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Throughout the world we commonly come across the issue of ethnic and religious segregation and the many attempts to keep people seperated. Some wonder how can people of different cultures get along when all they see is the differences that separate them and in my opinion, I believe it starts with breaking down barriers and engaging with one another in diverse areas. On page 5 of our book, Intercultural Communication in Contexts, it talks about the demographic imperative and its belief that by increasing diversity in certain areas, it “provides...increased opportunity for intercultural contact.” Examples of this idea of changing demographics can be found in many areas, however more specifically Bosnia, where students are taking a stand in the change going on with their educational system. Because the educational system in Bosnia is not controlled at a national level, three different curriculums are used depending on the ethnic make-up of the area. In an article published by BBC News, they speak on the town of Jajce, where regional assemblies want to open a new school for Bosniak students. Jajce currently follows the Croat curriculum which some find as disadvantage and an insult to Bosniaks students who they believe find it difficult to follow. Municipal leaders want to separate students by their ethnicity, the pupils however disagree as they have begun protesting and resisting the separation forced upon them. In the article, Bosniak student Admira Kasum, tells a local news station “after we were separated in primary school...we’ll do everything not to be divided again.” For the moment, it seems the students protesting has worked as officials have halted their plans for a new school. The actions taken by these students is just an example of how people of different cultures can get along to work together and break down barriers in places such as schools and offices. I believe getting along starts with integrating and not being afraid to dabble in things you are not accustomed too.

My place in the global economy as a consumer is very important to the fate of the businesses I support with my money. We as consumers hold much power when it comes to the success of companies foreign or domestic as we can choose whether or not we want to give certain companies our business. This can be for many reasons such as their values as a company, their treatment of their employees, or even political or social views. For example, back in the 1990’s, Nike was under fire for their sweatshop and labor abuses in countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam and their below-minimum wage pay rates. Many consumers did not want to support a business that believed in treating their workers in this sort of  way so in turn they boycotted the company. Due to declining sales, Nike had to lay off workers and this frustrated then-CEO Phil Knight who eventually began to make changes to his company starting with better pay and working conditions. Consumers, although it may not seem like it at times, have the power to determine whether a company is successful or not and able to make changes in the world, socially and economically. Companies like TOMS Shoes have had major success to their business over the last few years due their mission to donate a pair of shoes for every pair that is purchased. Starting in 2006, TOMS has grown into a nearly $400 million company due to consumers who resonate with their mission of helping others in need. I myself have purchased a pair of TOMS in the past solely because of their belief in helping others. These customers, myself included, chose to do business with this brand because of what they stand for and if not for us consumers, companies like TOMS would not see the success that they do.

Lutz, Ashley. “How Nike shed its sweatshop image to dominate the shoe industry.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 6 June 2015, www.businessinsider.com/how-nike-fixed-its-sweatshop-image-2015-6.

     In my opinion, I believe that there is a mix of yes and no responses when it comes to different cultural groups and their beliefs toward sanctity of the human spirit and respect for the well-being of others. Although that in the United States we have certainly made progress over the years when it comes to accepting different cultures and their way of living, we haven’t lived up to that as of late. People leave their homes and come to this country in order to lead a better life, receive better education, and more opportunity and yet, our president placed a travel ban on Syrian refugees to reduce terrorism. To block immigrants from coming to this country is not what America stands nor what we believe in and to assume that these people are terrorists is extremely ignorant. Not only is it not what we stand for as a nation but it is blatantly disregarding the well-being of these innocent refugees as we sit here and watch them die from constant attack and war. Obviously that fundamental belief in goodness and peace doesn’t exist in this country as of late and that decision reflects on to us citizens. Even though the United States isn’t a country of  acceptance or respect for other cultures , Philadelphia Inquirer writer Trudy Rubin points out in her article New Start for refugees, Germany some countries that are. In her article Rubin explains how “430,000 Syrian asylum-seekers who reached Germany last year…[are seen] as assets to a country with an aging population.” ( Rubin, 2016) For a country whose history is filled with memories of concentration camps, genocide, and lack of respect for a person’s well-being, Germany has since brought in Syrian refugees and made them a part of their country. These immigrants who have dealt with years of war and crisis and their basic civil rights taken away from them like education, have found peace in a country that has embraced them. Unlike the United States, Germany sees these refugees as assets to their country and welcomes them with open arms as they go on to learn German, embrace their new found culture, and open businesses which contribute to the advancement of the country. Although the United States doesn’t share the same  humanistic belief as Germany, not all is their fault. As our book Intercultural Communication In Contexts states “living in an intercultural world presents ethical challenges as well.” (Martin, p.29) So although these ethical problems do arise and may make it difficult to be respectful of others and embrace their culture differences, there is no need for such close-mindedness and ignorance.

What are the different ways that identity plays a role in how people behave, are treated, organize (around a cause) or are discriminated against?

      On page 4 of our Intercultural Communication textbook, the idea of the Demographic Imperative is introduced. As years go on, the world is becoming more and more diverse and we are seeing more heterogeneous societies. We are seeing more races and genders taking accomplishing things that they could not before. For example, according to the Department of Labor, women today make up 47 percent of the work force in the U.S and by this time in 2020, they will account for 51 percent of the total work force. This would never have been imagined many years ago. 

      Although we are seeing women advancing in our culture and society, that does not mean it is happening everywhere else. In the article How Wonder Girls are changing our world from the Global Fund for Women website ,Paola Gianturco and her 11 year old granddaughter show us the dangers and inequality of being a woman in different parts of the world. They wrote a book on the wonder girls around the world and their fight for equal rights. They received inquiries and stories from thirteen countries including Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyzstan, women are deemed less important and seen almost as items. In their culture, the men participate in what is called bride kidnapping, which is where men will snatch a woman off of the street and force them to marry them. Although this practice is illegal in the country, about 80 percent of all marriage begin this way.  Not only are women forced into marriage but crimes against women are almost never reported. Although there are laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment to try and “protect” women, these incidents are rarely reported or responded too as police believe these are private matters. Just because they are women and identify as such, they are discriminated against and not given the same rights and tools to become successful and productive members of society.

       Women have come a long way in our culture to receive equal rights, equal pay, and equal opportunity however, that clearly isn't the case in these other cultures. Diversity and equal rights is something many cultures and different countries struggle with and coming up with proper solutions. The Wonder Girls however, are helping change that little by little by showcasing brave women from across the glove and their efforts. 

 Intercultural Communications in Contexts Sixth Edition, Martin, Judith N., Nakayama, Thomas K., pg. 4-5

https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/wonder-girls-book-interview/#.Wc2Y2K2ZPVo

Brother: I have a little sister who is two years younger then me and we are very close. She is my best friend and we always have each other’s backs. Being a brother is important to be because as the oldest I feel as though I have to be a role model and set an example for her. 

Music: Music is very important to me. If I'm not at work or school, I'm listening to music and finding new artists to listen to everyday. I enjoy many different types/genres of music and try to be as open minded as I can when it comes to it. Music is my outlet for when things are rough. If I'm having a bad day, I just put my headphones and forget what is bothering me. 9 times out of 10 I usually feel better afterwards. I just think it’s amazing how one song can change your entire mood.