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ERIC Number: ED329821
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1990-Aug-15
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Intercultural Communication: A Holistic Approach to the Issue of Racism.
South, Luis
Communication theorists now concerned with developing better intercultural interactions are suggesting movement from an approach that has been purely analytical to one that is holistic. American society is at a stage where is must move from "dichotomization" to a more humanistic approach that involves unconditional positive regard for others, as well as activity that is indicative of such heightened awareness. Too often communication channels break down within American institutions when there is a call for an assessment of racial bias, and questioning erupts as to what degree racism is upheld through institutional policy. Institutional racism is an unavoidable experience for nearly all people living in America. Even those who function as the oppressors eventually fall as victims of such a system. Institutional racism demands conscious counter movement in order to maintain law and order in a culturally diverse society. Racism is systematic, and at some level, it is conscious. People of European descent may feel they are being attacked when racism is mentioned. In modern America, people of African descent often avoid discussing racism for a variety of reasons. Without a doubt, preparation for developing a forum to discuss institutional racism is a time-consuming affair. What is needed to make it work is a conscientious willingness to be sensitive to the needs of the people who participate in such a forum, which would be an intellectually and emotionally stimulating experience as well. (ABL)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A