Intercultural ‘Mis’-communication

Identity can be summed up simply by saying that it is the concept of who we are and who others think we are (Martin & Nakayama, 2013, p.170).  In our book, the authors of Intercultural Communication in Context breakdown identity into 3 perspectives; Social Science, Interpretive, and Critical. Each perspective has a unique view on how identity develops. The Social Science perspective states that the identity is created through you but also in relation to group membership (Martin & Nakayama, 2013, p.171). This perspective is based on the idea that there are multiple parts that make up an identity. 3 major components of identity according to this perspective are individualized identity, familial identity, and spiritual identity. These components describe the sense of self, the sense of self connected to family, and the sense of being connected to others and higher meanings in life. Interpretive Perspective builds off of the Social Science Perspective by adding that identities are negotiated, co-created, reinforced, and challenged through communication with others (Martin & Nakayama 2013, p.174). This perspective places importance on avowal and ascription when it comes to forming the identity. The Critical Perspective emphasizes the dynamic nature of identities and also emphasizes the contextual elements. This model pays attention to things that may constrain the identity and lead to injustice and oppression (Martin & Nakayama 2013, p.175). The Critical Perspective is a good start in explaining some of the horrible things that are going on in Syria are happening.

The President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad’s identity is a contributing factor to why the war in Syria began.

Part of Assad’s identity came from the culture he grew up in with his father who was the previous president of Syria. Assad’s father demonstrated his power by mercilessly killing thousands when a Muslim brotherhood tried to stand up against the government in the 1980's. Leading by his example, Assad began killing thousands of innocent people in April of 2011 (Fisher, 13). Assad is supported by the religious group called the Alawites. This group gives special privileges to members of the religion so many other religions disagree with them. Religious identity often causes conflict between cultures and is often intertwined with ethnic and racial identity. The Aarab population of Syria mostly follows the Sunni religion which makes the Alawites fear that they will be taken down if Assad falls from power. In order to rebalance power between the religious groups, the killing will inevitably continue (Fisher, 13). In an effort to scare civilians back into their place, Assad continues to bomb, rape, and murder innocent people. All refugees are living in Syria with no shelter and are in a constant state of fear.

These people can identify with the region that they are stuck in. Being a part of this disaster along with others is part of their regional identity. Since Syria is falling into a deeper whole within the country, the United States have decided that we must intervene. The United States don’t seek to take down Assad but to only to punish him for fear that total anarchy would take over the country if he falls. If the United States decides that this is the right choice, the fighting will most likely still continue. The country in itself will slowly deteriorate and become something unidentifiable. It will be years before the country can restore the history and culture lost through the civil war (Fisher, 13).

            I did not know much about Syria before I started doing research for this blog. What I’ve gathered about this horrific situation as that there is absolutely no communication between Assad and the people of his country. As his country peacefully tried to show him that they were unhappy with the way he ran the country, he reacted with violence. There cannot be communication if one refuses to understand where the other is coming from. The outlook for Syria looks bleak and that is tragic. The surrounding countries are of no help to the refugees in Syria either. Countries such as Russia support Assad because it benefits them to keep their military base in Syria. Another huge problem is the clash of religions. When people identify with a religion it becomes hard for them to see things from another’s point of view. When religion gets involved in conflicts, such as this civil war, there can be no middle ground. In order to learn something from this war, we must learn to relate to other people’s culture rather than believing the one we live by is superior. If people continue to be stuck in this state of mind that their point of view is the only correct view, then the only outcome is war. The only advice I can give on moving away from the war in Syria is that people need to start listening to one another. If Assad would agree to listen to some of the things he is being offered he might find that there can be a middle ground. He can get what he wants without continuing on with this bloodbath that is unnecessary. Listening is an important step to forming better communication and I believe that miscommunication is why Syria is no hopeless.

 

References

Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts (6th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Fisher, M. (13, August 29). 9 questions about Syria you were too embarrassed to ask. Retrieved        fromhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/29/9-questions-about-syria-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask/

(2013, September 12). Al-Assad’s ‘Oops’ Moment [Web Photo]. Retrieved fromhttp://undergroundmgzn.com/2012/01/03/outcry-over-al-assad-execution-joke/

Reese, T. (Producer). (2012, October 02). Basel Baradan [Web Photo]. Retrieved fromhttp://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2012/10/syrian-refugees-talk-of-pain-a.html