Cultural Awareness Assignment: Theories, Models, and Video Analysis

This assignment analyzes cultural awareness, exploring concepts such as othering, stereotyping, and Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions. The response begins with an analysis of the "What kind of Asian are you?" video, discussing themes of diversity, discrimination, and personal identity. It then differentiates between othering and stereotyping, linking these concepts to intercultural learning. The assignment also examines Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions, including its strengths, criticisms, and relevance. The analysis references key learning resources and provides a comprehensive understanding of cultural awareness principles. References include Fougère & Moulettes (2012) and Al Jazeera English (2017).

Running Head: Cultural Awareness 1
Cultural Awareness
Name
Institution

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Question 1
Apply the theories and ideas that you have learnt about in this subject so far
to analyze the “What kind of Asian are you?” video.
According to the video, we are different people in the same society. In Asia
people are from different cultures. Some empress religion, while others do not.
In addition, there are males and females in the society. This is called sexualism.
People can be discriminated against as a result of their sex. Color, race,
ethnicity, origin, amongst other differences. According to the interviewees. One
can apply for a job, and either is considered or rejected as a result of color. This
differences cause a painful feeling to the concerned. Everybody needs to be
accepted in the society, since they did not choose who they are today. However,
they can choose who they want to be now. I am that kind of Asian who
recognizes everybody. I embrace everybody despite of their color, origin,
ethnicity, and race (Al Jazeera English, 2017). However, I knew the difference
between people when I was young. I have never been a victim. But some day,
students mocked me about my age. I was short but older. I felt bad about it and
swore never to make anyone feel bad. However, I learned to be self esteemed
and accepted myself.
Question 2
What is the difference between Othering and stereotyping? How does this
concept relate to intercultural learning? Be specific and link to learning
resources in the subject.
Othering is being termed as the early form of perceiving things. It deals
with how people viewed things at the past. They did not see the meaning of
inventions. They only knew to struggle. Only the upper part of the world
solved their differences. They believed that only force could solve their
differences. They believed in barbaric actions, slavery, military conquests
amongst all what was required and matched the mentioned tactics. They did
not know that there were other ways which solved issues silently (Fougère, &

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Moulettes, 2012).). Today, we are talking about stereotyping. The pen, said that
it is more powerful than an umbrella. Technology, when people knew how to
write, they outdid what was traditional. The pen has conjured the world.
Everything that is being done today is being reflected on televisions. The
world has become a global village, and that is the type of Asia we have
today.
Question 3
Discuss Hofstede’s model of cultural dimensions, and the
criticisms against it according to Fougère and Moulettes (2012)
According to hofstede, there are different cultural dimensions which include classical
liberalism, assimilations spouses’ individualism, a cultural mindset that celebrates individual
identity,
Self-reliance and personal responsibility. Some people trust that culture comes as a result of
assimilation others view it differently and say that it is as a result of classical liberal. Hofstede
was right to some extent, even though he was challenged by other scholars. His documents on
culture remain unique till today, and they contain a strong definition and explanation of what
culture is. Hofsted e had a strong understanding on culture. He defined it according to the deeds
of the people, and through what he saw (Fougère & Moulettes, 2012). He did not retrieve his
information from other articles, but instead produced his original work. Hofstede strongly agrees
with the formal nature of culture, and the truth behind its existence. According to him, culture
cannot be done away with, and will continue to exist. People can notice the difference, but can
manage it through respect for one another.

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References
Fougère, M., & Moulettes, A. (2012). A postcolonial reading of Hofstede’s culture’s
consequences. Against the Grain, Advances in Postcolonial Organization Studies, 276-301.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71UMDBNCTJI
Al Jazeera English. (2017). Edward Said- Framed: The Politics of Stereotypes in
News. [Video]. Retrieved 4 July 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=4QYrAqrpshw
Tomalin, B., & Stempleski, S. (2013). Cultural Awareness-Resource Books for Teachers. Oxford
University Press.