an important ethical consideration because it helps you decide how to treat other
people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, etc. Looking beyond surface
differences, you find multiple similari-
ties. DeGenova points out that
“Stripping away surface differences
will uncover a multiplicity of similari-
ties: people’s homes, aspirations, desire
to survive, search for love and need
for family—to name just a few.”^59
The similarities that unite people and that make everyone a part of the globalized
society range from the obvious to the subtle. For example, all people share the basic
desire to live their lives without external constraint—to be free. There is also a uni-
versal link between children and family. All people share the excitement of a new
birth. Mating and wanting friendship is a common need. Everyone must eventually
face old age, and people are joined in knowing that death is inevitable, a part ofAt the core of
meaningful ethics are
the twin beliefs that
while we are different,
in most of the things
that matter—children,
family, faith in
something, and
commitment—we are
very much alike.
CONSIDER THIS
How do cultures find similarities when cultures, in many instances,
are dissimilar?Courtesy of Robert Fonseca404 CHAPTER 11• The Challenges of Intercultural Communication: Managing Differences
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