Culture & Political Correctness
A good friend on Twitter, @DoreenatDMS, asked me what my thoughts were on an interesting article about diversity and multiculturalism.
Diversity and Multiculturalism: The New Racism
By Michael S. Berliner, Ph.D., and Gary Hull, Ph.D.
Published on the Ayn Rand Institute website
The article raises the question of whether college programs should have “Ethnic Diversity” programs. The argument is that:
“Ethnic diversity” is merely racism in a politically correct disguise.
I found this article a good read and generally agree with it. When you study cross-cultural communication it is apparent that:
- Most people have a very superficial view of racism
- No one is free of pre-judgment – this leads into broader topics of prejudice
- Our own perceptions can be severely tainted by our own personal issues with racism
This debate on whether colleges should have “Ethnic Diversity” programs or not is interesting. Some companies also have similar programs.
- Are these programs useful?
- Or do they create the opposite effect such as this article suggests?
My answer is yes to both questions. I am no expert, but it is hard to pull off. It is obvious that the success of an “Ethnic Diversity” program depends on several factors including:
- The culture where the program is implemented
- The soft skill expertise of the people involved
- The extent of the program itself
- The personal investment of the players
Is the goal of an “”Ethnic Diversity” program too big for the reality of the people involved?
Is “Ethnic diversity” is merely racism in a politically correct disguise, as the authors here suggest?
Limitations Of Political Correctness
I have already written here about the North American movement towards “political correctness” and how this effects cross-cultural communication. From far, an excessive development of “political correctness” certainly denotes a loss of common sense.
In some instances it reminds me of a breeding ground for a new sort of fanaticism. Yes, the same word usually associated elsewhere.
And this is where we see the issues raised in this article:
Most people become highly offended that someone might associate them with a label of a “‘racist”, “prejudiced” or “fanatic”. Their own cultural perceptions get in their way.
The limitations of an effective “Ethnic Diversity” program are the same as great cross-cultural communication:
- It requires personal development by both parties
Just because people do not take the time to develop their understanding of these issues, does not mean they are right. But you cannot force people to open their mindset to reach this understanding.
You see, when you try to engage in effective cross-cultural communication with someone with strong personal values of “political correctness”, the results are the same as when communicating with people with, shall we say, “fanatical” viewpoints.
Differences In International Business
Entering into an international business where there are these sort of issues is not an easy affair. Unfortunately the authors have good reason to question the end results of an “Ethnic Diversity” program. In many instances this does seem like a “new racism”.
This is one of the reasons why today’s Cross-Cultural Communication Challenge Tip is so important. When you are entering a new international market, take small steps. Give yourself the time to:
- Get to know your new market
- Evaluate the differences
- Learn to make the changes
More on Culture & Political Correctness:
- Cultural Perceptions, Political Correctness & The New Racism
- Is Your Political Correctness Hindering Your International Communication
- Offense Taken With The Word “Foreign”
- Political Correctness Memories From The Bahamas
More In These Get International Clients Business Guides:
She is who I turn to when I have questions and you should too"
-- Chris Garrett, co-author of the "Problogger" book
