Communication and Culture

• Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
• Like with everything I had to analyze my behavior when I am in a setting with multiple cultures present.  The answer is Yes I do change my behavior when I am in a culturally diverse environment.  The truth is when I am amongst other African Americans, I am most comfortable and feel the most understood.  I find that I don't have to search for the proper or unoffensive terminology.  I can use common African American colloquialisms, and they are understood.  I don't have to explain my opinion because others have similar views or experiences as myself.  I find that when I am with people from another culture, I am more cautious with my words, I never want to come off offensive.  Especially with members of the dominant culture, I am aware of my aggression or behaviors that may seem aggressive.  I am aware of my grammar and articulation.  It has been my experience that when I am more relaxed and myself, I come off to other people as abrasive.  How I am perceived by others is moderately important to me so if I can ensure that my persona is regarded as pleasant and enjoyable, I would be more comfortable.  I would like to be unapologetically me. However, the negative stereotypes that exist for African American people and women can sometimes overshadow my actual personality and character.  I feel that I am always fighting against negative stereotypes that people place on me. Therefore, I make adjustments to avoid having to feel defensive.  Especially when I know that the exchange is temporary.  
• Recently I watched a youtube video of black people of all shades answering questions about how comfortable they are as black people.  As they were answering the questions, I answered the same questions.  I found out some interesting things about myself as a woman and as a black woman. I am going to share that video below.