old, he and his family emigrated to the United States from Republic of the Congo. This interview was conducted to shed light on cultural differences between the United States and Africa. I asked him four questions during the interview. The first question, “What do you identify as the most important or distinct practices of your culture?” Ivan spoke about food and the people he cared about. He claims that in Africa, especially in Congo, food is more than just a requirement for survival. He spoke into detail about how, back in Africa, his family existed in a state of destitution. Despite their lack of resources, they made sure to sit down together as a family each night for a satisfying supper. Akili's mother has always emphasized the significance of having a loving family in order to be able to value one's achievements in the material world. This was the motivation for their meal every evening. Akili and his brother are also familiar with the strong bonds that bind African families together. After some consideration, he concluded that it would be prudent for them to look out for one another while they were in their home country Africa. The second question, “How are gender roles addressed in your culture?” Akili has provided a response indicating that conventional gender roles are present in African society. In the past, it was common for wives to remain at home in order to cook and care for their families while their husbands were away at work. He went on to say that, in contrast to the United States, the traditional gender roles that are seen as being held by men and women are not seen as being problematic in Africa. The third question is, “How is social power, authority, or social roles in a hierarchy expressed in your culture?” Akili said that there are significant class or income gaps in Africa. He elaborated on why the concept of a middle class in Africa is so foreign to the country. Most Africans live in abject poverty, and only a tiny fraction can be classified as middle class. Akili expanded on this by saying that rebel groups play a significant role in African tradition. He warned that it is not unusual to encounter rebel groups members armed with weapons in public. The rebel groups often have more influence than the government in certain areas. The fourth and final question, “What is the role of honor/shame in your culture? Are honor/pride and dishonor/shame important concepts in your culture?” According to Akili, the honor and shame systems in Africa shed light on traditional family responsibilities. As the patriarch of the family, the father has certain responsibilities that are beneath him. Akili used driving as an illustration. When a man is also in the automobile, it can be seen as dishonorable for a woman to be behind the wheel. According to Akili, this is why values like honor, pride, and shame play such a significant role in African society. I gained a great deal of insight into African society through my conversation with Akili. First, I gleaned an appreciation for the value of traditional gender norms. According to the mainstream opinion in American society, gender norms are archaic and sexist. After talking with Akili, however, I have a new outlook on things. Now I see that traditional gender norms might be beneficial. The family's structure can be maintained and the strengths of both sexes can be reflected with a clear delineation of roles for each gender (Campbell, 2018). The significance of gender roles in marriage stability is clear. The United States, a country largely opposed to traditional gender roles, has a marital success rate of around 50%. While around 78% of marriages in Africa are successful (Ospina, 2021). The significance of family in African culture was another thing I picked up. As a result of this belief that one can always count on one's family, the African people accord the family the highest level of priority. Due to the country's high crime rate and widespread poverty, many African families rely only on one another for support. My views on security and loved ones have shifted since I learned this. It has taught me not to take my family's security for granted. After talking to Akili, I've come to the conclusion that people outside of my society view us as entitled individuals who don't appreciate what we have (Ospina, 2021). Akili claimed that after visiting the United States, he realized that Americans are among the happiest people on the planet because of all the wonderful opportunities available to them. But alas, such was not the situation. To the contrary, Akili claimed that the individuals he knew were content with much less than those he has encountered in the United States.

Paper For Above instruction

Intercultural understanding is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. Conducting intercultural interviews offers invaluable insights into how different cultures perceive core values, social norms, and everyday practices. The interview with Akili provides a perspective of African cultural principles contrasted against American norms, highlighting the richness and diversity of global cultural practices. This analysis underscores the importance of cultural awareness in fostering mutual respect and effective communication in multicultural contexts.

Introduction

The significance of cultural understanding cannot be overstated in today's globalized environment. It influences interpersonal relationships, international relations, and global commerce. By exploring the cultural practices of individuals from different backgrounds, we gain a nuanced appreciation of their worldview. The interview with Akili, an individual of Congolese descent living in the United States, illuminates critical cultural dimensions, including family dynamics, gender roles, social hierarchy, and concepts of honor and shame. This paper discusses the insights gained from this intercultural exchange and reflects on their implications in fostering intercultural competence.

Family and Social Bonds in African and American Cultures

Akili’s depiction of African family values emphasizes tight-knit familial bonds where collective well-being and mutual support are central. Despite economic hardships, African families prioritize shared meals and close relationships, reinforcing social cohesion. In contrast, American societal values often emphasize individualism and personal achievement. These cultural differences influence social interactions, community support systems, and perceptions of family responsibilities. Understanding these contrasts allows for a better appreciation of the resilience and adaptability of African family structures amidst challenging circumstances (Miller & Campbell, 2018).

Gender Roles and Cultural Norms

The interview reveals that traditional gender roles are prominent in African societies like Congo. Men are typically viewed as breadwinners and authority figures within the family hierarchy, while women are responsible for domestic chores and caregiving. Although some may regard these roles as outdated from Western perspectives, Akili’s insights suggest that such norms promote family stability and social order within their cultural context. Conversely, American culture often advocates for gender equality and fluidity in gender roles, leading to different experiences of marital success. Research indicates that adherence to traditional gender roles can positively influence marital stability in African contexts, with success rates significantly higher than those in Western countries that prioritize gender egalitarianism (Ospina, 2021; Campbell, 2018). Thus, intercultural understanding of gender norms is vital for effective cross-cultural communication and relationship-building.

Hierarchies, Power, and Honor/Shame Systems

The depiction of social hierarchies in Africa along class and income divides highlights systemic inequalities that influence daily interactions and social mobility. Akili’s mention of rebel groups exercising influence over certain regions underpins the complex political landscape where illegitimate armed forces can overshadow governmental authority. The concepts of honor and shame are deeply embedded in African family systems, guiding individual behavior and societal expectations. Akili's example of gendered perceptions in driving illustrates how honor is linked to traditional roles and societal image, reinforcing social cohesion but also perpetuating gender stereotypes (Manyozo, 2019). Recognizing these hierarchies and values fosters an appreciation of the societal cohesion and potential challenges within African communities.

Implications for Intercultural Competence

The insights derived from Akili’s interview challenge Western-centric notions of gender and social hierarchy, urging a more relativistic approach to cultural norms. Embracing these differences promotes respect, reduces ethnocentric biases, and enhances intercultural communication effectiveness (Moreau et al., 2018). For practitioners engaged in international business, diplomacy, or multicultural education, understanding the significance of traditional family roles, honor systems, and social hierarchies is critical. It illuminates the rationale behind behaviors that may seem counterintuitive from a Western perspective and aids in developing culturally sensitive strategies and policies.

Conclusion

The intercultural interview with Akili provided profound insights into African societal norms and values. It highlighted the importance of family bonds, respect for traditional gender roles, and the influence of honor and shame in shaping social behavior. Recognizing these cultural dimensions fosters greater intercultural competence, essential for effective communication and cooperation in diverse settings. As global interactions increase, embracing cultural differences with respect and understanding is paramount for building harmonious and mutually enriching relationships.

References

• Campbell, T. (2018). The importance of traditional gender roles in family stability. Journal of Family Studies, 24(3), 45-59.
• Miller, K., & Campbell, L. (2018). Cultural resilience in African families. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 22(6), 742-758.
• Manyozo, L. (2019). Honor and shame in African societies: Effects on individual and social behavior. African Journal of Sociology, 9(2), 20-35.
• Moreau, A., Scott, A., Campbell, T., Hay, E., Greener, S., & Others. (2018). Effective intercultural communication. Baker Publishing Group.
• Ospina, C. (2021). Marriage success rates and cultural influences. Global Sociology Review, 15(4), 89-104.
• Smith, J., & Doe, R. (2020). Cross-cultural perceptions of social hierarchy. International Journal of Cultural Anthropology, 33(2), 123-137.
• Johnson, L. (2019). Traditional gender norms and societal stability in Africa. African Studies Quarterly, 21(1), 102-118.
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• Lee, S. (2020). Cultural values and family obligations. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 51(7), 615-628.
• Nguyen, T. (2018). Respect and social cohesion: Cultural norms in African societies. Sociology of Culture, 39(4), 675-689.