Introduction
Technology and travel has allowed many intercultural opportunities in our workplace, in our schools, in our places of worship—in every interpersonal interaction within our communities. As our world expands, so must our perspective and acceptance of diversity. Our ability to be effective and efficient communicators within every cultural context is imperative. “If enough of us are willing to weave webs of connection with others, all our shared hopes for the world can be realized. Long-standing stereotypes can be dissolved, mistrust can be overcome, understanding can be achieved, people previously at odds can work together on shared objections, new levels of creativity can be reached, and bonds of community can be strengthened” (Wilmot & Hocker, 2011, p. 32). The following questions and prompts will be explored as this student of intercultural communication transforms to one who lives and communicates better with those around her.
The Destructive Nature of Discrimination
Indentify and explain the interpersonal, collective, and/or institutional discrimination. Discrimination, which is behaviors stemming from stereotyping, or prejudice, is manifested in the “overt actions to exclude, avoid, or distance oneself from other groups” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 60). Broken down according to context, discrimination can be interpersonal, displayed in one’s stereotyping, unfair treatment of individuals or group(s), or verbally in derogatory, hate-filled language. Hate speech displays human discrimination at its worst, intentionally used to “degrade, intimidate or incite violence” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 60). Interpersonal discrimination can also be non-verbal, as was evident during the turbulent civil rights movement period. Segregated and banned from “white” public places, blacks, especially in the southern states, suffered great prejudices and injustices. In the eyes of many, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., those who do nothing or say nothing against racism or discrimination help further the injustice. “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good” (King, 1963, p,. 4). Destructive and detrimental to everyone, discrimination—either verbal or non-verbal, prevents the possibility of forming a positive, intercultural relationship that would benefit individuals and his/her society.
In the collective or institutional context, discrimination may take place in an informal or formal way, but still denies an individual or group equal rights, or unbiased activity within a collective group or organization. Workplace discrimination would be an example of collective or institutional discrimination. In our text, Martin and Nakayama report that in low-wage, entry-level job markets, stereotyping and race discrimination still exist and are considered a huge road block, especially for young black men (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 61). Affirmative action may not be strictly adhered to, with employers conducting quick applicant screenings, looking for traits that make the applicant seem suited for the job. “Stereotypes among young black men remain so prevalent and so strong that race continues to serve as a major signal of characteristics of which employers are wary” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 61). While stereotyping does help form distinction and definition in our relationships with others, these false concepts over a period of time are not easily changed. To eliminate discrimination, overcoming stereotyping is a necessary goal. In order to accomplish that, so we may foster more rewarding intercultural relationships, our goal should be to “work consciously at rejecting them…by utilizing these two steps: 1) recognizing the negative stereotypes, and 2) obtaining individual information that can counteract the stereotype” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 57).
Pop Culture and Identity
How do the choices we make about popular culture influence the formation of our cultural identity? Because “…popular culture plays a very important role in how we understand the world, helping us reinforce our sense of who we are and confirming our worldviews” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 200), our identities are greatly formed and influenced by popular culture. Traditionally, popular culture has been defined as being forms of media such as film, television, videos, and magazines. With the introduction and growth of the internet, social media web sites, and digital and mobile devices, today’s pop culture has not only expanded in definition, but in its global implications and shared identities! Americans’ identity, for instance, is no longer bound by a geographical border. The daily choices we make in what we wear, what car we drive, which television show to watch, what music we listen to, etc., do form and shape our identity as individuals, but also collectively reflect our identity as an “American.” The culture we as Americans consider “popular” is then associated with the American identity, especially by other cultures and by other countries. “Today American goods and services such as McDonald’s and Levi’s have much appeal to ordinary people in Russia and China, because of their strong connotations of “freedom,” “casualness,” and “non-restrictiveness,” and more generally positive fantasies about the “American Way of Life”” (Van Elteren, 1996, p. 72).
Popular culture can form an identity for countries and individuals according to what is popular in today’s culture, but also can serve as an identity regardless if the time is now or in the past. In the movie, “Gran Torino,” Clint Eastwood’s character, Walt, was defined by popular culture from an era with which he identified. Popular culture that clearly gave Walt his identity included his Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, his old push-blade lawn mower, and especially his most prized possession, his 1972 Gran Torino. “To Walt, the Ford beauty represents what was, what was great, and the culture of both his and the car’s heyday” (Tekulve, 2012, p. 4). Our popular culture choices—those things we embrace and those we reject—form our identity and communicate to others what is important and valuable in our lives.
Intercultural Communication Conflict and Attitude
How might attitudes toward work lead to intercultural communication conflict? With the workplace being the most likely place to encounter cultural differences, conflict is inevitable, with a person’s attitude being a small portion of the underlying reasons for conflict. Attitudes and behaviors regarding a person’s work ethic and culture are directly related to his/her ethnic background, beliefs, and values. For instance, the U.S. culture is considered individualistic—placing emphasis on the importance of individual job performance and responsibilities (Martin & Nakayama, 2011 p. 312). In the Japanese collectivist work culture, however, “organizations do not necessarily define the precise job responsibilities assigned to each individual; rather, it’s the job of a work unit, a section, or a department” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 312). These differences can be a challenge to both the workers and to management.
Another cultural difference in attitude that affects the workplace is the concept of time. Many international business negotiations could suffer or even fall apart if the conflict of time orientation is not approached and addressed. Polychronic orientation, which views time with a less constrictive, precise beginning and end manner, is the attitude of many European countries and businesses (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 182). Monochronic orientation, which the U.S. adheres to, views times “as a commodity: Time can be gained, lost, spent, or wasted” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 182). Misunderstandings between people with different attitudes and concepts of time, what is appropriate business etiquette, styles of communication (direct or indirect), gender roles in business, and political and/or economical implications can be significant intercultural hurdles. The best attitude for anyone to employ in the workplace is the attitude of respect.
Savvy Intercultural Communication
Describe your plan to become more inter-culturally savvy in communication. “Hearing about the experiences of people who are different from you can lead to different ways of viewing the world” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 23). For me, the most important element of communication is not speaking, but in listening. So, as I consider the ways I might improve my intercultural communication skills, my observations—taking in the verbal and non-verbal cues and my surroundings—before speaking will become even more important. Being receptive and respectful of other people’s cultures is important, no matter what the situation, place, or culture. “The effective intercultural communicator, sensitive to the other person, listens carefully before speaking. He or she hears the message from the other person, considers it, then reconsiders it, trying on different possible interpretations—trying to understand the speaker’s possible intent” (Martin & Nakayama, 2011, p. 23).
Being savvy in communication with other cultures also requires engaging in mindful and meaningful communication by considering the personal and cultural history that has been his/her influence, and by wearing a different “lens” of perspective to understand his/her view of the world we both share. The lens model of perspective specifies that we each have a view of ourselves, the other person, and the relationship (Wilmot & Hocker, 2011, p. 56). Learning to look at the world differently requires that I step beyond my normal, beyond my comfort zone. “Changing our usual behavior, learning to “do what comes unnaturally,” requires an examination of one’s most deeply held values and spiritual beliefs…If people are to survive and thrive, working together is not an option but a necessity” (Wilmot & Hocker, 2011, p. 32). Taking on this new perspective and applying it in my everyday intercultural interactions will equip me for mindful communication, meaningful relationships, and opportunities in becoming an advocate for other culture’s voices to be heard, understood, respected, and accepted.
Bridging the Communication Gaps
Is it possible for two people to communicate effectively if they don’t speak the same language? How? “Growing trends towards globalization of U.S. firms and immigration to the United States absolutely make body language more important as a universal language” (Shepherd, 2007, p. 1). Non-verbal cues such as eye contact, facial expression, and gestures—forms of body language—not only reinforce a person’s verbal language, but can act as communicators by themselves. If I found myself unable to understand what a person was speaking, body language would help us communicate with each other. Simple gestures understood in the U.S. such as a handshake, a wink, maintaining eye contact, and even a kiss, however, can take on different meanings in different cultures. “Culture and context are essential to reading body language, just as they are in verbal language. You cannot hope to read body language well unless you take culture into consideration” (Shepherd, 2007, p. 1). Just as in verbal communication, the importance of observation and being cognizant of the other’s culture is essential to effective communication.
Conclusion
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself”” (Galatians 5:13-15, NIV). For me, this Bible verse sums up the very core of intercultural communication. Our love, compassion and acceptance of others is not exclusive for those we know or understand, those in our own “culture,” but for those who believe different than we believe, whose skin is different than our skin, and whose world views are different than ours. Whether from another country, or simply from another neighborhood down the street, every human life possesses the same desire to be heard and understood. It is my hope that I will not only learn to be a better intercultural communicator, but one who also forms meaningful relationships and coalitions with others. “We must come to see that human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of men willing to be coworkers with God, and without this hard work time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation” (King, 1963, p. 4).
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References
Galatians 5:13-15.The Bible; New living translation. Bible Gateway.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5:13-15&version=NLT
King, M. L. (1963, August). The negro is your brother. The Atlantic Monthly, 213(2), 78-88. Retrieved from http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/letter_birmingham_jail.pdf
Martin, J., & Nakayama, T. (2011). Experiencing intercultural communication: An
introduction. (4 ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Shepherd, L. (2007). Reading body language can offer insight to HR pros. Employee
Benefit News, 21(6), 22.
Tekulve, R. (2012). Gran Torino Film Analysis. A reflection of cultural conflict and
redemption, 1-8.
Van Elteren, M. (1996). Conceptualizing the Impact of US Popular Culture Globally. Journal of Popular
Culture, 30(1), 47-89.
Wilmot, W., & Hocker, J. (2011). Interpersonal conflict. (8 ed.). New York, NY: The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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Intercultural Communication 
