Example Of Essay On Culture, Communication, And Conflict

Understanding intercultural conflict is more important now than ever since conflicts are happening all around the world(Martin and Nakayama, pp.425-462).The way we communicate and resolve conflict is dependent on our cultural differences both at international and national level. Societies around the world behave differently when they encounter conflict and disagreement which is deeply rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs. I believe that if people communicated better and understood one another, most conflicts around the world would not exist.A recent example of conflict that could be avoided is the attack on civilians in a village and also the kidnapping of school girls from a boarding school in Nigeria by the Book Haram Islamist group. The group should understand and accept that people from different cultures can thrive and live in peace in one place, and Muslims and Christians are no different. Communication is the key to resolving conflict. Conflict is not just a matter of disagreement but also an escalation of historical events that reverberate across generations(Martin and Nakayama, pp.425-462). Cultural backgrounds and experiences influence how individuals or groups react to conflict(Martin and Nakayama, pp.425-462). A recent example is the killing of a black teenager in Ferguson and the decision by the grand jury not to prosecute the white officer who committed the offence. The demonstrations and riots that followed after were influenced by historical conflicts between white and black people in America caused by a history of white brutality against black Americans. History and culture shape what people consider important and worth fighting over. Intercultural conflict can only be avoided by understanding what causes it, how different cultures react to conflict and how to deal with conflict before it results in violence.

Works cited

Martin, Judith N, and Thomas K Nakayama.Intercultural Communication In Contexts. 5th ed.
New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2010. Print.