Magtoto, Khryza Ashley Z.

Purposive Communication - Section252

FA2 – Reflection Paper on Module 2

Cultural Glasses: A Lens to Understand Everyone

Imagine you are handed a pair of glasses that allow you to see the world through the eyes of a
different culture. These "cultural glasses" would reveal the intricate web of beliefs, customs, and values
that shape how people perceive and interact with the world. Culture serves as a powerful lens through
which we perceive reality. It molds our perceptions, influences our judgments, and even determines what
we consider acceptable or not. Cultural glasses shape our understanding of beauty, morality, and success .

Cultural glasses profoundly influence our perception of others. They shape our stereotypes and
biases, often leading us to make judgments about people based on their cultural background. For instance,
research has shown that individuals from different cultures may interpret facial expressions differently
(Matsumoto, 2006). What might be seen as a sign of politeness in one culture could be considered
insincere or even offensive in another. Our cultural glasses can lead us to misinterpret these cues and
create misunderstandings.

Cultural glasses can foster in-group and out-group biases. People tend to favor those who share
their cultural background, as it provides a sense of familiarity and safety. This bias can lead to
discrimination and prejudice against those from different cultural backgrounds. For instance, a study by
Greenwald and Krieger (2006) found that participants exhibited implicit bias favoring their own cultural
group.

However, cultural glasses are not fixed; they can evolve through exposure and education.
Interacting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and learning about their customs and
traditions can help break down these biases and broaden our perspective. Cultural interaction is a
powerful tool for combating biases, as it challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes. When we
engage with people from various cultural backgrounds, we often discover that our assumptions about
them were unfounded. A study by Crisp and Turner (2010) in the journal "Perspectives on Psychological
Science" highlights the effectiveness of intergroup contact in reducing prejudice and bias. The authors
found that direct contact with members of different cultural groups can lead to improved intergroup
relations and decreased prejudice.

One of the key benefits of cultural interaction is the development of empathy and perspective-
taking skills. As we learn about the customs, traditions, and daily lives of individuals from diverse families,
we begin to witness the world through their eyes. This empathetic understanding fosters a sense of shared
humanity, which can help break down biases rooted in ignorance or misunderstanding.

A study issued in the "Journal of Experimental Social Psychology" by Todd and Galinsky (2012)
investigated the relationship between perspective-taking and reduced bias. The results demonstrated that
taking the perspective of individuals from different cultural backgrounds increased empathy and
decreased bias.
 Our cultural glasses not only affect our perceptions of individuals and events but also shape our
worldview. Our values and beliefs are often deeply rooted in our cultural upbringing. In addition,
collectivist cultures may prioritize community and harmony, while individualistic cultures may emphasize
personal achievement and autonomy. These differences in worldview can lead to contrasting perspectives
on issues such as social welfare, individual rights, and the role of government.

Cultural glasses are an integral part of how we navigate the world. They influence our perceptions,
biases, and worldview. Recognizing the existence of cultural glasses and actively seeking to broaden our
perspective through exposure to diverse cultures is crucial for promoting empathy, understanding, and
inclusivity in an increasingly interconnected world. By acknowledging the impact of our cultural glasses,
we can strive for a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Interacting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and learning about their customs
and traditions is a powerful means of breaking down biases and broadening our perspectives. Research
supports the idea that direct cultural interactions can reduce prejudice, enhance empathy, and promote
social cohesion. By actively seeking out and valuing these interactions, we can contribute to a more
inclusive and understanding world where biases have less room to flourish.

References

- Greenwald, A. G., & Krieger, L. H. (2006). Implicit bias: Scientific foundations. California Law
Review, 94(4), 945-967.
- Matsumoto, D. (2006). Culture and nonverbal behavior. In V. Murphy-Berman & J. J. Jussim
(Eds.), Handbook of social psychology (pp. 129-155). Guilford Press.
http://www.davidmatsumoto.com/content/Matsumoto%20Chapter%2012%20Pages%20fro
m%20Manusov%20II%20Proff-14.pdf
- Crisp, R. J., & Turner, R. N. (2010). Can imagined interactions produce positive perceptions?
Reducing prejudice through simulated social contact. Perspectives on Psychological Science,
5(3),334-347.
https://www.academia.edu/11143149/Can_Imagined_Interactions_Produce_Positive_Perce
ptions_Reducing_Prejudice_Through_Simulated_Social_Contact
- Todd, A. R., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012). Perspective-taking as a strategy for improving intergroup
relations: Evidence, mechanisms, and qualifications. Journal of Experimental Social
Psychology, 48(1), 142-148.
https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/spc3.12116