The study of the stranger was conducted to provide credibility to all the pros of being an outsider within an insider world. Simmel (1950) sheds light on the idea that intercultural relations add authentic qualities to primordial matters; this factor can be related to intercultural communication. Simmel (1950) focused on the positive attributes of being the stranger with their own frame of mind, and culture amongst an already developed niche. Simmel (1950) brought attention to the advantages the stranger has over the culturally sound. Predisposed attitudes towards contrasting characteristics of the stranger comparing to those in the original group were also identified within this study.
This study contributes to intercultural
…show more content…
Simmel (1950) reveals that the individually estranged of a group, an individual with a differentiating culture, possesses different qualities than the culturally unified. The most recognizable trait of the opposing culture would be their authenticity, which can be valued as unknown knowledge and opportunity for improvement within the group. The stranger also has a freedom that no one else can have, the group is tied down to their ways, while the stranger has the privilege to stay accustomed to their own ways as they see fit. The sense of detachment, of the stranger, allows for the development of open-mindedness that an original member cannot possess. As a stranger, the individual can be perceived as a neutral member and can be considered as trustworthy in the sense that the individual has no previous experiences from that group skewing their decisions, potential relationships, and practices. Simmel (1950) wanted the uniqueness of the stranger to be valued, considered as a positive contribution, and understood as an element necessary to achieve beyond primitive