Sometimes, when considering our own beliefs, we can find it challenging to accept other ways of life and rituals. However, close-mindedness and prejudice (偏见) are not the way to go, especially when there is so much we can learn about other cultures. Learning to accept and respect other cultures is an important step that opens your mind to the world around you and everyone’s unique differences.

Develop an open mind. Open the doors of your mind to accept what other people believe in. Try not to stereotype or brush things off when you haven’t actually taken a closer look yet. 【小题1】

Take a look at history. The way some civilizations developed can be fascinating! 【小题2】 When you start studying, you’ll understand how things moved together to form the world we live in today. It’s a great piece of knowledge to have, so don’t rob yourself of it! There are plenty of books and sites available to fuel your curiosity. Appreciate the way different people fought for what they believed in, even if those beliefs differ from yours.

【小题3】.Sample some Italian or try your hand at cooking curry. Enjoy different foods and the different way meals are prepared. Don’t limit yourself, try everything and smile.

Talk to people. 【小题4】It will help you understand that though they may believe and practice different things. That doesn’t make them strange or backward. Developing friendships with those from other cultures can be a really great experience.

Watching movies from different countries, like Bollywood movies or those on ancient happenings can be eye opening and help you appreciate different societies. If you’re into fashion, try sampling different culture’s dress and styles 【小题5】 If you’re having issues with racism and discrimination, try talking to someone to understand why you feel this way.

One evening at a busy Broadway crossroad, I noticed a sister struggling to keep her little kid under control while she talked on the pay phone. She wanted him to stay still next to her, but he wanted to run and play at the curb(路边), close to rushing buses and taxis. One could sense the woman’s frustration(挫败), that she was pulled in too many directions: She was angry at the person on the telephone and shouting at the younger that she would “snap(打断) his leg” if he moved again. As I waited for the traffic light to change, the child began to complain and struggle to free himself from the woman’s grip. She dropped the phone, seized the neck of his tiny T-shirt and gave him a back-hand blow across the face that I know made his little head spin.

The light changed, and passersby continued on their way. But I stood there, fixed to the pavement. I knew this extremely upset woman would follow through on her threat of violence to the child. Before, I had wanted to approach her and offer to watch the youngster while she dealt with the distressing situation on the phone. Now I wanted to comfort the little boy. I also wanted to speak to the sister to calm her and to caution her, as I wish someone had cautioned me when I was passing my pain on to my daughter and causing her emotional suffering. But I was chicken(胆小鬼). I thought, she may think I’m out of line, or I may be her next target.

Often I’ve thought about that child and the many others abused(虐待，辱骂) by adults. I wonder how they will internalize (使……藏在心底) their pain, if it will crush their spirits. Will this little boy grow up to be an abusive man? Will he be gloomy and withdrawn? Will he find it hard to communicate with women, with other men? Or will he survive and be sensitive, caring and determined not to continue the cycle?

There is too much cruelty in the world, too much cruelty between people. I tremble at the increasing verbal bitterness and violence among Black girls, and among young mothers trying to discipline their children. This behavior isn’t class- or age- related: I hear sharp words from Black women from all walks of life who are overworked and stressed out and have grown impatient. At times I, too, become short with others, or, like the sister on the phone, strike out at(抨击) those closest to me.

Often we’re tired because we’ve made the wrong choices. Young girls who still need mothering are loaded with children. We, sisters easily get hurt and annoyed when we don’t compromise(妥协)with our own sense of self. Our personal fulfillment requires knowing what is best for us, setting oar boundaries and keeping them undamaged. We will always be asked to do more than we are comfortable doing. When we know our boundaries, we can decline comfortably. People — and we ourselves — will act in ways we don’t like. But they, like us，are still worthy of love.

Whatever irritates (激怒) us about a person should be examined. Is the person reflecting behavior in us that needs to be changed? Often, when I find people irritating, I find they mirror something about me that I need to correct.

What we people of African root must do to thrive begins with love, sensitivity and our ability to work together. We Black women have these spiritual resources in abundance(充裕). Now we must draw on them to create a peaceful place — for ourselves, our children, our men.

We usually interpret someone looking us straight in the eye during an interaction as a sign of trustworthiness. 【小题1】This is at least the case in the Western world.

But research is increasingly challenging this standard view. 【小题2】 In a competitive environment where a negotiation is taking place, looking at another person directly in the eye can be a sign of competition and unkindness, rather than kindness.

While folk wisdom tells us eye contact is a sign of honesty and trustworthiness, these findings were not a surprise. Animals have direct eye contact not before engaging in kind behaviors but rather immediately before an attack. 【小题3】 We humans seem to be carrying on this tradition by looking our opponent directly in the eye before we "attack".

What does this mean for the work place? In a competitive business environment, when taking part in negotiations or a business deal, for example, be aware that people who look you directly in the eye may not be as friendly as you think. 【小题4】 In many Asian cultures, for example, looking a person of higher status in the eye is a sign of disrespect, while looking away signals respect.

【小题5】 And this must be fully understood. This means they most likely don't apply to social environments, such as spending time with friends, family or loved ones. In these cases, direct eye contact, often referred to as a "gaze", can still be a sign of intimacy（亲密）and kindness.