Signature Assignment Reflection

Jeff Klc INTL 2040 Signature Assignment: Reflection How has Milton Bennett’s model of Intercultural Sensitivity help you understand ways in which we can improve our skills in communicating, dealing and respecting others from different cultures? How have you, yourself evolved in the DMIS scale through your participation, readings, films, discussion, in this class? Bennett’s model has really put things in perspective for me in regards to culture. It is very interesting because every aspect of his model I have seen examples of as I have travelled the world and learned new cultures. It is possible if I knew about the model I would have been more sensitive to different cultures. I feel like when I traveled in my teen years I didn’t respect other cultures and I’m sure I was seen as the rude American. I hope I have evolved into a better person with the understanding of the DMIS scale. Not only with my travels but also when I interact with other cultures in Utah I hope I can have a sense of sensitivity and respect. What impact did the assignments, discussion, interview and writing an Immigrant Story did have on your understanding of immigration/immigrants in the U.S. and around the world? Did they challenge your way of thinking or assumptions? My Grandmother is an immigrant and so I understood a little bit about what she went through coming to the Unites States. She had to endure some hardships but not really as many as some of the people we learned about in this class. One thing this class taught me would be that a lot of times people have no choice other then immigrating. I guess before the reading in this class I knew people who immigrated were usually coming from nothing and finding a better life. It put things in perspective once I understood that a lot of them had to leave or basically die. It saddens me when the people that seem to do everything right coming to America and yet are still discriminated upon arrival. How did your participation in this class help you better understand your civil rights and the responsibilities of citizens in your community, your country, and the world? It is amazing how much more I get out of the class when I come to class prepared compared when either I didn’t attend or didn’t come prepared. One thing that was incredible about this class was there was a good amount of diversity in the classroom. The discussions were a great way to learn about each others perspectives and that is probably where I learned the most. I found myself reflecting on what I can do to be a more responsible citizen with accepting different cultures. I already have advantages being a white male and so it almost puts more pressure on me to be an example. I always have had the goal that whenever someone is being racist or rude to another culture to stand up to them.