Ch 11 Characteristics of Intercultural Conflict

 Chapter 11

Characteristics of Intercultural Conflict 

Cultures often have conflicts colliding with each other without the other culture being aware of conflict. That is a lot to think about. Let's break it down. My friend from Mexico said Americans are too open and upfront about issues and how they feel. I understand why she says that, but she is lumping us all together and racial profiling. When I tell her that she misunderstands me, she will think I am upset with her and don't like her when, in fact, we are just discussing issues across our cultures. How do you get around this? Communicating has been key for me when I start to feel like something is wrong. She will often not even tell me she is upset so as to not make it worse. And I never even see the issue of what she is talking about. This intercultural conflict can go around and around in circles. Clear as mud. 

I have also been in a nail salon where all the staff speak their native tongue. Is this rude? Yes, I feel it is.  This makes me wonder if others feel the same way? Some do and some don't. I understand the concept coming from both sides. I don't mind when they are quickly asking questions. Or talking here and there. It is a problem for me when I feel as if they are speaking about me or other customers. Especially in a negative light. Listen, we all can usually tell when someone is talking about us. The looks, the side glances, the feeling you get. It is uncomfortable. I don't enjoy it, and I don't understand why nail salons in the United States, in an English-speaking country, would be okay with speaking in their native tongue the entire time you are getting your nails done. I find it rude, and they don't, or if they do, they don't care. Yes, I understand this is coming off as controversial, and I may be rude for saying it, but I don't like it and wish it would change. But here's the beauty. I can always take my money and services somewhere else where I feel comfortable. I also feel as if I cannot speak up about how I feel. This controversial conflict makes me not say anything even though I want to. The bottom line is that intercultural conflict doesn't feel good. Especially when you know that if you speak up, you will look as if you are rude.

What are your thoughts?




Intercultural Communication - FasterCapital. (n.d.). FasterCapital. https://fastercapital.com/keyword/intercultural-communication.html
Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2022). Intercultural Communication in Contexts (8th ed.).







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