Pioneers of Education for Intercultural Understanding

Vol.8 Nestor Castro“To become a bridge of intercultural relationship by learning about cultures”

What you need to become a bridge between the different cultures
is to respect other people's culture and listen to their words

"The mountain people had the belief that in case a battle between tribes occurs the first thing to do was to put poison in the water source of the other village. Therefore, the act of drinking the local water has become a gesture meaning, ‘I completely trust you.’ No matter what words are used, a trustworthy relationship is born only by seeking this one glass of water."

On the other hand, for Castro there are also conventional means to win one's trust. When Castro enters local area for the first time, he tells that he is a university professor. Then, the local people ask, "Are you going to teach us something?" he replies, "No. As a cultural anthropologist, I came to learn your side of the culture. You have a deep knowledge of your culture." and he begs, "Please teach me instead". People are shocked when a university professor coming from Manila wishes to study their own culture no one has cared about until now, and so immediately relationship of trust is built.

Castro did not appeal only on Chevron’s side; he appealed for the cultural understanding of the indigenous people in the Kalinga Province. He put his efforts to urge their understanding that outside of the village there existed different cultures, of course the American culture as a whole, but also the company culture of Chevron itself. What was difficult to explain was the technical language. That was why Castro sometimes made explanations using the metaphors of the indigenous people. We can say that exactly being cultural anthropologist helps being mediator between cultures.

"In the end the indigenous peoples of Kalinga Province did not accept the development of geothermal power plant by the Chevron Corporation. After the people understood the story of Chevron explained, they decided that the construction of a power plant would disturb the harmony of the community. As a result, Chevron told the indigenous people ‘Thank you for hearing our story. We will look for another place to build our project’, and withdrew gracefully. It was unfortunate, because the project would have become source of income even for the indigenous people; however it ended with both sides respecting each other's culture, and as a result they were able to reach to this conclusion. In the past, it was common for companies to advance with the project without asking for the opinion of the indigenous people.

To respected the other people's culture, without pressing your own opinions and methodology, to patiently listen to the story of the other side. To leave any preconceptions aside, open your heart, become transparent, and listen to the story of the other party. This is a very important attitude which helps you to become a bridge between different cultures. Now, there exist diverse cultures even within the same culture. Young people and old people, heterosexual and homosexual, intellectual workers and manual workers. However, the basics of intercultural understanding are all the same. Respect your opponent's culture, and if you patiently listen to them, then you can build mutual trust.”(2/4)

学校法人佐野学園:理事長室?いしずゑ会
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法人本部広報部 渡邉公代
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写真撮影:塩澤秀樹
取材?文:山口剛

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