Re: cultural sensitivity towards new comers

[Charlie Perkins <charles.perkins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello folks,

This has been a very interesting thread.  During all of the discussion, 
I haven't seen anyone mention the value of the Golden Rule.  Even if 
sometimes hard to apply, at least it's easy to remember.

- If someone making a presentation has English language issues, imagine 
yourself trying to impart your own insights in their language.

- If someone doesn't know about the technical issues which preclude 
adoption of their technology, imagine how you would like to be informed 
of those issues if you did not know.

- If someone requests time in a WG to present a deck of slides that are 
likely to be a waste of time, reject their request by explaining details 
about why.  Do this in way that makes it clear that you value their 
effort, and that you want to save them the stress of making a failed 
presentation in public.

This is not to devalue training in cultural sensitivity.  But I think 
that using the Golden Rule will go a long way towards solving the 
problems noted in this email thread.  Treat others with the same respect 
with which you want to be treated.  Explain to others the technical 
details that you wish someone would explain to you if you were in their 
shoes.

Even following this simple rule takes daily practice and a lot of 
attention, but it is indispensable.

Regards,
Charlie P.