Chapter 5 Communication and Culture 147c Listen effectively. You can’t be mindful unless you listen to what people say
(and what they don’t say). For example, health practitioners first need to
listen to what cultural groups say about themselves and their beliefs about
what will make them healthy. Then health practitioners need to shape health
messages for these specific audiences (Larkey & Hecht, 2010). Knowing
when to talk and when to be quiet (so you can listen) is crucial to intercul-
tural encounters.
c Think before you speak or act. When someone communicates in a way
that seems strange to you—not meeting your gaze, for example, or speaking
very directly—take a moment to think about whether his or her behavior is
a cultural difference rather than evasion or hostility.
c Be empathic. Empathy is the ability to picture yourself in someone else’s
place in an attempt to understand that person’s experience. When you
develop empathy, you can change your perceptions and improve your
understanding of the ways in which another person’s culture affects his or
her communication.c Do the right thing. Stand up for someone who is being mocked for his
or her race, religion, or sexual orientation. Fight for those who don’t have
a voice. You don’t need to be wealthy, established, or powerful to do this.
When a friend makes a remark that you see as culturally insensitive, respond
with a simple reminder (“That’s a rude statement” or “Oh, man, don’t talk
like that”). You’ll send a powerful message without chiding or berating your
friend.
Glee
At the beginning of the chapter, we talked about the hit musi-
cal comedy television show Glee, which depicted the complex-
ity within and between co-cultures and a satirical take on high
school life. Let’s revisit Glee, and see how the show both related
to and reflected some of the concepts described in this chapter.c Glee reflected culture in the United States in terms of the diversity of the
cast as well as in the overarching themes. The members of the McKinley glee
club were underdogs not only at their school but also among the other show
choirs with which they competed. As part of an individualist, low power
distance, and masculine culture, Americans tend to believe that with a level
playing field and a lot of hard work, anyone can be successful. Glee tapped
into this sentiment, following a long tradition of underdog stories.c Glee also explored the ways in which cultural differences can threaten, but not
necessarily damage, relationships. Kurt and Mercedes were best friends, but
their different views about faith posed challenges that threatened their friend-
ship: Mercedes was a devout Christian, while Kurt, a young gay man, had an
extremely negative reaction to religion. Through exploration and discussion,
the two learned to respect each other’s views, even though they did not agree.
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