Okay kiddo, so you know how there are lots of different cultures in the world, right? Well, the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS) helps us understand how people from different cultures learn to understand each other better over time.
Imagine you meet someone from a culture that is very different from yours. At first, you might be a little confused or even scared because you don't understand their customs, language, or behavior. But as you get to know them better, you might start to realize that their way of thinking and living is just as valid as yours. That's what the DMIS is all about.
The DMIS has six different stages, all of which show how people develop their understanding and appreciation of different cultures. The first stage is called denial, where someone might not even realize that there are other cultures out there. They might believe that their own culture is the only one that matters.
The second stage is called defense, and it's when someone starts to recognize that there are other cultures, but they still see their own as superior. They might even get defensive or aggressive when confronted with other ways of thinking.
The third stage is called minimization, and it's when someone starts to recognize that other cultures have value, but they still try to fit them into their own way of thinking. They might say things like, "Oh, that's just like what we do in my culture!"
The fourth stage is called acceptance, and it's when someone starts to appreciate the differences between cultures and sees them as equal. They might be interested in learning more about other cultures and trying new things.
The fifth stage is called adaptation, and it's when someone actively seeks out new experiences and tries to apply what they've learned from other cultures to their own life. They might change some of their own beliefs or behaviors based on what they've learned.
Finally, the sixth stage is called integration, and it's when someone fully embraces the different cultures around them and sees them as part of a larger whole. They might actively work to promote intercultural understanding and cooperation.
So, the DMIS tells us that people can go through all six of these stages as they learn more about other cultures. It's important to understand and appreciate other cultures because it can help us create a more peaceful and understanding world.