CAPS #5 Culture Industries

Culture industries is defined as, "industries that produce and sell popular culture as commodities. For a culture industry to be able to produce and sell commodities there are four characteristics of popular culture that allow this to be possible. The first is pretty obvious, it must be produced by a culture industry. The second characteristic is that it must differ from folk culture. The third characteristic is that it must be everywhere and lastly the fourth characteristic is that it must fill a social function. For a cultural industry to survive it must be mainstream and and must be financially driven.

The book gives us an example of the Disney Corporation as a "noteworthy" example of a culture industry. In which has been successful to the mass of mainstream movies, cartoons as well as cultural activities due to the fact that it produces amusement parks world wide and lastly is financially driven through all of its merchandise and components listed before. In my own example however we see and hear culture industries work through our televisions and radio, specifically music. Even though MTV is now not so "Music Television" anymore we still see and hear of the most popular groups of artists and music through these mainstream designated television programs (such as their sister programs i.e., MTV2).

Relating to myself, how do these cultural industries affect me? Well, all I can say is that most of them had me at "hello". Even though I do not watch much TV anymore whenever I am studying, doing homework or cleaning my television is on MTV2. They have the most recent music, popular music and new upcoming artists. This affects me because it allows me to become more interested in what they're selling me, and that is not only the music but an artist a beat and a company (such as a record company), making me want to watch and listen more, improving their ratings. This then correlates with me either purchasing it on iTunes allowing another culture industry to profit from my interest, then those profits go to the artist and record company. All in all through just one main stream interest I have a variety of industries are fueled to produce more. So in terms of my future with culture industries is that since I'm engulfed in it, I don't see me getting out of it. It's like a hobby, you enjoy it, it relaxes you and gives you your inner peace, which this industry does for me.

Caps #6--Geoffrey Gross

Romantic Relationships

Michelangelo has always had a love affair with pizza.

From Romeo and Juliet to Michelangelo and pizza, romantic relationships never fail to perk the interest of the spectator. Martin and Nakayama, define romantic relationships as intimate relationships that comprise love, involvement, sharing, openness, connectedness, and so on. Below I will provide examples of romantic relationships and the impact my new found knowledge on this type of relationship will have on my future understanding of intercultural relationships.

Relational Connections

Shakespeare is synonymous with Love. Through stories, poems and plays, he was able to embody the essence of human Romance. Yet,  Shakespeare is English, and his observations were of the English. The major question is how Romeo and Juliet’s relationship  differs from Mulan and Captain Li’s?  It turns out that in romantic relationships, individuals are looking for specific qualities, many of which are heavily dependent on their culture. Gao Ge, a communication researcher, has performed studies in which she identifies common themes  and differences shared by U.S. American and Chinese couples.  Openness, involvement and shared meanings are observed regardless of the couples culture. However, American couples find physical attraction, passions and love more important; where as, Chinese couples are more concerned with relational connections to family and others. Gao hypothesizes that the reason for these preferences stem from the individualistic and collectivist cultures of each cultural couple.

Passion and Love

Knowing the preferences of different cultures when entering in to a romantic relationship is semi-useful. If I were to meet a couple from a different place, like China, I may know a little bit of information about the couple, without them having to explicitly inform me. This may be beneficial to me if I am required to host a culturally-dissimilar couple in the future. As a host, with this kind of information, it may be easier for the couple to be befriended by my wife and I.

References:

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2009). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

CAPS #6

Self-Disclosure as a Turning Point

            All relationships, including intercultural relationships, experience turning points that alter the relationship.  Martin and Nakayama explain that in the interpretive approach to communicating in relationships one of the major turning points is self-disclosure (p. 400).  Self-disclosure is the sharing of personal information with others.  Different cultures have different comfort levels concerning self-disclosure, as highlighted by Martin and Nakayama in the differences between international and U.S. students forming friendships (p. 403).  Self-disclosure as a turning point can help to define the future of a relationship, so it is important to be aware of this when building intercultural relationships.

            Mikulencer and Nachshon identified three self-disclosure classifications among Israeli students so that each student falls into the category of “secure, avoidant, and ambivalent attachment groups” (1991).  They found that a “secure or ambivalent” person was more attracted to a high-disclosure person in relationships (Mikulencer and Nachshon, 1991).  A 2006 study by Baxter and Bullis found that each person in a romantic relationship perceives turning points within the relationship differently.  They also found that each kind of turning point resulted in a different level of relationship communication between partners (2006).

            When these two studies are used together, it becomes clear that matching partners based on self-disclosure comfort level does not necessarily guarantee an intercultural relationship that has effective communication.  In order for the relationship to strengthen through the turning point, it is necessary for communication about self-disclosure to be a focus for both partners.  Being aware of this necessity will be valuable for us all as we develop intercultural relationships.

References:

Martin, Judith N. and Nakayama, Thomas K. (2010). Intercultural Communication in Contexts.  5^th Edition. McGraw-Hill.

Baxter, Leslie A. and Bullis, Connie. (Online March 2006). “Turning Points in Developing Romantic Relationships”. Human Communication Research. Volume 12, Issue 4. June 1986.

Mikulencer, Mario, and Nachshon, Orna. (1991). “Attachment Styles and Patterns of Self-Disclosure”. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Volume 61:2.

CAPS #6 Cole Frederick

Differences-Similarities Dialectic

http://ntuaft.com/Departments/Research___Communication/PRC504/Research-Based%20Instructional%20Strategies/Ven%20Diagram%201.gif

            There are two important principles that explain the Differences-Similarities Dialectic. First, the similarity principle says that individuals tend to be attracted to people they perceive to be similar to themselves (Martin & Nakayama, 2009). Secondly, finding people who agree with our beliefs confirms our own beliefs and provides us with cognitive consistency. Cognitive consistency is defined as having a logical connection between existing knowledge and a new stimulus. Many individuals seek partners who like the same types of activities and hold the same religious views as them. Intercultural relationships most often involve individuals that are opposite in beliefs from eachother. Research has shown that the best relationships have an equal of similarities and differences between the partners. It is good to share common values but it is also a great thing to learn different ways from your partner.

                The Differences-Similarities Dialectic explains why “Birds of a feather flock together” and “Opposites attract” both hold true. Most people are attracted to individuals are like them, but the best relationships come together when there is a good mix of similarities and differences. An example of this in the intercultural communication context would be two individuals hold a relationship where they are attracted to each other for both their differences and similarities. For example, the individuals may have different backgrounds and skin color, but they may both share the same religion. Many intercultural relationships don’t occur because the individuals aren’t around other cultures enough or don’t think that it can work out. Intercultural relationships are often very successful if the two individuals take the time and get to know someone of a different culture or background.

            Learning about this topic has opened eyes to my life and made me realize I’ve been in many relationships that follow this same pattern. Both in my friendships and romantic relationships, it seems like the individuals have a good mix of similarities and differences from me. My best friend is super talkative and loud, whereas I’m more quiet and conservative. Although we differ in this way, we both share the love for our faith and sports. I think this brings a good balance to my life and shoes me different ways of doing things. This will help me in my further intercultural communication encounters, because it will help me realize that differences are okay and often healthy for a relationship. Just because someone doesn’t like the same things I do or believe in the same things, doesn’t mean that I can’t be compatible with them. Similarities and differences combine in a relationship to make it well-rounded and healthy.

http://www.intergrata.com/CCE%20039.jpg

References

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama T. K. (2009). Intercultural communication in contexts (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u2mT047pYA

Historical Context of Intercultural Relationships

Intercultural relationships have a very large payout when it comes to rewards gained, but often times take a lot of work and commitment. Many types of stress influence these relationships including the historical context. An example of how history plays a role in intercultural communications and intercultural relationships that can be easily seen is how Americans have treated Japanese people throughout the past 150 years. Relationships end up strained, especially if a majority group member does not realize that many Japanese people were restricted by Americans with the Oriental Exclusion Act, as well as Japanese internment camps.

The concept discussed in the text about viewing intercultural relationships dialectically, using the historical context, can be applied to a intercultural marriages. In 1958, most people in America disapproved of intercultural marriages. Fortunately, with the advance of information availability and education, that statistic has almost been reversed.

(Carroll, 2007)

This is possibly due to a larger world view of the newer generations, but could be attributed to many different things. It may depend on who you end up communicating with, but one definite factor is the historical context. If a younger white person is speaking with their parents about being in a relationship or getting married to a black person, their parents may disapprove based on their historical knowledge. Hopefully this is not the case in most places, but unfortunately is definitely a factor and cannot be ignored.

In my life, I will try my best not to fall victim to the historical contexts regarding intercultural communication, and do my best to keep an open mind about everything. This might be more important when I am older, and possibly out of touch with the current young generation. I will also consider this concept when thinking about how people act towards each other. Possibly there will be a historical event that has modified their behavior or in the very least way of thinking.

References

Carroll, J. (2007). Most americans approve of interracial marriages. Gallup, Retrieved from http://www.gallup.com/


Martin, J. N., & Nakayama T. K. (2009). Intercultural communication in contexts (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Lauren Bayne CAPS Blog #6

Self-Disclosure 

Martin and Nakayama define self-disclosure as revealing information about oneself (2009) and is an important turning point in any relationship, though in this more specific context, in intercultural relationships.  Depending on the nature of the self-disclosure, this turning point may move the relationship up to a new level.  Conversely, it may bring the relationship down a notch if the self-disclosure is interpreted as negative or if it offends the other person. 

I have been developing a friendship over the past year with a girl my age that grew up in Bulgaria, a third culture kid.  (Here’s a chance for you to remember concepts from previous chapters! Just kidding.)  Third culture kids, if you do not remember, are children who grew up in multiple cultural contexts because their parents traveled a lot.  These kids have created their own third culture, a combination of all the cultures they have experienced.  My intercultural relationship with this girl has gone to a higher level of friendship than many of my other friendships because both of us have self-disclosed with each other.  She instigated this self-disclosure and it took me by surprise.  I was very wary of disclosing anything about myself to her, but because she “put herself out there” first, it was much easier to do so because I knew that she genuinely wanted to know things about me and that her reaction would be positive. This mutual self-disclosure has moved our friendship to a higher level and there is a higher level of trust between us now. 

Self-disclosure is a very important element of intercultural relationships.  I will remember this in future relationships because through self-disclosure with people from different cultures, I can gain insights into the other person’s culture and become more culturally competent.  But, I will need to grow more comfortable with disclosing information about myself.  I have found that it is a very difficult thing to do.  It can be difficult to figuratively “lay yourself on the line” and have the possibility of negative consequences.  In the future, I may have to be the first to instigate self-disclosure because the other person may be too wary to do so.

Movie clip from "The Invention of Lying" where self-disclosure goes too far.

References:

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama T. K. (2009). Intercultural communication in contexts (5^th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Fadhilah Raihan

Intercultural Dating

Intercultural dating is just like other normal dating between two people except that they do not share same culture. In most cases, intercultural dating is referring to romantic relationship of two people with different ethnicity. For example, a relationship between a Black man with a White woman, Chinese woman seeing a Mexican guy so on and so forth. As quoted by Martin, a study shows that the reason why people choose not to date with someone within their own ethnic group is because of lack of attraction while the reason for not dating someone outside their ethnic group is because they do not have an opportunity to do so.

This friend of mine is part British and part Malay.

She has a distinct physical features and that makes her look attractive.

She is dating a Malay guy.

Does that make her "partly" engaging with intercultural dating?

I would say those who do not have the opportunities grew up in a homogenous society and those who have plenty opportunities live in more diverse society. It is an obvious pattern as you are not likely to see many Japanese people in Japan marries someone from outside their group. This is supported with the study by Tucker and Mitchell – Kernan as quoted by Martin that California that has more diverse schools and neighborhood has greater incidence of intercultural marriage. I want to point up another reason on why people choose to marry people outside their ethnic group. My mother wants me to marry a Caucasian just because of the differences in biological traits that we have. For example of having blue or green eyes other than dark brown that Asians have. It is not only because of the eyes, mixed born babies always look more adorable; maybe that’s what she thinks. As for me, I still do not have that opportunity but my preference on my own ethnic group does not change. I would put someone from my ethnicity as priority.

This is very important concept in the future because globalization has shrunken then world. People from different ethnicity and different background can meet anytime and anywhere. The tools like Facebook and Twitter do not even need people to travel far to “meet” someone from the other side of the world. I remember meeting a Malaysian lady who lived in Colorado. She got married with a Caucasian American guy. When I asked about how she got to know him, she said, she just met him online through a chatting website and they always share their day and feelings until one day this guy flew all the way from America to Malaysia and asked her hand for marriage! It is an astonishing story indeed. What is more, her children can speak a Malay dialect fluently despite of them living their whole life in Colorado. When they have a summer vacation in Malaysia, people try to speak English with the children as they have stronger father biological traits on them but they replied in fluent Malay. I would say that they are one of the best products of intercultural dating. This incident could happen to anyone. In UNL, there is quite a diverse ethnicity of students. Intercultural dating is inevitable.

Reference:

Martin, J., & Nakayama, T. (2010). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. New York: McGraw Hill.

CAPS BLOG #6

Relational Learning

Jihyun Kim

Communication between different cultures can eventually be formed into a relationship. When relationships that are formed between individuals from different cultures, it is called intercultural relationships (Martin & Nakayama, 2009). Much like moving to a new environment, people acquire new knowledge about the world and adjust themselves to utilize the new knowledge they have gained. Relational learning is learning that comes from a particular relationship but generalized to other contexts (Martin & Nakayama, 2009). Whether it’s a romance or a close intercultural friendship, it is a vehicle that drives us to learn something about a new culture’s history.  The knowledge gained from books, classes, movies and many other resources does not equal up to the knowledge gained from relational learning. There’s a significant advantage when the other individual learns about the new culture, it keeps them open-minded in order to accept to form other intercultural relationships.

 (The picture above is one of the games you play in celebration of Holi. Bright colored powder is thrown at people because the colors of spring are bright and colorful.) 

The world holds a variety of cultures for people to discover and explore. It can range from cultures of gender, age, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or class. My best friend and roommate comes from a different culture background than I do, she is Indian and I am Korean. Not only does the race culture differentiate but the nationality culture as well. I learned much information about her country and their customs better than I would have from a textbook. Recently, my best friend, Anshu, took me to her sister’s house to celebrate Holi with her and her family. Holi is a festive holiday to celebrate the start of spring. It usually takes place on the Thursday after the first day of spring and lasts for a few days. It was one of the first times I got to eat a home cooked Indian meal, which is the best way to experience a new culture’s food in my book. It was also the first time I got to wear a sari with a bindi to get into the celebration mood. If I did not have an intercultural relationship with Anshu, I wouldn’t have this knowledge of India’s holiday, food, or attire.

Relational learning is a strong advantage in an intercultural relationship. It gives us the ability to learn about a new culture and gain new knowledge. After the new culture is learned it becomes easier to for others and a desire to learn more about the new culture develops. After my experience with the Indian culture, I’ve noticed I am exceptional to eating Indian food and to step in to their customs more and more. Relational learning is useful in so many ways because it helps the relationship grow further as the individuals are getting closer as they are opening up to their new culture. It gives them something in common and it helps the communications between cultures easier and viable.    

References:

Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2009). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (5^th Edition ed). New York, NY: McGraww-Hill.

CAPs Blog #6- Whitney Scholtes

Intercultural Work Relationships

Most everyone has or has had a job of some sort and for most people, the work place is where they experience the most diversity. You may work with people from different religions, generations, language backgrounds, ethnicity, races, and nationality. Understanding diversity is very important so organizations can move from an assimilationist perspective to a more integrative perspective. (Martin & Nakayama, 2009) Working with people of diversity may be of a challenge to some people, but it is a great benefit. Working with someone who may be different than you may be a challenge, but it could actually lead into a friendship outside of the work place.



Race, ethnicity, sexuality, language backgrounds, generations, and other factors may be reasons why it is hard from some people to work at a job. Co-workers may be unaccepting to someone who is of a different color than them, or someone who doesn't speak the same language. A younger co-worker may think that an elder may not be able to do the job as well as he/she. If all these factors weren't a problem, good relationships can be formed in the work place where everyone gets along and the business may run smoothly.

I myself, am from a very small town that didn't have much diversity, but when I went to basic military training, that all changed. We were all there to achieve the same goal and to do the same job. There were many girls from all across the United States, some of different races, ethnicity, sexuality, and even some who spoke different languages. Although it was a very harsh and stressful environment, we all accepted each other's differences to complete whatever task we had at hand. Not only did I learn a lot but to this day, I still keep in contact with a lot of the girls I met there; girls of different backgrounds than me, different race than me, different religion than me and so forth. All of these friendships that I now have with those girls first started with a work relationship.

References

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2009). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (5th Edition ed.). New York, NY: McGraww-Hill.

Jacob Wagner - Caps #6

Jacob Wagner
Caps Post #6

Benefits of Intercultural Relationships

Everyone has their close group of friends, most you have met through shared interests developed within your own cultural groups.  However there exists a marked benefit in reaching out to those outside your own cultural group and learning about different ways of life. Forming Intercultural relationships can increase knowledge about the world, break stereotypes, and help develops new skills.  (Martin & Nakayama, 2009) A simple way to develop a new relationship is a new take on an old idea, pen pals.

Pen-Pal programs, when done correctly, can be a huge tool for developing intercultural relationships. While never having a pen pal myself, my sister has had one for over two years while in high school. It started with an interschool communication initiative between her high school and one in Dortmund, Germany. Students were assigned pen pals, and they communicated via email for a number of months. Over this time they got to know one another and build a relationship. After a year she was invited to participate in a foreign exchange program and stay with her pen pal as a host. For a week she was able to be immersed in their culture and learn about the differences between their ways of life.

Having openness and taking initiative to develop intercultural relationships is an enriching process. I have learned from my sister’s experience the value in stepping outside of my comfort zone to participate with cultures I am unfamiliar with. I actively try to acknowledge stereotypes and barriers that I create for myself that may prevent me from learning and developing the fulfilling relationships I can have.

Martin, Judith N. & Nakayama, Thomas K. (2009).  Intercultural Communication In        

Contexts: Fifth Edition. McGraw Hill Companies. pp. 382-384.

Caps #6

Analysis of Differences-Similarities Dialectic

By Nolan DeBord

            The Differences-Similarities Dialectic is described in our text as the attraction to another person in regards to a relationship in terms of the differences and similarities with that individual.  The terms connected to this dialectic are defined in our book as first, the similarity principal.  This is a principle of relational attraction suggesting that individuals tend to be attracted to people they perceive to be similar to themselves. (Martin/Nakayama 2010)  This is known by most people and can often be applied to most cultural groups.  Second, is cognitive consistency which is having a logical connection between existing knowledge and a new stimulus. (Martin/Nakayma 2010)  The differences that attract us to an individual of a different culture are sometimes said to balance a relationship.  The stimulus of the opposite characteristics can be said to complete some individuals.

            A perfect example of this dialectic is more than applicable to college students.  Our generation, of currents students, is in the largest cultural mix that most college generations have ever seen.  We are more inclined now and at this time of our lives to participate in intercultural relationships whether that is a friendship or a romantic relationship.  With the vast amount of different cultures in college and even at UNL we are more inclined and have the opportunity to explore the advantages of differences and similarities explained in the dialectical approach I have used for this caps blog.

            With the knowledge I have gained from this paper and my cultural reporter project, which is based on intercultural relationships, I can see the aspects of intercultural relationships that make it a positive relationship.  The benefits such as acquiring knowledge, breaking down stereotypes and acquiring new communication skill and competency can make an intercultural relationship crucial to our growth as an adult in the new millennium. This growth and knowledge that we are attaining can possibly change the aspects of a culture itself.  History has proved the changes we have experienced in the U.S. and I believe these changes will continue.

Reference:

Martin, J., & Nakayama, T. (2010). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. New York: McGraw Hill.

CAPS#6- Weiting Yue

CAPS#6 Intercultural relationship

Guanxi

According to Martin & Nakayama (2009), guanxi is “a Chinese term for relational network” (p.393). It can also be defined as “relationships of social connection built on shared identities such as native place, kinship or attending the same school” (p.393). Many things can be done by guanxi in China, but it does not viewed as negative things in China compared to United States.

So how relationship is established? According to Vincent Lo's article the King of Guanxi, it does not have to be based on money. “Treating someone with decency while others treat him/her unfairly could result in a good relationship” (Lo, 2004). Also, relationships can start with and builds on the trustworthiness of the individual or the company. If the company or people signed contracts and premised to do things and they actually did it, the relationship will be built and have a good start.

            Based on my own experience, I was born in China and experienced at least 19 years’ life that has relationship with guanxi. Chinese do not view guanxi as a so positive thing. In fact, in business, guanxi is a good thing because it is safe to do business in that way and partners can benefit each other regarding to their cooperative. But other things were not viewed that positive, especially those relationships build on financial situations, such as promotion, welfare benefits (especially in hospital), education and personal investment(especially buying a house). Due to the large amount of people in the major cities, people need to worried about their daily life and trying to live better than others. But the space is limited. So guanxi occurred and people use it to gain their own benefits.  

 Here is a short video about guanxi in China.

Reference:

Lo, V. (2004), The King of Guanxi, Retrieved from: http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi- king.html

Maritn, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2010). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (Fifth ed., pp. 185-187).   New York, NY: Mcgraw-Hill.