This past weekend, I led a discussion with eight individuals at Lancaster Hall Hotel in London for a Socratic Dialogue. Our mission? To unpack a deceptively complex question: “What are the limits of cultural sensitivity?” What unfolded was a thought-provoking exploration of identity, assumptions, and the power of context—all through the lens of one relatable story.
Victor, a participant, shared an encounter at a bar where a stranger’s persistent questioning—“Where are you really from?”—left him feeling agitated. Though Victor identified as a Londoner, the stranger pressed until he reluctantly mentioned his Spanish heritage. The group dissected this moment: Was this curiosity, ignorance, or something deeper? As judgments clashed, a key insight emerged: cultural sensitivity isn’t about rigid rules, but respecting how individuals control their own narratives.
Day 1 unearthed tensions. Participants grappled with questions like “Who defines culture?” and “When do assumptions harm?” Yet by Day 2, the dialogue pivoted to a sharper focus: “Where do we set limits on topics sensitive to us?” Strategies flowed—from Hannah’s “avoid drunk debates” to Tina’s tactic of probing “What do you mean by ‘really’?”. John advocated judging intent, while Frank championed “wide limits” to foster understanding.
The group’s final revelation? Limits aren’t fixed—they’re negotiated in real time. Cultural sensitivity thrives when we balance curiosity with empathy, and assumptions with self-awareness. As Victor noted, the stranger crossed a line not by asking, but by not accepting his answer.
In a world where cross-cultural interactions are inevitable, this dialogue offers actionable lessons:
Set boundaries without shutting down dialogue.
Ask clarifying questions to unpack loaded phrases.
Read the room—context shapes what’s appropriate.
“No situation is simple,” one participant concluded. Whether navigating workplace diversity or casual chats, the key lies in honouring complexity—in others and ourselves.
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If you are interested in learning more about the Socratic Method, see my online training course
here.
