Benefits and Challenges of Multiculturalism

1. Why did Ren Tian decide on buying lunch from the economical food stall?

• Ren Tian noticed a huge variety of vegetable-based dishes at the stall.

• Ren Tian told the stall uncle that he needs a vegetarian meal.

• Ren Tian was very hungry.

1. What was the assumption that Ren Tian had when he was ordering his lunch? 

• He assumed that everyone understands what is considered as a vegetarian meal.

• He assumed that the stall uncle would advise him on the dishes he should eat.

• He assumed that vegetable-based dishes would only contain vegetarian ingredients.

Why do you think Ren Tian was shocked?

• He was shocked that it is so difficult to find vegetarian food.

• He was shocked that the stall uncle did not warn him about ingredients. 

• He was shocked because he has never tasted non-vegetarian food before.

In your opinion, what types of food should not be considered as vegetarian food?

• Food containing any traces of meat or fish

• • Food containing any traces of meat, fish or eggs

• Food containing any traces of meat, fish, eggs, onion and garlic

What could have been done differently to avoid this cross-cultural misunderstanding?

1. What motivated Jonathon to dress up as an African American?

• He thought that looking like an African American slave would suit the Halloween theme.

• He wanted to impress the crowd with a unique costume.

• He thought that looking African American might turn out to be scarier than dressing up as a monster.

Why did the crowd cheer for Jonathon?c

• It was because his costume was innovative and unique.

• It was because they accepted Jonathon’s costume as appropriate for the party.

• It was because he looked comical in the African American costume.

Why do you think Rohan left the party upon seeing Jonathon?

• He found Jonathon’s costumes unacceptable. 

• He felt that Jonathon was insulting all African Americans.

• He felt that Jonathon was generally insulting people with darker complexion.

What kind of personal qualities did Jonathon demonstrate through his costume?

•  A good sense of humour.

•  A lack of sensitivity towards others.

• An innovative spirit.

What could have been done differently to avoid this cross-cultural misunderstanding?