Thinking cross culturally can be challenging which was extremely evident in the video "The Danger of a Single Story". We are so easily influenced by what we read, see, and the environment we grow up. So many times we don't challenge ourselves to think outside our culture and rather tend to be somewhat tunnel visioned. I'm glad that some of the pioneers like Martin Luther King Jr. did not have that type of mentality but were willing to embrace change and bring it to the attention of many. I'm reminded of how easy it is to stereotype and develop biases. I went to the 82nd Saudi Arabia National Day and participated in a wonderful evening of culture outside my everyday experience. One of the events for the evening was a short presentation regarding terrorism. The young man that spoke about the impact of 9/11 in Saudi Arabia and similar events. However I think the most important message that he echoed that night was that so many of us have a single story about Muslims. Even though the Taliban claimed to follow the Muslim religion, we were reminded that the actions of 9/11 do not align with their beliefs. Unfortunately so many in our culture today, me included would probably be guilty of having a single story that has shaped how we have viewed Muslims at some point in our lives.
All three articles shed light on how easily we are influenced by what society tells us we should think. This is a very sad observation but should also be an encouragement. A good leader should heighten their awareness regarding cultural differences and take the effort to understand it more in depth. Find that story that doesn't segregate someone and put them in a box. Step across those imaginary lines that have been formed. It is time to step outside our box filled and skewed by biases. Leaders embrace different cultures and model the way for their followers.
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