Torch, Fall 1992

actions and habits represent cultural preferences and choices not regulated by Scriptural principles. You may not accept all of the other person's ways of doing things, but you can at least understand a little more about the reasons why he acts as he does. Secondly, don't let your knowledge inadvertently become a barrier: see people as individuals, not as stereotypes or statistics. People in other countries usually stereotype Americans as loud, informal, rich, generous, lovers of baseball and hamburgers- do you fit into all of those categories? Recognize which patterns of behavior are acceptable for a particular culture, but do not let those patterns dictate how you respond to someone. Related to this notion of individuality, always try to separate the person from the problem. Some ethnic groups are erroneously portrayed as troublemakers by the media or other sources that promote stereotypes. But of course all racial groups are subject to the sinfulness of human nature, a reality which is often unfortunately compounded for some by the dilemmas of political, and social pressures. No one individual is solely responsible for the perceived problems caused by a particular group. What are the benefits of making the effort to understand another culture? First of all, we get to enjoy the richness of that culture's traditions, customs, and beliefs- the Hispanic and Oriental respect for family, for example, can challenge us to spend more quality time with our own families. My own experiences in Spain and Latin America have challenged me to become more people-oriented and less time-oriented; that is, choosing to spend quality time Learning about another culture is like looking into a mirror-you can't help learning more about yourself and those things that you value when you see yourself from someone else's perspective. with someone rather than give in to the pressures of the clock to keep moving. Learning about another culture is like looking into a mirror– you can't help learning more about yourself and those things that you value when you see yourself from someone else's perspective. Those of us who have spent significant time with people from other cultures can recount valuable insights (and probably humbling experiences) we have received from those contacts. Finally, building cultural bridges instead of barriers on an individual basis becomes a clear expression of peacemaking. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, conveys much more than just the absence of war- it is the establishment of right relations with other human beings, fulfilling God's kingdom purpose here on earth. It is critical that we identify our own personal attitudes towards people of other cultures and that we progressively operate more and more on the principles of grace and shalom. Admittedly, such openness involves taking risks, and also a willingness to seek or give forgiveness when offenses occur. But we have a profound responsibility to model respect, understanding, and empathy since others, especially children, learn from what they see in us. Instead of furthering distrust or fear towards a particular race, we can choose to treat others humanly and biblically. "Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in my sight" when seen through the lenses of God's love and grace. A 1977 Cedarville graduate, Dr. Barbara Loach serves as associate professor of Spanish at the College. She also studied in Spain, Portugal, and Quebec and has traveled in Chile and Puerto Rico as well. Dr. Loach led students on MIS experiences to Argentina and Mexico.