The message of Animal Kingdom is:

If we don’t begin to proactively create culturally compatible environments (families, communities, cities, nations, etc.), then we are headed for increased polarization and continuing, inevitable crises; or at the very least, continuing conflict around the world. Specific situations that are the direct result of the intolerance of differences are:

1. Draining resources that could be used for health, education, and the public welfare resulting from the high level of focus on security measures. ($280 billion since 9/11/2001)
2. Artificially high levels of incarceration of the have-nots — and the draining of resources to imprison them (state and federal) and loss of their contributing human capital.
3. Communities and societies dominated by fear, anger, and polarization.
4. Ultimately, the economic breakdown of inner city communities and polarization of nations as we are presently experiencing in the U.S. and many other places around the world.

Therefore, the ultimate message of Animal Kingdom is that we need to begin proactively designing culturally compatible living environments by implementing the seven principles listed on page 82 of the book. (Available on innovint.com or Amazon.com) The first vital step is to begin to “see the world through the eyes of others;” particularly, those whose views differ significantly from our own – personally and collectively.

The five-step process that we can each implement as individuals in bringing about cultural compatibility are outlined below:

Establishing Culturally Compatible Environments

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Education
First and foremost, seek to understand the backgrounds and major cultural values of someone who is different. (cultural intelligence)

Acceptance
Learn to accept the fact that (for the most part) others’ cultural beliefs and values are no more or less valid than your own. (cultural humility)

Tolerance
Put yourself in the position of someone different (who might be experiencing ethnocentrism) to experience greater experiential understanding and compassion. (cultural sensitivity)

Change
Actively engage (reinforcing) behaviors that reflect respect for cultural differences as a result of your transformation in mind-set. (cultural transformation)

Adaptation
Actively influence the behaviors of others by your own behaviors that reflect understanding, acceptance, and learning from someone who has different values than your own. (cultural integration)