Читать книгу The Communication Playbook - Teri Kwal Gamble - Страница 73

Our racial and ethnic identities are similarly socially constructed. Some racial and ethnic groups, for example, share experiences of oppression. Their attitudes and behaviors may reflect their struggles, influencing their attitudes toward contemporary issues such as affirmative action.

Ethics and Communication

Through Others’ Eyes

Imagine you arrive in the United States from another country. Perhaps unlikely, also imagine that you are totally unfamiliar with what life in the United States is like. In fact, until now you have never viewed American television, watched American films, or listened to American music. You do, however, read and understand English. You find TVGuide.com on the Internet. Based on your perusal of the titles and descriptions of prime-time network and cable programming, what characteristics would you attribute to Americans? How many of your listed characteristics would you consider positive? Negative?

If asked to summarize your discoveries, what conclusions would you draw about what Americans value? What subjects would you identify as of great interest to them? How would you assess their attitudes toward people from other cultures? Finally, what suggestions would you like to offer them?