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The value of being open to other cultures

April 8, 2015 by Methow Valley News

By Rikki Schwab
Winthrop Town Marshal

When trying to decide what to write about this month, I decided to go with culture. I have studied multi-cultural psychology for several years, and have studied culture at all levels of my education. It is amazing how different cultures view holidays, communication, relationships, family, etc.

It is so important to have an open mind, especially in law enforcement, so that we are able to understand people’s views and perceptions on different things. After all, people’s perception is reality to them. It always amazed me as a negotiator how different cultures would not reach out of their circle of family and friends until they were desperate, and in a complete state of crisis.

I was raised to value family, but my family cannot come live with me.  This may sound awful, but I need my personal space. I would help them get on their feet etc., but I was raised to stand strong, stand on your feet, and get out there in the world. I remember thinking wow, that’s harsh.  But I understand now why we were taught this.

Sometimes it is hard to see other people’s sides of things when you only understand your own. Understanding is half the battle, I think. It is just like parenting styles. How people decide to raise their children is, most of the time, based on their own upbringing.

Children who tend to be disrespectful and undermining often come from permissive parenting styles. These kids are left in the home to care for themselves at a young age and pretty much raise themselves. They are permitted to do pretty much what they want because they have no supervision. They become their own boss, and so taking direction from others does not work.

Most individuals believe in authoritative parenting, which is proven in research to be the most successful. This is when we teach our children our expectations; we explain why this is what we want from them; and we discuss feelings, etc. These children are not perfect, but they can function in society on their own later in life a lot more easily because they were expected to be mature, and independent, with any discipline fitting their mistakes.

Again, different cultures believe in different child rearing. It is what is acceptable to them, how they were raised, and these beliefs are based on their reality. I think when we teach our children about other cultures, or the acceptance thereof, we help to create a unity in our communities. I don’t have to understand someone’s culture, but I feel it is important to respect it.

When it comes to violence and the law, we are held to the same standard, regardless of our cultures. The criminal justice system gives punishment based on the crime. If you are a first-time offender, your punishment is appropriate. Like a child, if you keep repeating the act, the punishment gets harsher to ensure you understand that change is needed.  Unfortunately some people don’t grasp this concept.

Remember, try to be open to others reality. This is what brings communities together in times of crisis. I think we have gotten this down pretty well here in the Methow Valley.

Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: Rikki Schwab

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