Introduction
Ineffective communication among people of different races or cultures was fundamentally based on racialism. Racialism is based on a personal or social belief that another person is less than human based on their skin color, custom, language or any other facto that discloses the fundamental character of that person. Racial discrimination has existed all through human history. In history, it has been seen to influence slavery, wars, legal codes and formation of nations. The most infamous example of racism has been slavery, especially the enslavement of Africans by the west in the belief that they were lesser humans than their white counterparts. Today in the United States, a racial difference between the whites and the African Americans is still an issue. This has in one way, or another created a communication barrier between these groups. This communication barrier is rooted on the basis on enslavement of the ancestors of the today African Americans. Culture differences are not based only based on whites and blacks but also among the Latinos, Arabs, Jews and Asians. Each of this communities or races feels that in one way or another they are superior to the other. This paper is going to focus on the most notorious cultures. That is the communication differences between the whites and blacks.
The African Americans have a different style of communication when compared to whites. This is from how they talk, their culture, their music etcetera. Most of the differences experienced were based on the cultural differences that exist. During communication with a black person, you notice that in order to connect with the person one has to acknowledge the Anglo-American communication patterns. More so, while communicating it is crucial to show respect at all times. This is stemmed from the history of racism and; therefore, the sense of powerlessness to these people impacts communications (Paulston, Kiesling & Rangel, 2012). While communicating with a black person, it is necessary to avoid eye contact. This can be perceived as confrontation and may result to aggressiveness. On the bases on seeking help, more often than not they tend to seek assistance from the community or religious leaders. When speaking to a black person also noticed, is that it critical to avoid the use of “street slang”. Using street slang is interpreted as ridicule. What’s more, when addressing a black person, it seen as a sign of disrespect if addressed their first name unless requested to do so. Furthermore, in order not to impair a conversation, avoid asking questions about finances and past relationship. Lastly in a family setting of a black family the decision maker is usually the first child and their decisions are not to be contradicted (Paulston, Kiesling & Rangel, 2012).
When communicating with a black person one is likely to experience confrontation if you do not have an understanding of black culture. For example, in my experience I realized that the failure to notice Anglo-American communicating patterns leads to termination of a conversation. More, so aggressive behavior is experienced if the black person feels they are not being respected. For instance, in my conversations, I noticed that eye contact was taken negatively. It mostly resulted in aggressive behavior because it is perceived as staring. In a way of trying to identify with their culture one may feel the need to use some of their street slangs. This was also met with a lot of negativity and arguments because they felt it was a form of ridicule towards them or their culture. More, so in my way of trying to get personal, use of their first names was particularly unwelcome. I noticed it was vital to wait for the request to do so.
Interracial differences can sometimes make relationship difficult. Most barriers among many interracial groups are influenced due to failure of understanding a culture. Stereotype, which is the overgeneralization of group behavior or characteristics that are applied by individuals of the group, is the barrier for effective communication and understanding different cultures (ram, Experience, I & Education n.d.). It is easy for a person to stereotype an ethnic or racial member who belongs to certain groups that one has little exposure. Research suggests in order to dispel stereotype it is beneficial for different individuals to have exposure to different racial group members. More so, for better communication among people of different races, it is necessary to increase authentic communication among racial groups. Therefore, it is crucial for people to understand certain aspects a race or culture that could result into racist remarks. Therefore, in overcoming cultural barriers, one should learn to give proper personal space, do not belittle one’s religion, and know the relationship differences in different cultures and most notable learn more about different cultures (ram, Experience, I & Education n.d.)
References
Paulston, C. B., Kiesling, S. F., & Rangel, E. S. (2012). The handbook of intercultural discourse
and communication. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons.
ram., Experience, I., & Education. (n.d.). How to Overcome Barriers to Intercultural
Communication. Scribd. Retrieved July 27, 2012, from
