why thinking about distinctive features is vital in communication

why thinking about distinctive features is vital in communication

Introduction

In the contemporary world, society is made up of people from diverse walks of life. There is no country, location, or even workplace that has individuals that conform to a single ethnic, racial, or sexual orientation. The diversity is ubiquitous as the society slowly transforms to multi-ethnicity, and the differences in language also give people their identity. Further, the civilization in most of the western cultures permits absolute freedom of various individuals in the society, leading them to adopt different sexual orientation and identity. However, despite the diversity that exists in our current societies, there are still contentious issues that characterize such aspects. In most cases, the LGBT community, minority groups, and females are subject to victimization or sexual objectification. Therefore, during communication, there is a need to take into account the distinctive features such as age, gender, sexuality, race, and ability. The following are the reasons why thinking about the above distinctive features is vital in communication.

First, taking into account all forms of diversity during communication dispels the stereotypes that could emanate from the lack of recognition of such groups. Currently, most western countries face a surge in immigration. Consequently, people from different races, cultures, religions, and sexuality come into these countries. These individuals work in different places and live amongst the citizens of such countries. Norquay (2015) highlights that in McDonald’s, society sees those who work for the corporation as low class. Taking a job at McDonald’s like a female white, working with immigrants, obese people, and people living with a disability is jeered upon in the US society. Therefore, in this context, if communication were to take place, failing to take into account the existing diversity here could have been tantamount to affirming the stereotypes.

Further, the initiative will be a conduit for embracing diversity in the face of animosity and prejudice. The best way of embracing uniqueness among individuals within a particular setting is by understanding what makes them different. In this regard, one has to reflect on the existing animosity and prejudice associated with such instances and steer clear of such instances. Jalees (2013) highlights the tribulations and encounters that she experienced coming out as gay. Though the parents were supportive, they found it relatively hard to accept her sexual orientation, a new path that contravened all the tenets of their faith. However, the response of the extended family members is just a typical example of what could happen if people do not appreciate the diversity of other people. Most of the extended families dissociated with the author’s family, and the extended family became of the precipice of getting broken (Jalees, 2019). Such developments and vicious turn of events emanating from the long-held prejudice and attitude that the family had towards the LGBTQ community. Again, Norquay (2015) shows that the immigrants who work at McDonald’s are subject to racial slurs from offended customers when they make mistakes. Thus, thinking about the existence of diversity in communication would be vital in steering away from making insensitive assertions that can elicit an uproar.

On the other hand, taking into account the diversity among various people in communication is essential in bridging the disparities in society. Communication should always focus on creating a positive impact among people, act as a tool for reconciliation, and embracing diversity. These aims can only be achievable when they take into account existing differences in people’s sexual orientation, ability, race, and other aspects that render them different. Regardless of one’s cultural diversity and sexual orientation, it is important to appreciate their cultures and work towards achieving a cohesive society. However, Williams (2017) reporting about the case of the two girls shows a different aspect concerning appreciating diversity. The Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s policies and the people that formulate and implement them epitomize what happens when people fail to accept differences. It is the tradition of the African-Americans to braid their hair or even add extensions to make the hair seamlessly easy to braid. However, by banning and suspending the black girls due to their tradition amounts to blatant contempt of diversity in a given country. It does not bridge the already wide racial tensions between the groups but instead propagates unnecessary racial tensions. ‘

Finally, considering the existing diversity in communication could be vital in demystifying various assertions related to gender, race, or age. Several myths surround non-conforming people allegedly. Jalees (2013) shows this explicitly by portraying how her father tried to persuade her not to be gay. However, matters of sexual objectification, masculinization, and feminization of individuals are sometimes the product of the media. Jule (2011) notes that Hollywood has played a significant role through its animations the Princesses in feminizing the young girls to extreme magnitude. Again, superhero animations continue to masculinize boys, making them believe they are superior to the females (Jule, 2011). Therefore, when taking into account the diversity among people in communication, sit opens an avenue for debunking the unpopular myths about a particular group. There are several myths regarding the diversity in groups that integrating them in the communication process could be essential in shedding more light.

Conclusion

In a world where diversity forms its integral part, every communication must take into account those factors that make people different. Various emotive and contentious issues characterize the debates and discussions related to diversity. Ignoring to appreciate or to acknowledge the existence of such elements that makes people different could be a recipe for bigotry, prejudice, and a platform of perpetrating stereotypical behaviors. For instance, racism, the difference in religion, and different sexual orientation remain a few of the contentious debates even in the civilized countries. However, integrating these elements that give rise to diversity have multiple benefits. The practice does not only eliminate prejudice but is also essential in embracing the role of people who come from diverse settings. Again, taking into account the differences leading to diversity is essential in bridging the gap between different people in society. Therefore, in communication, the communication platform used should be a mechanism for propagating unity and tolerance in the face if multiple distinctive elements in people.