Cultural Communication

Considering cultural diversity, I do feel that I communicate differently depending on a person's cultural identity based on characteristics like race, religion, age, sex, orientation, political beliefs, etc. For example, during my family's annual holiday gatherings, my uncle, who I really only see a few times a year, and his girlfriend come into town. Her personality is very strong-willed and she's definitely not afraid to talk about her opinions with anyone, such as her political beliefs, her standpoints on how to raise children, etc. I personally don't need to agree with her viewpoints, but I tend not to begin "small talk" with her because of her argumentative and confrontation nature regarding politics or to raise children is extremely overwhelming. Now that might be more of a personal choice because of an personality clash, but I do also feel I communicate considering others background, knowledge, and culture in how our communication is conducted. I certainly don't mean that I look differently at a person's whose cultural background is unlike my own, but I do want to make sure that I consider personal and cultural differences and how these characteristics might create specific needs.