Communication, Globalization and Cultural Diversity - Essay Example

In a diverse culture, sexist, racist, and homophobic language often serves as a barrier to communication. This paper discusses this with certain examples.

Let’s suppose a workplace in which a male employee is talking to a female employee. The two are in some sort of an argument over a matter related to work. The male employee finally says, “You know what? I give up. No man can win an argument from a woman.” The female employee becomes offensive and says, “So you suggest I am right because I am a woman? Not because what I am saying is right?” She snaps at the male employee and walks out of the room. This explains how the use of sexist language can serve as a barrier to communication.

Now let’s suppose a scenario in which two colleagues are dining together at the cafeteria. One of them is an Indian and the other is an American. The two are having a gossip and having a good time together. The American colleague orders a Pizza for himself and asks the Indian colleague what he would like to have. The Indian colleague replies, “I would like to have chicken curry.” Suddenly, the American colleague says, “Now I know why you Indians smell like curry.” The Indian colleague replies, “For the same reason that you Americans are so obese.” Seeds of dislike are planted in the hearts of both for each other.

Now let’s suppose a situation in which two friends are attending a party. One of them is straight while the other is gay. The former doesn’t know the homosexual orientation of the latter. The straight guy suggests to the gay, “Hey look, why don’t you pair up with that blonde in the skirt? She’s pretty.” The gay guy manages to change the topic. The straight guy again suggests a suitable match. The gay guy finally says, “I’m into men…OK?” The straight guy says, “Is that why you’re with me? OMG! All this while, I’ve been with a fag!” The gay guy thinks he has heard enough and snaps out.

Concluding, sexist, racist, and homophobic language serves as a barrier to communication in all sorts of situations. In the present age, in which diversity has become so widespread, people should try to avoid passing comments, compliments, and statements about people belonging to a certain category while discussing matters that are not quite related to the matters at hand. The situations discussed in this paper are hypothetical but they, and situations similar to them, are commonly encountered by people in the everyday life. Read More