When discussing process we talked more about cultural differences – how the cultural orientation of staff working at the Games can affect how the work gets done, as an example.  When discussing outcome, we talked more about cultural connection – how bringing people together creates a spirit of commonality that speaks to the essence of the event.  While those conversation threads can seem almost contradictory when viewed separately, together they represent the larger whole that intercultural communication looks to embody.

That discussion led me to think about Multiculturalism at 40 and what I am asking people to do: write about a personal experience observing cultural difference in their everyday lives.  It’s not a topic that rests comfortably with everyone. I know in speaking about the project, I’ve occasionally had the feeling that multiculturalism in Canada is on that list of topics that people feel they “shouldn’t” talk about. I also admit I’ve had moments when the notion of focusing on differences has made me feel uncomfortable.  What makes us nervous?

If I go back to the evening with Sietar BC, there is something in the duality of that conversation that is important to realize.  We know that an awareness and openness to different ways of seeing, and being in the world is one way to foster greater connection.  Perhaps in our everyday lives, embora, we fear that the process of discussing differences won’t be perceived as supporting an outcome of greater understanding – or will become disconnected from it.  If we can find more ways to keep  the discussion process and that intended outcome framed together perhaps we’ll grow more confident about the conversation as a whole.  And from the stories submitted to this project so far I can see there is such a range of human experience to be explored that is variously thoughtful, startling, joyful, challenging, amusing and inspiring.

A segunda me chamou a atenção porque eu sei que está sendo feito essa pergunta muitas vezes vem com a inferência de que você de alguma forma não aparecem como se você é de “aqui.” Explicando-se pode ficar velho muito rápido, especialmente se você tem a sensação de que você está sempre sendo apontada para a questão. Sem que o frete adicional embora, é uma questão que eu acho que muitas vezes é utilizada em grande parte da mesma forma que conversa sobre o clima. É uma maneira de fazer uma conexão. Como uma nação de viajantes e pessoas “de-away,” a maioria de nós são de outro lugar, mesmo que seja apenas o outro lado da província ou território, or the other end of the country.

Eu ofereço esta pequena observação a todos aqueles que se fez a pergunta mais vezes do que deveriam. De uma forma estranha, talvez seja um símbolo de inclusão. Você foi convidado a segunda pergunta mais comum canadense. A complaint about the weather can’t be far behind.