Description: This simple, introductory guide answers 100 basic questions people have about The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints, also called Mormons. It has answers about identity, religious beliefs, dating and marriage, education and work. It covers contemporary issues about politics as well as outdated stereotypes about polygamy.
Brief description: This is part of a series of cultural competence guides created by the Michigan State University School of Journalism. The series editor is journalism instructor Joe Grimm. He has been working in cross-cultural communication for 25 years. The concept of this series is to teach cultural competence by spreading awareness about specific groups or communities. Ultimately, the goal is to break down cultural and socially constructed walls by opening up discussion among groups. The guides have been used in diversity training in business, the health industry, universities and law enforcement. We approach cultural competence on the basis that questions asked out of sincere interest, even if phrased in a less than graceful manner, are the best way to bridge cultures. The guides are meant to start that process and to lead to face-to-face conversations. The guides are icebreakers individuals can read on their own to make awkward conversations easier. Answers in these cultural competence guides are meant to be clear, honest and non-judgmental.