By engaging in dual perspective as stated on pages 112-113 of out textbook, an individual recognizes and takes into consideration the other individuals point of view during their communication process. It is important to understand that we will not all have the same view points on issues so it is critical to try and see things through the other persons perspective so the communication process is positive and insightful. Everyone can grow and learn when engaging in communication through the dual perspective process.
For example, since some people criticize the melting pot metaphor because they believe it encourages people erasing their differences instead of accepting them (which I do not agree with but I understand what they are saying). I would suggest America is like a seasoned stew. Each part of the stew has its own distinct flavor separately like the steak, carrots and potatoes by itself. Just like any individual culture has its own distinct flavor. However, when blended together along with adding some seasoning (which would be parts of the American culture) you create a new dish called a stew. When an individual eats a stew they can experience the pieces of the stew separately or together, it is up to the individual eating the stew how they want to enjoy the experience. The United States is the same, people can either experience multiple cultures in America or they can select which cultures they would like to understand.
-Katrina
Hey Katrina,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your stew analogy! It is simply brilliant. I agree with you that America has so much diversity and independence, and we are lucky enough to be able to "eat our stew how we want to enjoy the experience." Americans are fortunate enough to be able to pick and choose which identities and cultures they wish to take on. And although I too understand where the melting pot analogy comes from, and how it can bother some people, I also like to be optimistic and think of America as a place where people have the right to be who they want to be. Even though there are outside influences that appear to be trying to shape people into an "American" way of living, I believe that individualism still exists.
-Elek Tricitie
Dear Katrina,
ReplyDeleteI believe your stew metaphor was effective for this assignment. When I read about your stew metaphor, it made me apply this metaphor to our society, and I felt like it fitted perfectly! Unfortunately, we have a choice whether to have all the pieces of the stew together in a bite or separately. People may not know what they are missing out on if they exclude certain individuals because those individuals could provide so much more than we thought. Stereotypes can prevent us from getting to know somebody because those stereotypes could make us think to not try that "flavor" and only believe that it may not be the best through other people's opinions.
Thanks for sharing with us your great metaphor! Keep it up!
-Jeff!