Tia Cameron

1. How has Milton Bennett’s model of Intercultural Sensitivity help you understand
ways in which we can improve our skills in communicating, dealing and respecting
others from different cultures? How have you, yourself evolved in the DMIS scale
through your participation, readings, films, discussion, in this class?
a. By observing the model, it helps me get a better idea of how I can improve and
personally move up the scale. At the beginning of the class, I identified with being
associated with the third stage, which is the Minimization of Difference. I have
yet to truly interest myself in another culture.
I wish to travel to Europe one day in hope that I will be able to gain another step
within the model. I truly wish to advance, but I feel like I have to travel outside of the U.S. in
order to make it happen. The discussions in class have helped me get a better understanding of
where other people are within the scale. People who talk more in discussions are further up the
scale because I hear the personal stories that they share and their commentary reflects their
insight on the topics that we discuss.

2. What impact did the assignments, discussion, interview, and writing an Immigrant
Story have on your understanding of immigration/immigrants in the U.S. and
around the world? Did they challenge your way of thinking or assumptions?
a. For my Immigrant Story, I got to know a woman from Ukraine. Like many other
immigrants, she came to the U.S. for a better financial life. This assignment
brought me out of my shell a bit and allowed me to open my mind to another
individual’s opinions and experiences.
The discussions in class help me better understand the effects that
immigration/immigrants have on society. It makes me think of how society has changed because
of the integration of immigrants in our communities. I believe that the introduction of new
cultures and the blending of cultures is beneficial for society because it helps introduce new
factors and ideas.

3. How did your participation in this class help you better understand your civil rights
and the responsibilities of citizens in your community, your country, and the world?
a. By sharing my viewpoint with others in the class, it helped me realize that I share
a mutual respect for what immigrants have contributed to society. I have realized
that it is up to me to help people from other cultures feel welcome. By creating
relationships with immigrants it will help me gain a better understanding of
different cultural norms and it will let me gain new insights.
This class has inspired me to travel and help others throughout the world. I wish
to help others that are in need of a restart button. This class has reminded me to speak out against
discrimination and to protect those who have no voice.