Global Citizenship: Aren't We All Citizens of the World? | Tuan Nguyen | TEDxBGSU

Summary

In this talk, Tuấn reflects on global citizenship, exploring the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion, both locally and globally. With the world increasingly interconnected, he discusses the need for individuals, particularly American expatriates, to adapt and become part of diverse cultures. Through his personal journey and insights from 25 executives, Tuấn highlights the value of understanding and integrating into multicultural environments. He encourages empathy, collaboration, and self-awareness, proposing that the path to global citizenship involves both understanding others and remaining true to one’s core values. Ultimately, the world becomes better when we see ourselves as global citizens, working toward common good.

Takeaways

• 😀 Global citizenship transcends geographical and political boundaries, embracing humanity as a whole.
• 😀 In-Group bias is a natural part of human behavior, but it can lead to division and harm if not managed properly.
• 😀 Shifting from in-group favoritism to seeing humanity as the in-group can lead to more collaboration and compassion.
• 😀 The United States, with only 4% of the global population, should adopt a global mindset to recognize opportunities outside its borders.
• 😀 Acculturation can take four forms: integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization, each with its own cultural implications.
• 😀 Integration, where an individual retains their cultural identity while engaging with the broader society, is the most balanced approach.
• 😀 Personal growth and adaptation to a new culture often require an open mindset and willingness to engage with diverse perspectives.
• 😀 The best way to thrive in a multicultural environment is to seek first to understand others, rather than being understood.
• 😀 Empathy and a genuine interest in other cultures can lead to stronger, more meaningful connections across cultural divides.
• 😀 Becoming a global citizen requires both inner reflection and outward engagement, starting with understanding one's own culture and expanding to others.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial cultural shock when coming to the United States?

The speaker's initial cultural shock was that people in the United States often ask, 'How are you doing?' without expecting a detailed or lengthy response. This was different from what the speaker was used to, where such questions might invite a more in-depth conversation.

What is the concept of global citizenship as explained by the speaker?

Global citizenship is when an individual’s identity transcends geographical and political borders, embracing humanity as a broader class. It involves recognizing commonalities among people around the world, understanding how different cultures see the world, and working towards the common good.

What is the significance of embracing diversity and inclusion within the United States?

There has been significant discussion about creating an inclusive environment in the United States, but the speaker emphasizes the need to focus on how American expatriates can adapt to foreign cultures as well. This approach helps people realize that both discussions—domestic inclusion and expatriate adaptation—are interconnected.

How does human evolution contribute to the tendency for in-group bias?

In-group bias is a natural aspect of human behavior, which has evolved because it helped early humans enhance self-concepts and increase survival chances when competing for scarce resources. While it can be a force for good, it can also result in harm, like discrimination and war.

What is the recommended mindset change to become a global citizen?

The speaker advises adopting a mindset of open-mindedness and empathy. Instead of seeing oneself as an individual isolated by culture, one should view themselves as a member of the global community. This shift in mindset allows individuals to feel more connected and engaged with the world.

What are the four approaches to acculturation discussed in the presentation?

The four approaches to acculturation are: integration (retaining cultural identity while adapting to the larger society), assimilation (giving up cultural identity to adopt the larger society), separation (maintaining ethnic identity while avoiding engagement with the larger society), and marginalization (having no cultural or psychological contact with either the traditional culture or the larger society).

How did the speaker initially adapt to the U.S. culture, and what realization led to a better approach?

The speaker initially chose to stick with other Vietnamese students, maintaining cultural separation. However, the speaker realized that this approach made them feel more isolated. They later adopted a more open approach, joining student organizations and interacting with peers from various backgrounds, which helped them feel more at home.

What do 25 C-level executives suggest about the importance of global citizenship?

The executives agree that the world is interconnected and that we need to look beyond regional boundaries. They emphasize that understanding how different cultures see the world can challenge existing norms, broaden perspectives, and offer valuable insights that contribute to both personal and professional growth.

What advice does Stephen Covey offer for thriving in a multicultural environment?

Stephen Covey’s advice is to 'seek first to understand, rather than to be understood.' This means approaching interactions with a genuine interest in understanding other cultures before expecting others to understand you, which fosters better communication and collaboration.

How can someone feel more at home in a new culture or country?

The speaker suggests that knowledge is key—knowing about the country, its culture, and the recommendations of others can help build confidence in navigating a new environment. They also recommend being adventurous and embracing the culture fully, just as much as retaining a sense of home.