The importance of intercultural training in navigating the challenges of a biracial/multiracial family and multicultural work atmosphere with Susanne Jasper
Susanna Jasper, a member of a biracial family, shares her experiences of living in different cultures and the challenges she faced in an intercultural marriage. She discusses the aspects in which we are all the same, such as our physical bodies and emotions, and the aspects in which we are different, such as our perspectives and approaches to life. Susanna also reflects on her upbringing in Slovakia and Germany, the impact of oppression and freedom, and her sense of belonging. She highlights the differences in values and work culture between Germany and the US, and the challenges and adjustments she had to make in her intercultural marriage. In this conversation, Susanne Jasper shares her experiences as a member of a biracial family and the challenges they faced due to racism. She discusses incidents of racism she encountered in the US and how it opened her eyes to the systemic nature of racism. Susanne also highlights the importance of intercultural training in helping couples navigate cultural differences and find common ground. She emphasizes the need for education and understanding to promote acceptance and integration in diverse societies. Finally, she talks about the experiences of her third-culture children and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for them.
Keywords
diversity, culture, intercultural marriage, biracial family, oppression, freedom, values, work culture, biracial family, racism, intercultural marriage, diversity, acceptance, third-culture children
Takeaways
-We are all similar in terms of our physical bodies and emotions, but we differ in our perspectives and approaches to life.
-Living in different cultures can be challenging, as values and work culture may vary.
-Oppression and the lack of freedom can have a profound impact on individuals and their desire for a better life.
-Belonging can be a complex concept, as one may feel connected to multiple places but not fully belong to any one place.
-Intercultural marriages require understanding, compromise, and the ability to navigate differences in values and traditions. Racism is still a prevalent issue in society, and it is important to be aware of its existence and work towards combating it.
-Intercultural training can be beneficial for couples in intercultural marriages, as it helps them understand and accept cultural differences.
-Creating a diverse and inclusive environment is crucial for the well-being and development of third-culture children.
-Integration and acceptance require effort from both the host country and the individuals who are migrating.
Sound Bites
"We all feel love, we feel fear, joy, doubt, and so on. So in those aspects, really, we are much the same."
"I don't take freedom for granted. I believe that it's very important and very precious and needs to be protected."
"Americans have this optimism, this can-do spirit."
"Racism is still very present nowadays."
"Supporting diversity is a good standard."
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Similarities and Differences Among People
04:17 The Impact of Oppression and the Desire for Freedom
08:52 Navigating Cultural Differences in Work and Values
12:38 The Complex Concept of Belonging
18:48 Challenges and Adjustments in Intercultural Marriages
30:42 Challenges of a Biracial Family
38:01 The Importance of Intercultural Training
45:03 Third-Culture Children
51:01 Integration and Acceptance in Different Countries
57:13 The Role of Environment in Acceptance