Can I Make Fun of Someone for Falling Into a Koi Pond?
Michael Scott: “The most fundamental thing about sensitivity training is that you cannot make fun of a person for some thing or some action that they have done that they regret. You can only make fun of things that they have control over. Like, Oscar is gay. That is his choice. We can make fun of that. I did not choose to fall into a koi pond. . . .”
Toby Flenderson: “Michael you still can’t make fun of people for race or gender or sexual orientation or religion…”
~ The Office, “Koi Pond,” Episode 608 (2009)
The irony of Michael’s comment during sensitivity training should be obvious to most of us — he suggests that sexual orientation is a choice and therefore subject to ridicule, while also wanting to avoid ridicule for something as trivial as falling into a koi pond. In terms of cultural sensitivity, Michael has a long way to go.
The Development Model of Intercultural Sensitivity, also known as the “Bennett Scale,” can help describe how we experience cultural differences. Think of the model as a continuum of cultural experience ranging from “ethnocentric” (“What’s normal for me should be normal to everyone!”) to “ethnorelative” (acceptance, adaption, and integration of other cultures). In the ethnocentric stages, one’s own culture is central to their reality and other cultures are wrong or inferior. Whereas in the enthnorelative stages, one experiences cultures as alternative ways of living.
The Bennett Scale applies to individuals, as well as groups and organizations. The Scale can be useful as a tool in progressing toward a deeper understanding of and appreciation for cross-cultural differences. These are the six developmental stages and a deeper explanation of the stage each represents:
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In this recipe, we ask you to determine which stage a statement or character belongs on the Bennett Scale and why. These examples can help you begin to identify your own or your organization’s current stage and ways progress can be made along the continuum.
Recipe Experience of Difference
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After a discussion of the six stages of the Bennett Scale, watch one of the videos below in a small group. Be prepared to observe and take note of where the characters may fall on the scale and what they could do to advance along the continuum. As you discuss, think about how your own views or your organization’s views may (or may not) align with those in the videos.
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A group of at least three people. For this recipe, the size does not matter. This works well at office or other community gatherings.
A screen large enough to accommodate the group’s viewing of a video. Participants may also view the video on their personal devices if the group is not in the same location.
One (or more) of the following videos:
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Prep:
- Allow everyone in the group a few minutes to read the different stages on the Bennet Scale.
- If anyone has clarifying questions, allow a few minutes to make sure that everyone has a baseline understanding of the scale and each of the stages on it.
Watch:
- Pick one or more clips from The Office, and watch! (Clips are 2-6 minutes long.)
- Write down quotes as you’re watching, and mark where you think they are on the Bennett Scale.
Discuss:
- Where on the Bennett Scale would you place the individuals based on specific comments made during the clips?
- What about those views indicate a particular stage on the Bennett Scale?
- What could each individual do or change to move further along the Bennett Scale toward the ethnorelative stages?
- How much awareness do the characters have about their stage on the Bennett Scale?
Reflect:
- Closely examine your own internal perceptions and determine where you may fall on the spectrum.
- How does your culture intersect with other cultures in your community or workplace?
- How might your biases and prejudices impact your understanding or acceptance of other cultures?
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- Although these videos clips are meant to be exaggerated and comedic in nature, they provide a useful basis for dialogue on what can otherwise be difficult conversations
- Whoever is leading the group should watch the videos in advance to ensure they are appropriate for your particular group
