Overcoming Intercultural Barriers

Overcoming Intercultural Barriers

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Overcoming Intercultural Barriers

Culture is not a box but rather an open sea that is constantly evolving. Culture influences my perception of myself and my perception of others; as well as, my perception of every interaction with anyone or anything in my life. Overcoming intercultural barriers is not easy but anything is possible as long as we put in a continued effort and present an open mind. This continues due to the lack of cultural awareness, knowledge, and communication we create amongst one another. In this assignment, I had a chance to interview my coworker, Jun Ahn, about his cultural background and beliefs. I asked him questions about his traditions, religion, and his cultural experience in America.

Jun Ahn is a 25-year old male who moved to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 13 years. He was born in Seoul, South Korea, has one older sister named Mia, and his parents were apart of an arranged marriage and are now recently divorced. Jun loves his South Korean heritage and made it very clear that he was from South Korea rather than North Korea. It is considered insulting to confuse North and South Korea, and to say someone is from the other. He is very excited about New Year’s Day and Chuseok – these are the two holidays celebrated in his culture. He was raised to be a Christian, as was I, and we were able to share a spiritual connection through our Christian beliefs and experiences.

While interviewing Jun, I learned that South Korea has ridiculously overwhelming standards of beauty. It is a highly competitive environment where good looks and tall height are the most favorable. It is a society obsessed with plastic surgery, and they are not afraid to go to great length in dieting. South Koreans take their skincare very seriously, and probably spend more on cosmetic products (even makeup) than any other country. To me, this sounds exactly like the path most of our cultures of the United States have developed. No one is happy with their appearance, several insecurities, and plastic surgery and health have become an all-time required regime of the American culture.

Jun also informed me that males basically run and dominate South Korea in every aspect (religion, politics, etc.) . Whereas infant care there is the Mother is with the baby every day for two to three years of age, here we only have as little as two to three weeks with infants and must return to work. The males receive the best education and selected for the best roles, women are encouraged to select more gender specific careers. Jun is an Engineer and his sister, Mia, is a nurse – both educational paths were heavily influenced by their parents. Jun’s favorite Korean cuisine to eat is fresh white steamed rice with kimchi. Kimchi is so popular in South Korea that they have Kimchi cookoffs, festivals, and competitions throughout the year.

Saying the word ‘no’ or refusing someone a service is considered poor etiquette. Good posture is very important, and Jun’s parents used to put a needle on the inside of his chair during dinner. This way, if he ever slouched the needle would remind him to keep his posture. Bowing is how they greet one another and shaking with two hands symbolizes a warm embrace when meeting someone for the first time – business and personal greetings. Always removing your shoes before stepping foot into the house, never pour your own drink, and the number four is considered bad luck – this means death. These were only a few of the many details and information he gave me about his culture.

I have known Jun for four years and never thought to ask him about his cultural traditions or experiences. In order to overcome intercultural barriers, Beebe informs us to be aware of these barriers and mindful of what you are doing, thinking, sensing, and observing (84). Ensuring clear communication, learning about different cultures, and sharing knowledge are just a few strategies to start overcoming culture barriers. This was a mind-blowing experience and I learned that I should be more inquisitive when learning more about my peers.

References

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond. M. V. (n.d.) Bookshelf Online. Retrieved October 28, 2018, from https://phoenix.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781323104835