The Importance of Critical Thinking

Most of my interviewees saw the importance in the Western logic of critical thinking. Through their education in America, they have learned to justify their beliefs, embrace their individual identities, understand and express the embedded messages of their cultures in a more explicit and carefree manner.
The skill of critical thinking urges non-contextual and explicit to-the-point dialogues. The individual who practices critical thinking has a clear idea of what is needed and what will bring the most good for the individual through the exchange of ideas.
In one of my first classroom experiences in America, I remember being in complete shock at how some students were conversing with the teacher. They were very clear with their opinions and were not reluctant in expressing them even when they did not align with the teacher's lesson plan. Instead of being offended and lecturing at those students, the teacher encouraged the discussion and invited the rest of the class to join in.
Coming from a high context culture, where there are many hidden messages beneath the context, I was accustomed to the classroom in which teachers ruled over students. When teachers walk in, every student stands and bows to greet him or her. Whoever refuses to do so will be punished. During class, the idea of discussion was foreign and a silent class was well admired by the school administrators. Our only opportunity to speak in class is when we are required to orally recite an essay that we have memorized, otherwise teachers only allow students to speak when they acquire an answer from the textbook.
In a high context culture, "meanings are internalized and there is a large emphasis on nonverbal codes."(Hall) The culture is pre-programmed, in which it leaves very little room for chances, interpretations, debates and discussions because the community would already know the context in the state of the situation.
There is a common pattern that all members naturally abide in the high context community. When this "pre-programmed" system is challenged and provoked by some members with new thoughts and ideas, they are very likely to be avoided by the community(Jennifer Beer). Thus, opinionated and passionate dreamers are seen as outcasts in the high context societies.
When the group does not function to generate new opinions, members of the high context community becomes adapted to routines and choices are dependent on "beliefs that reflect on the past" and are coordinated to the traditions of the culture. The low context community on the other hand, strives to reach futuristic goals--everything is in linear motion where today's choices will and can affect the future. This culture allows members to dream and see the possibilities for a better and brighter future.
This shows throughout my research. All of my interviewees expressed how they were able to generate their own opinions and found many new prospects in their American lives. Their American lives gave them futuristic goals which gave their lives more meaning and purposes which they didn't have and would have never dreamed of seeing back at home.

Cabbage Wabbage