Question

Think about various perceptions of cultures and co-cultures (age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, religion, and so on.) Briefly comment on the following questions:

• Are there cultures or co-cultures with which you identify?
• Are there stereotypes that are associated with that group?
• In what ways do you conform to such stereotypes?
• In what ways do you not conform?
• Do you identify with more than one culture?
• If so, are there any stereotypes on your list that contradict each other? How might intersection of these cultures (for example, being a white, Christian, thirty-year-old stay-at-home dad or being a fifty-year-old Hispanic lesbian scientist) affect your perception of yourself as well as others’ perceptions of you?

In addition to answering the above questions, search the internet for an article that addresses perception of cultures or co-cultures, stereotypes and/or prejudice. How do these perceptions affect communication? Type a 2 - 3 paragraph summary of the article.

Answer 1

Yes, I identify with Hindu culture which is one of the cultures followed in India. This culture revolves around love and respect and it is more than just a religion.

There are many stereotypes in this culture and one of the biggest ones is the gap that exists between minority and majority and the differences it creates. Other than this there are many stereotypes like gender stereotypes, clothing stereotypes and many more.

As a part of the evolved and young generation, I do not conform to such stereotypes.

I do not conform to such stereotypes in the following ways-

• Do not take part in activities related to this

• Participate in eye-awakening events

• Participate in rally’s to spread awareness

• Try to change people’s thinking rather than influencing their mind, starting from my own family

No, I do not identify with more than one culture, but I respect every culture.

As I do not identify with more than one culture, I find no stereotypes that contradict each other. Although, if there were some contradictions, I’m positive that it wouldn’t have changed my perception or others perception regarding me.

There are many factors that affect our perceptions such as age, gender, culture, personal experiences, etc. The perceptions we have of ourselves and others affect our communication process because it influences the mind and attacks the brain, especially the prejudice part. It helps to understand how individuals try and make sense of their judgments. The attribution theory helps give reasoning or cause for action by assigning explanations to events. In other words, it allows an individual to give a reason for the result of an action. In all, communication is affected by our perceptions because it hinders our mind and its thoughts.