Roundabout now is when I usually post a summary of the latest episode of the Absolutely Intercultural podcast and indeed the sound file and show notes are ready to go but disaster has struck and we are unable to post the episode. They are working hard in Germany to rectify and rescue as much as possible but a solution won't be found before Monday at the earliest. The problem is very mysterious and difficult to diagnose but seems to be due to a malicious link posted somehow but which does not reveal itself when you look at the code.
In a way it is an opportunity to re-assess why we do the podcast and whether we want to continue since a solution may involve substantial expense.
On the other hand we just got nominated for a Danish podcast prize which is a great honour and kind of encouragement to continue through adversity. I don't think we qualify though because I am not Danish.
Just in case you were wondering the show notes for show number 54 are below and we expect that somehow or other the show will be accessible at the usual place sometime next week.
We were very honoured to be asked to cover this year's Intercultural Management Institute conference on the theme of intercultural relations. The Institute is part of the American University in Washington DC and holds an annual conference.
absolutely huggable Dr Gary Weaver explains how vice-president Nixon in 1957 was over-zealous in applying the intercultural advice his aides gave him to the effect that in Latin America you should hug people you meet. The sight of so many totalitarian rulers being hugged by Richard Nixon enraged many and made the case for the establishment of the Institute.
absolutely diplomatic Sherry Mueller, President of the National Council for International Visitors explained the concept of citizen diplomacy as something which happens 'one handshake at a time' and expresses her delight at seeing an old film of Elvis Presley as a GI arriving in Germany and being acutely aware of the effect of his actions on the image of the US.
absolutely educational Harriet Fulbright, President of the J. William & Harriet Fulbright Center describes the making of a DVD about William Fulbright's life, best known for setting up the Fulbright scholarships enabling Americans to study abroad. The centre is also well known for its role in producing the Global Peace Index.
absolutely stereotypical Roger Rosenthal of the Migrant Legal Action Program surprised the audience by dispelling the stereotype of the typical illegal immigrant. What picture does the phrase illegal immigrant bring to your mind? Listen to find out if you are just carrying stereotypes in your head. The show ends with some comments from delegates and speakers about how the conference felt to them.
Many thanks to Laura Hash for recording and editing and thanks to the IMI for inviting us along.
Keywords: absolutely intercultural, American University, citizen diplomacy, communication, culture, Elvis Presley, Fulbright scholarship, Gary Weaver, Global Peace Index, Harriet Fulbright, intercultural, Intercultural Management Institute, Laura Hash, Migrant Legal Action Program, National Council for International Visitors, podcast, Richard Nixon, Roger Rosenthal, Sherry Mueller, Washington DC
