I am a meat eater; a rare steak (grilled to perfection), is what I live for.  Going in to the supermarket, I have the understanding where my steak of choice came from.  We raise cattle (a living, breathing, animal) for the sole purpose of sustenance.  So, why then do we abhor the thought of another culture consuming a domestic animal (dog)?

Jandt (2013, pp. 62-69) discusses the issues of perception, and how the process of perception – selection, organization, and interpretation – affects how we process information.  Some of our perceptions, such as reacting to the idea of consuming dog meat, is “a culturally learned interpretation” (Jandt, 2013, p.67).  How do we control our perceptions based on our culture, so they do not have a negative impact on our communication interactions?

The idea that our preconceived notions, stemming from our own cultural identity, have the ability to influence our intercultural communications, leaves me with a few questions:

• What do I know specifically, about other cultures, that would cloud my perceptions while engaging in communications?
• How much of a negative impact does a lack of cultural awareness have on communications with persons of differing cultures than my own?
• Do I have biases that could negatively affect intercultural communication?
• Do I consciously use negative biases, stereotypes, or lack of cultural understanding while engaging in intercultural communications?