Discussion – Culture and Communication
In 2017, former US President Donald Trump toured Asia on a diplomatic tour. His stop in Japan caused Americans and other nationals to raise concerns about his ability to respect others’ cultures and practices. The USA is known for politeness and formality. However, these aspects seemed to be lacking in the leader’s behaviors and interactions while in Japan. First, the former president cited the invalidity of ‘Samurai Warriors,’ stating that they never existed in Japan. This critical reference to the ‘Samurai Warriors’ displayed a lack of respect for the country’s history. Secondly, President Trump declined to enjoy traditional Japanese food and ordered a burger. Thirdly, he tossed fish food into a koi pond unceremoniously. Finally, he failed to attend the Hiroshima Memorial, an event that would have shown his interest in building food relations with Japan (Kawaguchi, 2017). Our assignment writing help is at affordable prices to students of all academic levels and disciplines.
Based on the article, it is clear that the former American president made several cultural mistakes, either knowingly or unknowingly. Japan is different from America culturally. The USA represents multiple cultures, and one could call it a ‘melting pot’ due to the amalgamation of different residents’ cultural backgrounds. Thus, some aspects may be tolerable in the USA while others, such as lack of formality and probably politeness, are not excused. Japan is a different case altogether due to the cultural aspects that are connected to daily activities such as salutations, eating, interactions, and even dressing. Anyone can make a cultural mistake, especially if one lacks information regarding a country’s cultural observations. However, such ignorance can be costly in the case of a country’s leader.
To avoid such situations in the future, the former president should gather information about another nation’s culture prior to visiting. The capacity of a president allows access to varied information. Thus, as a country’s ambassador, it is in the interest of Donald Trump and other leaders to seek out information that will promote cultural appreciation. Gaining information about other cultures does not guarantee that one will be completely aware of what to do. Instead, it only highlights issues, actions, or activities that would come across as offensive and disrespectful. From a personal perspective, it is important to respect other people even when one does not agree with them or their cultures. Thus, Donald Trump had the right to decline Japanese food. Personal preferences, health issues, and cultural backgrounds guide food choices. Thus, some people may not be willing to indulge in new dishes due to a lack of familiarity. However, declining such offers should be done respectfully.
Besides seeking information about new cultures, the former president should have shown genuine respect for the Japanese culture. Respecting others’ cultures is important for meaningful interactions and relationships. Without respect, it is difficult for individuals to interact and build lasting relations. This includes nations and groups of people. Failing to respect others not only speaks volumes about oneself but also about one’s lack of recognition from others. The inability to adapt to new situations and environments, as well as get used to new people and practices, displays character faults. Thus, the former resident should seek to respect other individuals who may be different. Such an attitude would have allowed him to seek advice from his Japanese hosts, the American ambassador in Japan and apologize whenever he offended the hosts. It also facilitates communication among the concerned parties.
References
Kawaguchi, S. (2017). Trump’s intentional behavior in Japan was much worse than his etiquette mistakes. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/11/10/trumps-intentional-behavior-in-japan-was-much-worse-than-his-etiquette-mistakes/
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Question 
Discussion – Culture and Communication
Give a brief summary of a current news story in which you found an example of someone who clearly made a cultural mistake when interacting with someone else.
Acting as a communication consultant, describe how you would advise the person on how to correct their error.