turn can produce mistrust, hostility, and even hate.^10 Host culture members may
exhibit feelings of ethnocentrism by developing negative judgments about outsiders
who have different cultural traits. This situation can easily create a downward spiral
in relations between members of the host culture and sojourners. The best way to
facilitate effective adaptation is for all parties to recognize and work to resist the
strong pull of ethnocentrism. One way of reducing the potential of ethnocentrism
is for individuals to learn how their own culture influences and shapes their beliefs,
perceptions, values, and behaviors.^11Stay Connected to Your Own Culture
By now, you should know that entering a new culture has the potential to be physi-
cally and mentally overwhelming. You will probably experience some degree of cul-
ture shock, and the adaptation process will demand increased levels of emotional
and physical energy. One way of mitigating these demands is to maintain contact
with your own culture. Simply spending time with people from your culture can
reduce the stress of managing life in another culture. It is quite common for people
moving abroad to find a specific neighborhood that has culturally familiar conve-
niences, which can range from religious institutions to food stores. In large urban
areas, expatriates often join a club or professional organization where members are
from the same culture, such as the American Club of Paris or the American Chamber
of Commerce in Shanghai. When confronted with dietary challenges in a new cul-
ture, an American sojourner can now easily retreat to one of many U.S. fast-food
franchises located in almost every major overseas metropolitan center. Today, unlike
only a few years past, modern technology has made staying in touch with family mem-
bers and friends in one’s home country both affordable and easy.“A 19th-century
Russian immigrant might never see or speak to his family again. A 21st-century
migrant can Skype them in the taxi from the airport.”^12It is difficult to
recognize and control
ethnocentrism
because it is learned
early, it is hard to
isolate, and it is
usually unconscious.
Courtesy of Edwin McDaniel386 CHAPTER 11• The Challenges of Intercultural Communication: Managing Differences
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