Category Archives: Culture

When “Rude” Is Cultural: Rethinking Social Norms Across Cultures

After reflecting recently on the concept of respect, I began thinking about other slippery words we often use to describe behavior. Words that seem straightforward until we place them into a cultural context. In a previous reflection I mentioned a few examples including trust, communication, and collaboration. Another word that deserves attention is rude. What Does “Rude”Continue reading “When “Rude” Is Cultural: Rethinking Social Norms Across Cultures”

Communication Across Cultures

How we communicate across cultures says a lot, about ourselves and the company we keep (and come from).

Did you know that how you deal with conflict does the same?!

Read on to learn more.

What Year End “Wrapped” Says About How We Make Meaning Today

From an intercultural perspective, the spread of year-end “wrapped” formats from Spotify into places like Lidl and LinkedIn is not just a clever marketing trend. It points to several deeper cultural shifts happening at the same time. Here are a few indicators of this shift. First, wrapped has become a kind of secular ritual. InContinue reading “What Year End “Wrapped” Says About How We Make Meaning Today”

Juneteenth

Juneteenth was first celebrated in 1866 on the anniversary of the date that slavery in Texas ended a year earlier in 1865. It was formally made a paid state holiday in 1980, specifically in Texas. Although it has been observed and celebrated across the US (and some other countries apparently too) since 1866, it wasn’tContinue reading “Juneteenth”

What is culture? (part II)

Here are a few of the ‘standard’ models used to discuss what culture is with a brief explanation of each model. Most IC trainers have a favorite model or two that they prefer or will use often, but this is generally a way to only begin the discussion.

Is this the oldest company in Germany?

What is the oldest company in your country?

In Germany, it is arguably Staffelterhof winery in a little village on the Mosel river.

Groundhog Day

I know I am publishing this well past February 2nd, but still think it is culturally relevant, especially in 2022… During the pandemic, at least in the English-speaking western world “Groundhog Day” the popular 1993 film became a shorthand joke for how we’re all supposed to get out of this Corona wave loop. Do youContinue reading “Groundhog Day”

High Culture versus Low Culture

Both terms ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture are seen as derogatory, or disrespectful toward the other. Popular culture, which changes more rapidly and, within this context is seen as a ‘lesser’ aspect of culture as it relates to socioeconomic status. 

One person’s high culture is another’s low culture and vice versa. This is especially true as many aspects of modern popular culture have become ‘canon’ as it were – having great value, importance, or significance since they were first produced.