Hall investigates further into the problem of matching up different systems. While we are superficially aware of the fact that we carry different identities, we hang on to the idea that we are all alike and that after all: we are all human beings, aren't we? The simple-be-yourself-formula, as Hall puts it, only works in superficial social situations. Working together is not a superficial encounter.
While we in general know about the existence of the different systems we live with their manifested outputs as if they were malleable. Once learned they become subconscious. "The hidden controls are usually experienced as though they were innate simply because they are not only ubiquitous but habitual as well." (p.42) We only become aware of our cultural identity by negative feedback, when our view on things or our behavior all the sudden shows to be different, when all the sudden we don't fit anymore. This moment can be quite unsettling because our guidelines become invalid and thus we lose our social competence.
"[O]ne is completely unaware of the fact that there is a system of controls as long as the programme is followed. Ironically, this means that the majority of mankind are denied knowledge of important parts of the self by virtue of the way the control system works. This is most frequent in intercultural encounters. Therefore, the great gift that the members of the human race have for each other is not exotic experiences but an opportunity to achieve awareness of the structure of their own system, which can be accomplished only by interacting with others who do not share that system - members of the opposite sex, different age groups, different ethnic groups, and different cultures - all suffice." (p.44)
Hall adds as well that even if we become aware of the opponent cultural system we can hardly believe that the people actually feel comfortable with their set of beliefs, values, ... He gives the example of New Mexican Spanish who apparently lose their social recognition if they work for success and thus try to be something better. While we might understand how this comes about, we still consider it, well, stupid.
back to the table of content
further to chapter four
While we in general know about the existence of the different systems we live with their manifested outputs as if they were malleable. Once learned they become subconscious. "The hidden controls are usually experienced as though they were innate simply because they are not only ubiquitous but habitual as well." (p.42) We only become aware of our cultural identity by negative feedback, when our view on things or our behavior all the sudden shows to be different, when all the sudden we don't fit anymore. This moment can be quite unsettling because our guidelines become invalid and thus we lose our social competence.
"[O]ne is completely unaware of the fact that there is a system of controls as long as the programme is followed. Ironically, this means that the majority of mankind are denied knowledge of important parts of the self by virtue of the way the control system works. This is most frequent in intercultural encounters. Therefore, the great gift that the members of the human race have for each other is not exotic experiences but an opportunity to achieve awareness of the structure of their own system, which can be accomplished only by interacting with others who do not share that system - members of the opposite sex, different age groups, different ethnic groups, and different cultures - all suffice." (p.44)
Hall adds as well that even if we become aware of the opponent cultural system we can hardly believe that the people actually feel comfortable with their set of beliefs, values, ... He gives the example of New Mexican Spanish who apparently lose their social recognition if they work for success and thus try to be something better. While we might understand how this comes about, we still consider it, well, stupid.
back to the table of content
further to chapter four
