Preconceived ideas about your client's culture can prevent you from getting to know your client as a unique human being.
This workshop aims to explore some cultural traits of Australian South Sea Islanders.
However, not only are there cultural differences between the various communities of Australian South Sea Islanders, but there are, of course, differences between individuals.
Added to this is the fact that all Australian South Sea Islanders alive today were born and raised in Australia. As a result there are many similarities between their culture and the culture of the broader Australian community.
So how do we go about describing the Australian South Sea Islander culture?
How would you describe Australian South Sea Islanders?
Shy and reserved – hard to get to know
Or
Animated and gregarious – their doors are always open.
Which is the correct description?
How would you describe Australians?
Party-goers, who live for a beer at the weekend
Or
Hard-working, with a love of the outdoors.
Which is the correct description?
Neither description is correct, nor is it incorrect.
However, the descriptions do invite the reader to make generalisations.
After reading those statements, you are inclined to think:
Everyone in that culture believes this, acts like this, speaks like this, enjoys this and hates this.
Generalisations will only make your client feel trivialised, restricted, pigeonholed and faceless.
Is it ever possible to make an accurate description of another culture?
Other languages