One theme I found interesting within Chapter 3 was contextual communication ethics. Contextual communication ethics is essentially the adaptation of the ways one communicates based on the audience being communicated with (pg. 51). In the book, there was an example given about the appropriateness of eye contact amongst different cultures. In American culture eye contact is vital in face to face communication while in other cultures it may be an invasion of privacy.
A personal example of contextual communication ethics for me could be the ways I communicate with a friend of mines with a Muslim background. I come from a very close knit family were hugs are a big part of how we communicate and show affection towards one another. On the other hand my friend comes from a very different culture where any form of touching between male and females is looked down upon. In respect of her culture I use contextual communication ethics by avoiding hugs and giving her more personal space while communicating than I would with other friends. Using this approach was most effective because I hug all of my other friends but for that individual case I chose what I felt to be the greater good.
One thing I found interesting in chapter. 3 as well was contextual communication. I can relate to your example regarding your friend who comes from a different culture and how you have to differentiate your proxemics value while talking with her, but also respecting that hugging her would make her feel uncomfortable. I think it's important to be aware that not every culture is like our own, and we need to be aware of that especially in relationships.
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