Hispanic Culture Workshops

Understanding another culture is possible only if I understand my own culture. That is the premise for the “Walk an Hour in My Shoes” workshop which host upon request for organizations and workplaces in the county. The Hispanic population of Fond du Lac County has grown 120% since 2000. Teachers, law enforcement officers, clergy, health care workers, local government employees, and others benefit from this workshop on how to be effective in a multicultural environment. Hispanic values and culture are taught at the same time participants’ own cultures are examined.

During one of the workshops, Diana Hammer Tscheschlok shared a story of growing up in the Midwest thinking she didn’t have a culture. Living where her culture was the majority made it hard to see. She was surprised to find out that studying in Central America in college taught her more about her own culture than she had expected. For example, as a White Caucasian American she noticed she had a much greater need for “personal space,” the distance between herself and the next person. In Latino society, kissing on the cheek in greeting, standing and sitting closely to one another are normal to show interest and affection. It is considered rude or arrogant to not greet or interact with people in the same warm manner. Knowing this perceptual difference of what is considered “rude” and “normal,” she began to mirror the closer space and more physical interactions when talking with Costa Ricans and Salvadorans. She also made time for herself to be away from people so she could recharge. It took a lot of energy to override the automatic response she’d learned in her culture of creating a physical distance from people when talking.

Interacting in a multicultural environment becomes easier with time and practice. The Walk an Hour program is a wonderful way to begin this journey. Contact us if you’d like to schedule a program for your group.

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