Constructive Communication In Multicultural Communication

Constructive communication is difficult when speaking with people from shared background. In a multicultural environment where these backgrounds are different, it is harder by orders of magnitude. Discussion about cultural and racial differences can quickly escalate into a heated argument, with ad-hominem attacks trumping concrete and racional arguments. Should we avoid difficult conversations then? Not in the slightest, communication is essential to progress, and we should encourage it as much as possible, while keeping it civil. Today’s technology allows anyone access to information and participation in public debate with platforms such as Facebook, and Twitter. Not all, however, are able to guarantee level of communication that is constructive.

Quora “a place to share knowledge and better understand the world” (Quora, 2018). Here, users ask questions, answer, edit and organize them.While Facebook users try to take over the conversation, and ramble about unrelated stories, taking attention from primary purpose, Quora community cooperates, being interested in the other members’ opinions, perspectives and views. Users of this platform are adaptable for the benefit of the group. They often clarify, enliven the group conversation with interesting anecdotes, and encourage cohesive group communication by using humor in discussions that are particularly difficult. Moreover, Quora’s rating system promotes answers that are the most helpful. It relies on upvotes and downvotes provided by readers, reputation of the author and the domain

To the question “What 's something that sucks about being white?”, Jim Lee answers: “I’m not White; in fact, I’m a Black male. But there is one thing I really wish people would stop doing to Whites: I am sick and tired of my White friends feeling as if they have to walk on eggshells around me. I am a grown man who needs no coddling or protection, and I tell people this all the time.” Morva Ory responding “…by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin. When are we going to stop stressing the differences between us and start working to unity?” gives a great example of cooperation. She inspires participation by using a wonderful quote and asking a question, rather than casting her judgement. Sandra in other place responds to a negative comment by harmonizing the conversation and stating: “That is an overly generalized stereotype, and has no place in an academic setting” (Sentes, 2018). Participants of the discussion were able to utilize Quora to understand the issue and have a conversation that I can come to and benefit from. It is a testimony to the power of social networking platform that thanks to thoughtful responses from informed participants is able to host a constructive