Blog Post #5: Interview synopsis and final reflection

Background: 

For my Blog 5 post, I interviewed my brother, Josh, who unfortunately made some bad decisions early in his life that led him to serving a few years in prison. Josh was excited to share his input on the struggles he has faced since being released. He hopes that his words will give ex-offenders out there hope, while also suppressing negative stereotypes that are connected with ex-offenders.

Release: 

Prior to his release, Josh's plan of action was to get out, live at home for a few months, find a job, and then move out. He commented that a lot of his excitement was toward seeing our mom. After his release he shared that it was very weird having so much free time. In prison, every day has a set schedule inmates follow. Josh initially thought having the freedom to go about your day how you pleased would be an easy adjustment, however, it was very difficult at first. 

Adjusting: 

When Josh finally got home, he stuck close to our mom. This came in the form of going on errands with her, helping her around the house, etc. Being away for so long created a sense of sadness, so sticking by her was a way in his mind to make up for lost time. Big challenges that Josh faced after his release were catching up with technology and finding a job. He was amazed with Iphones, touch screen tablets, etc. As cool as they were, he had no idea how to use them. He thanks our youngest brother Jeremy for helping him catch up with the times. In addition to technology, finding a job was tough for Josh. He recalls walking from place to place filling out applications, and receiving no calls back. A few months later, our dad directed Josh to a landscaping company, and Josh was finally hired on. 

Looking Forward: 

Whenever Josh speaks to ex- convicts, he advises them to always keep a positive attitude. Having a criminal charge next to your name already puts you at a huge disadvantage. If you have bad attitude as well, then a person just digs themselves into a deeper hole. In terms of people being nervous around an offender, Josh says this is a normal reaction, but shouldn't play a role in how your treat them. Josh advises that people get know someone before they judge them.

I asked Josh what his biggest accomplishment to date was, and he shared that it was finding a job. "So many people write you off that when you finally get that call, its like a huge weight is lifted off your shoulders." Looking forward, Josh hopes to continue making strides in the right direction, and changing the minds of those who have negative perceptions of him.

My Reflection:

1) Using this experience, name two things you think are important in being an effective intercultural communicator and explain why.

Two things I believe are important in being an effective communicator is an open mind and awareness of your own implicit biases. I believe these two things are important because without them, it can keep you from learning and listening to what the other person has to say.

2) After studying the microculture, are there common stereotypes, advantages, or disadvantages that the group or individuals face living in American society? What are they? (because your research scope was limited, this may be an overgeneralization, but speak from the research and interviews that you did, knowing that it may not apply to all members)

Common stereotypes for ex-offenders from my research seem to be that they are dirty, up to no good, and are a drain on society. These also serve as disadvantages when trying to find a job and housing.  There aren't too many advantages in being an ex-offender, but there are a number programs out there that offenders can take advantage of when trying to get back on their feet. 

3)  Oftentimes we don’t really think about the values, norms, or behaviors of our own cultural identity until we are exposed to different worldviews. To further explain, you may have had some insights about your own race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc. by interacting with a microculture different from your own. Through this project, what insights did you have about the values, norms, or behaviors of your own cultural identity?

Before my research and interviews on ex-offenders, I never thought we would have much in common. They had a record and I didn't. However, I came to discover that although these people and I are different in our actions, we are all very similar in our value of family, God, and wanting to do positive things for the world. 

4) The first part of the project entailed doing some research on the culture, and then you experienced places and people of the culture. Name and explain the benefits and/or drawbacks of interacting with someone from a different culture in person over learning about their culture in a textbook, online, or the media.

Benefits that come with interviewing in person rather than research are that you are able to get a stronger grasp on who a person is by being able to observe their emotions and personalities. On the flipside, a drawback in this situation is that a person may have only have a limited amount of experiences to share. Online research, books, and media have the potential of providing a broader scope of the culture and what challenges they may face. 

5) What did you learn about stereotyping, labeling, or implicit bias?

I learned that no matter what people say, everyone has their own biases. Even me.

6) In reflecting on your overall experience, what would you say your biggest insight or greatest takeaway is from this project?

As someone who wants to pursue a career in Human Resources, this project helped me become aware of the areas I am weak in. Being aware of my biases I believe will only help in my life and career.