COM-263 Topic 3 Culture and Perception
In 1,000‐1,250 words, complete the following:
1. Describe the cultural identity of a particular cultural group and how the culture’s identity is represented symbolically in the culture’s communication patterns, values, language, architecture, pastimes, art, relational roles, societal systems, behaviors, etc. (Comp 2.1 Interpret the meaning of symbols across cultures.).
2. Compare and contrast symbolic representations of a particular cultural group via media channels in that culture, in the U.S. media, and academic research findings.
3. Evaluate the role of mass media channels in intercultural communication. What impact do mass media have on intercultural perceptions and interactions?
4. Project must have a minimum of five scholarly sources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Sample Answer
Culture and Perception
The Hispanic culture has many different values and beliefs system. Hispanic is a term applied or used to describe the group of people who resides or originates from a former Spanish empire. Also, the term refers to the countries or states which were once a Spanish colonial possession. Today, Hispanics occupy different geographical regions around the globe. Notably, a significant population of the United States is composed of the Hispanics. These groups of people occupy different states in America. This paper is going to focus on the cultural perception of Hispanics in the United States. The paper outlines and discusses the values, beliefs, communication styles, languages, architecture, pastimes, and societal systems of the Hispanics.
Identity
The heritage of Hispanics consists of a wide range of histories, cultures, nationalities, and personalities. Describing the Hispanic cultural identity is a bit more complicated. The reason for this complexity is because groups of people whose ancestors originated from Spanish speaking countries and Latin America are considered to be Hispanics (Unmaking Hispanic). These countries of their origin may be similar in many ways, including their languages, but they have different customs altogether. However, nearly 90 percent of Hispanics living in the United States have a Latin America or Spanish ancestry. Therefore, Hispanics are mostly identified as Latino Americans.
Communication
Hispanics usually express how they feel through communication. These people do not shy away from communicating about their situations, problems, or feelings. Hispanics have a wide variety of words that they use to express themselves. Also, non-verbal communication is prevalent among Hispanics. The non-verbal communication techniques include hand and body movements, facial expression, and physical touch, among many others (Li & Tsai, 2015). Emotional connections among the Hispanics can also be communicated using different gestures. For example, it is common to find friends in the streets and other areas hugging and kissing when they meet. Similarly, people who just met for the first time can greet each other through a handshake or a hug.
Values
The Hispanic culture can be described as collectivist. Firm family values characterize the culture. Family is an essential aspect of the Hispanics culture and belief system. Hispanics are always group-oriented individuals. Their family modes include extended families who may extend to grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, and some extent non-blood relatives. One of the outstanding values for the Hispanics is the financial support for another. Also, it is a standard norm for the grandparent to live together with their children, for a particular duration (Cultural Values of Latino Patients and Families). Children usually help to provide the financial needs of their aging parents. Decision making is another value that stands out among the Hispanics. Those who follow the Hispanic culture carefully usually discuss any important decisions with their close family members. It follows that an individual cannot make any decision without seeking advice from their family.
