Extreme Individualism
When public figures such as Congressman Joe Wilson and performer Kanye West brazenly express their opinions in public forums, dismissing protocol and the rights of others, many call this a lack of decorum. Others have suggested it signals a change in US culture. We’re wondering if these public outbursts, perhaps a by-product of social networking phenomena like Facebook, Twitter and the blogosphere, represent a cultural shift in the US towards extreme individualism.
Do you agree? Read more...

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Why is Kraft so Successful in Asia?
In a story that is becoming more common, Kraft has successfully integrated cultural sensitivity into its marketing strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. In a Wall Street Journal interview, Kraft's Asia-Pacific CEO Pradeep Pant tells us how they were able to turn the Oreo cookie into the most popular cookie in the region. Read more...

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Banks, Money and Culture
In this issue, Mafalda Arias, an intercultural consultant, writes on the need for banks to understand that the way people value money is culturally-rooted. Furthermore, she expresses that an intercultural strategy is an essential part of any successful business model today. Arias tells us that intercultural knowledge can be used "as a powerful customer focus tool to create social change and evolution, make a difference, allow growth, generate success and prosperity..." Read more...

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A Hospital that Emphasizes Culture
According to the New York Times, a California hospital is the first to create a policy allowing traditional, culturally-specific treatment by a Hmong Shaman for its patients. As an institution seeking positive feedback from its customers, many of whom are Hmong, why wouldn't there be a policy that considers cultural perspectives on treatment? Read more...

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Cupcake Craze Reaches Middle East
A very American dessert finds its niche in cities with known sweet tooths, after gaining a trendy status in cities throughout the US and now the world. Read more...

An Ode to American Diversity
Click here to read and see a beautiful, artful essay on what makes the US, and specifically New York, so attractive to immigrants.

Transcultural Literacy in Higher Education
A University of Illinois Professor says that "...college students and teachers need to be as culturally fluent with people from different cultures as they are with their own, a soft skill that has become an essential part of life in the 21st century." Read more...

More from RW ³: 

Watch Mike Schell's interview on Fox Business Morning, which aired on September 10, 2009. Mike answers questions about being culturally aware and his new book, Managing Across Cultures.

Cultural Wisdom at your Fingertips

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I. Extreme Individualism
II. Why is Kraft so Successful in Asia?
III. Banks, Money and Culture
IV. A Hospital that Emphasizes Culture

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United States of America

Learn more about a country that is oftentimes more famous for its "pop culture"

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