Sensitivity and Respect

Christine Whitten

I face several challenges when it comes to showing sensitivity and respect for those of different cultures and communities both when I write about or interact with them. My biggest challenge comes when I come face-to-face with the person. Often times, I do not understand what they are saying. I feel rude asking them to repeat themselves. When conversing with students from other cultures, I notice that my language is too complex; I feel awkward “dumbing” it down because I am afraid of offending them. Also, I have trouble speaking about other cultures and races; I am afraid of being politically incorrect and offending them.