Martin and Nakayama (398) state
that the similarity principle is when we are attracted to people who we
perceive to be similar to ourselves. This concept can be applied outside of
cultural groups, and can help unite people from many different backgrounds.
There are many aspects of identity, and because humans are so complex and
layered, with a little conversation, it is easy to find something in common
with someone else. This helps break down stereotypes about cultural groups
separate from your own, and builds relationships.
My best friend is African American.
I am white. This is a perfect example of an intercultural relationship. She has
expanded my mind on racial issues today, like subtle micro-aggressions of
racism. She also helps educate me on her personal views about family and
culture that are different from mine. A similarity that she and I share is our
homosexuality. This similarity bonds us tightly. We advocate together for
equality, even though our needs and wants are not identical.
Intercultural relationships are
incredibly important for humans to expand their senses of self and of the world
around them. The similarity principle helps facilitate intercultural
relationships because it finds common ground to unite people of all
backgrounds. This can help ease oppositional tendencies that stem from life or cultural
differences.
Reference:
1.
Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts (6th
ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Hi Anne!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I think many of us can relate to the intercultural relationship you discussed. These relationships are very interesting because we can learn so much from them, and they can learn a lot from us as well. These relationships help us discover who we are in relation to others. Overall, great post!
I definitely enjoyed your post. You experiences echo many of mine and it was great reading about this from a different perspective!
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