This guide is one of more than a dozen guides created by the Michigan State University School of Journalism. The series editor is journalism instructor Joe Grimm. He has been working in cross-cultural communication for 25 years. The concept of this series is to teach cultural competence by spreading awareness about a specific group or community. Ultimately, the goal is to break down cultural and socially constructed walls by opening up discussion among groups. The guides have been used in diversity training in business, the health industry, universities and law enforcement. We approach cultural competence on the basis that questions asked out of sincere interest, even if phrased in a less than graceful manner, are the best way to bridge cultures. The guides are meant to start that process and to lead to face-to-face conversations. The guides are icebreakers individuals can read on their own to make awkward conversations easier. Answers in these cultural competence guides are meant to be clear, honest and non-judgmental.
