INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION:
VALUES, BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES
By Andrea Halwa
Mexico is a rich culture with many different values, beliefs and attitudes. Beliefs are assumptions that are held to be true by an individual or a group of people. Attitudes are mental acts that lead us to respond positively or negatively towards people, things and situations (Ing, 2015). They come from family, religion, school environment and culture.
Mexico is considered by many other countries as an ‘old world’ third world country. The strong traditions and customs that became the foundation of Mexican culture are still active today in modern Mexico. Family encompasses every aspect of a person’s life in this culture. Families are close knit and value trust, respect and hard work (Seipel, Way, 2016). The children are cherished and expected to listen to adults and behave. Positive reinforcement is not used as it is feared to create a more Americanised outlook on family, where the children adopt the parental role in many circumstances.
Mexico is considered by many other countries as an ‘old world’ third world country. The strong traditions and customs that became the foundation of Mexican culture are still active today in modern Mexico. Family encompasses every aspect of a person’s life in this culture. Families are close knit and value trust, respect and hard work (Seipel, Way, 2016). The children are cherished and expected to listen to adults and behave. Positive reinforcement is not used as it is feared to create a more Americanised outlook on family, where the children adopt the parental role in many circumstances.
The father is the head of the house and the protector of the family. He is to be respected and listened to (Seipel, Way, 2016). If something were to happen to the father, the next male in line would become the head of the family. The mother is cherished and adored and nurtures the home and her family. In Mexico, common attitudes observed among locals would be respect for elders and strangers and warm hospitality if someone is in need of help. If you are in a position to help them, it is your duty to do so.
Trust, honour and one’s reputation are of great importance in Mexico. If someone has done something to shame themselves, it ruins not only their reputation but also damages the family. When this happens, they lose their credibility in the eyes of the community and it is difficult to restore the faith their community once had in them.
There is evidence of cultural bias and ethnocentric attitudes in Mexico. Racism is present among the indigenous tribes and there is a distinct separation between the rich and the poor. Class systems exist and it is very difficult for one to advance their socioeconomic status, especially without an education.
The Mexican people have a deep steadfast faith which has carried them through difficult and trying times. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Mexico today, where Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico. Her shrine is located in Mexico City where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel from all over the world to visit. The faith the Mexican people have instills within them a sense of unified community. They are known around the world as a humble and prayerful people.
Trust, honour and one’s reputation are of great importance in Mexico. If someone has done something to shame themselves, it ruins not only their reputation but also damages the family. When this happens, they lose their credibility in the eyes of the community and it is difficult to restore the faith their community once had in them.
There is evidence of cultural bias and ethnocentric attitudes in Mexico. Racism is present among the indigenous tribes and there is a distinct separation between the rich and the poor. Class systems exist and it is very difficult for one to advance their socioeconomic status, especially without an education.
The Mexican people have a deep steadfast faith which has carried them through difficult and trying times. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Mexico today, where Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico. Her shrine is located in Mexico City where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel from all over the world to visit. The faith the Mexican people have instills within them a sense of unified community. They are known around the world as a humble and prayerful people.
The Mexican people put great value in their heritage and are passionate about passing their traditions down through traditional food and music. They are passionate about the enjoyment of these things with their family and friends and look forward to the many celebrations that occur throughout the calendar year.
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(RealtySanMiguel, 2015)
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(Movieclips Coming Soon, 2015)
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