Cross Cultural Communication Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cross Cultural Communication Exam - Essay Example harbor. However, as Mitchell unraveled her report, she clarified that such claims were exaggerated. She does not deny the violence and aggression against women existing in DRC, but not to the extent perpetuated by some media and humanitarian organizations who needed to create such negative stereotypes to justify their own presence in the DRC. The stereotype of women as victims and men as victimizers created a myopic vision that screens out more important survival issues. Mitchell contends that: â€Å"‘Peace’ for Congolese women is a straightforward concept encompassing basic services, sustainable living, and equal rights. The most touching definition of ‘peace’ was provided by Liliane as having the stability of â€Å"knowing tomorrow.† The women are aware they are depicted as victims, and find the depiction insulting and without merit.† 2 This concept may be considered a cultural metaphor3 for the women of DRC. Although stereotyped and admittedly ‘victims’, their main priority is survival, and this is what they wanted to express to the world. Despite the challenges of being victims of violence, they are actually strong women who long for equal rights with men and to be able to survive long enough to see a future for themselves and their families. Internally, the women of DRC are aware that the existence of various organizations may have hidden agendas. They express that their own efforts at contributing to the empowerment of women in their society is shunned by the grandstanding of some international organizations. Although the help extended to them by such organizations are very much welcomed and appreciated, the women of DRC also need to be given credit for taking the reins and determining their own futures. Women as well as men are victims of rape in the DRC and some women work with the rebels, thus it is a complicated situation for all parties involved. In view of Mitchell’s report, I would propose to