Using terms such as “culture”, “cultural competence”, and “cultural proficiency” can be dangerous in that they generalize non-majority cultures rather than seeing culture as a branch of individual identity. I think that the idea of “emphasizing culture in order to deemphasize injustice” is particularly important for intercultural competence and the subject of our minor. Learning about the differences in lifestyle, tradition, or language can be very important in enriching our general knowledge of certain actions; however, this cannot numb us to the importance of individual consideration. Care for individual identity is significantly more important than making assumptions about peoples’ struggles or strengths given their “culture”. Thinking of “culture” as a whole entity that we can learn more about through facts and historical anecdotes can lead us to make generalizations and stereotypes.
In considering study abroad options or language immersion, I think this terminology shift is incredibly important. I am hoping to travel to South America and continue my Spanish immersion; however, going into a city in Argentina or Colombia and expecting to understand “hispanic culture” based on what I have learned in Spanish class or the GEM minor seems incredibly ignorant of the diversity of cultures within a single city or town. While I may be able to better grasp the history of certain traditions or the dominant religious values, I will need to be able to learn the intricacies of peoples’ mannerisms or how they express empathy or gratitude. Intercultural competence does not come from a textbook but rather from investing in those around you and being patient.
