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Vignette, Spring 2009
A dilemma to interpret
You have invited an urban community organization made up of young Latinos and African Americans to participate in your environmental center project. You want to make it special and try to include all your favorite things – vegetarian food, mellow guitar music, and a group activity as a mixer. Many of the participants seem to be holding back. One of the girls jokes and says, “I forgot my earth shoes.” Feedback from an exit evaluation says, “I don’t get your culture.” You think……
a. They are stereotyping you. You really don’t have a culture.b. This has always been popular with everyone else, it will just take time.
c. You wouldn’t have been true to yourself if you had done anything different.
d. You are clueless what else would have worked given your goals and mission.
e. Maybe this isn’t a good fit.
f. None of the above.
How is your response influenced by:
….your understanding of your own personal and professional culture?
….your awareness of alternative personal and professional cultures around you?
….your need to maintain your cultural norms?
….your ability or comfort to let go of control?
….your flexibility about your goals and mission and how it could be interpreted and expanded by others that you may want to include?
