Historical Examination
1. Why would it be important to examine the role of history in Intercultural Communication?
The text explains that the past directly influences the viewpoints of the present. Historical events have shaped how we function in today’s society. An example of a past decisions those aides our decisions today might be the elimination of slavery and segregation. American developed a land of true freedom that allows people to be free regardless of color, race or gender.
While the nation did develop freedom it is important to consider our history and how it relates to where we are today. Our text uses the example of the Native Americans that we removed from their property and it was given to others. It reminds us that while we current Americans are not at fault, we are the beneficiaries. “Dealing with this past is not easy, but it is even more problematic simply to ignore it, because ignoring the past erases other cultural identities by pretending that we are all the same” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011).
2. What are hidden histories and how might hidden histories affect intercultural interactions?
Hidden histories are those that are lost beyond a small group of people or forgotten by most. Histories are made every day and it would impossible to know every history that is established. There are also histories that you may have learned about but have forgotten about it over time.
So how might these hidden histories affect intercultural relations or interactions? Let’s take for example the hidden history of New York’s harbor. Did you know that New York was the first city to take efforts to improve its waterfront for commercial trade and importing? Without this movement other cities may have not taken this step either and the results could have affected American imports with other countries. These hidden histories served our nation through improving imports. "Without it, New York would have lost out on becoming the primary port in America” (Lobell, 2010).
3. Compare and contrast family histories with national histories.
National histories are those that are notable to the nation that may represent great events or great figures. These events are normally recorded and taught to future citizens of the nation. These histories may include the good (the stories of our founding fathers) or even the bad (the loss of Americans in 9/11).
Family histories differ in that they are often not recorded and may not be notable to the nation. These type of histories are important but are mostly important the family alone. For example, the history of Martin Luther King’s speech is very important and has shaped our nation. It is a history that affects every American while the history of my family farm only affects my family is means nothing to the American people.
4. How is the history of gays and lesbians relevant to intercultural communication?
Gay and lesbians history is an important part of American culture; it holds such an important role that there are history classes taught at SFSU just on our homosexuality history in America. Some Americans have praised the program including that they were unaware that they had a history.
Gay and lesbian history dates back centuries into American economic history. “As a study of an oppressed peoples struggle for civil rights, gay and lesbian political actions
offer valuable insight into American history. On Armed Forces Day. May 21,
1966, gay men hold a rally on the steps of the federal building in San Francisco's Civic Center to protest their exclusion from the military” (Unger, 2007).
5. How can we negotiate histories in interactions?
When I consider this question I think of what negotiation really is. Negotiation by definition is communication between people that intends to reach an understanding. I believe that when we engage in communication about our history we are attempting to educate others about our culture.
We can use our histories to explain or help others develop an understanding of other cultures. These interactions can come in the form or conversation, images, song, or even reading material.
Reference
Lobell, J. A. (2010). The Hidden History of New York’s Harbor. Archaeology. Vol. 63. Issue 6.
Unger, N.C. (2007). Teaching "Straight" Gay and Lesbian History. The Journal of American History. Vol 93. Issue 4
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