Roy and Jalissa originally met in graduate school. On the first day that Jalissa walked into grad school, she was glad to see someone else near her age, which was older than the average student in the class. Even though Roy was White and Jalissa was African American, the two immediately felt drawn to each other. Before they knew it, Jalissa and Roy were inseparable. Jalissa’s husband started to get jealous of Roy until he met Roy and realized that Roy was gay.
Over the years, the two graduated and went to different jobs that were close to each other. Roy and Jalissa still would get together regularly and go shopping, go to the movies, have dinner, etc. The two of them considered themselves as highly culturally intelligent people. Jalissa was a Dean of Diversity at a liberal arts college, and Roy taught cultural studies at a large research university. The two often had pet names for each other that people outside of their relationship could view as racist or homophobic, but they knew the spirit behind their pet names was meant in jest and not ignorance, ethnocentrism, or fear.
One day Roy and Jalissa were hanging how in a store when Roy found an African Mask. Roy grabbed the mask, walked up behind Jalissa, and shouted, “Abugga bugga!” Jalissa turned around and laughingly slapped Roy on the arm responding, “You White racist cracker!” Jalissa looked at an older White woman standing in the row completely startled, and she just busted out laughing and Roy joined right in.
1. In this case, was Roy culturally intelligent? Why?
2. In this case, was Jalissa culturally intelligent? Why?
3. Was this interpersonal interaction appropriate? Why?
Answer (2)
Answer: Here are some examples of non-metals:Oxygen (O) – essential for respiration and combustion.Carbon (C) – found in all living organisms and as graphite and diamond.Nitrogen (N) – makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere.Sulfur (S) – commonly found in minerals and used in making sulfuric acid.Helium (He) – a noble gas used in balloons and as a coolant.Chlorine (Cl) – used in disinfectants and in water purification.Phosphorus (P) – important in DNA and energy transfer in cells.Neon (Ne) – a noble gas used in neon signs.
1. Was Roy culturally intelligent? Why?Roy and Jalissa consider themselves culturally intelligent, and Roy teaches cultural studies, which suggests he has knowledge of cultural differences. However, in this scenario, Roy’s behavior—grabbing an African mask and shouting a stereotypical phrase—shows a lapse in cultural intelligence. While he may not have meant harm, his actions could be seen as reinforcing racial stereotypes, particularly in a public setting. A key aspect of cultural intelligence is awareness of how actions may be perceived by others, and Roy failed in this regard.2. Was Jalissa culturally intelligent? Why?Jalissa’s reaction—calling Roy a "White racist cracker"—was meant as a joke within their friendship, but it could be considered inappropriate, especially in a public space. Cultural intelligence includes awareness of context, and Jalissa laughing off Roy’s behavior instead of addressing its problematic nature suggests a lack of situational awareness. However, given her professional role, she likely understands cultural dynamics well but momentarily prioritized humor over sensitivity.3. Was this interpersonal interaction appropriate? Why?From the perspective of their personal friendship, their exchange might have been acceptable to them. However, in a public setting, their words and actions could be misunderstood as racist or offensive. The older White woman’s startled reaction indicates that their humor did not translate well outside their private relationship. In culturally diverse and public spaces, humor that relies on stereotypes—no matter how well-intended—can reinforce harmful biases and make others uncomfortable. Therefore, their interaction was not appropriate in that setting.
