Name and explain the four intercultural dialectical tensions and give an example of each

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

This question asks students to recall and explain the dialectical tensions, but also having them give an example shows their understanding of dialectics (a traditionally difficult concept to understand).
The four dialectical tensions are difference–similarities, static–dynamic, history/past–present/future, and privilege–disadvantage.
The difference–similarities dialectic states that real, important differences exist between cultural groups; however, it is important to recognize that cultural groups—and people within them—share commonalities as well. A Catholic and a Buddhist person may not believe in the same god(s), but they may value a collectivistic orientation and feel their primary responsibility is to their families.
The static–dynamic dialectic states that while some cultural patterns remain relatively stable and static for years, they can also undergo dynamic change. For instance, some factions of the Mormon church still practice polygamy, though the mainstream church banished the practices decades ago.
The history/past–present/future dialectic states that we cannot ignore history and past events when trying to understand current and future events. For example, the United States' relationship with Israel in the present is informed by the events of WWII and the consequences of the Holocaust.
The privilege–disadvantage dialectic states that, in intercultural interactions, it is possible for a person to be simultaneously privileged and disadvantaged. For example, a student in the United States who has high financial need for college may feel less privileged than some of his/her classmates; however, the same student may seem extremely privileged as compared to other students in developing nations, such as Vietnam.