Intercultural Communication Assignment Rubric Identify

Intercultural Communication “Assignment Rubric†· …Identify the Question you’re answering…have 1 full, double- spaced, typed pages (375 words)

Summarize the United States' decision to close its borders due to the coronavirus outbreak, including the context of the situation, governmental response, public reaction, and international perspectives. Incorporate two current intercultural communication principles within your answer, clearly identifying them. Discuss the potential implications of this decision on intercultural understanding and relations, considering the cultural differences between the U.S. and other nations, as well as within U.S. society itself. Include information on how the U.S. plans to assist citizens abroad who cannot return, and address the global response to these measures, including international organizations' comments and international leadership reactions. Reflect on what the next steps might be and the impact of such measures on intercultural communication during a global health crisis.

Paper For Above instruction

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) presented an unprecedented global health crisis that significantly affected international relations and intercultural communication. In the United States, the government’s decision to close its borders temporarily, announced by President Donald Trump on March 7th, 2020, epitomized swift presidential action aimed at curbing the virus's spread. This decision was grounded in the urgent need to protect public health; however, it also sparked a series of intercultural challenges rooted in differing perceptions of safety, trust, and governmental authority across cultures.

COVID-19 first emerged in Wuhan, China, during late 2019 and rapidly escalated into a worldwide pandemic. By early March 2020, the virus had infected millions globally, with the United States reporting thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths, emphasizing the severity of the threat. The U.S. government's response involved activating emergency protocols, which included closing its borders to non-citizens and temporarily restricting citizens abroad from re-entering the country. President Trump justified this measure by asserting it was a preventive step to protect American citizens, claiming, “The United States is taking this very seriously, and by taking this extreme preventative measure, we believe it will protect our citizens and keep the virus under control until the numbers start to decline.”

This decision generated mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Some Americans and global leaders perceived the border closure as a necessary public health measure, aligning with the World Health Organization's (WHO) statement on March 8th, which supported measures aimed at reducing risk. The WHO emphasized that such border controls could help slow transmission, although they also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and communication. Conversely, many U.S. citizens abroad, tourists, and international travelers faced uncertainty, and outrage grew over the lack of clarity regarding the duration of the measures and the handling of those unable to return home.

From an intercultural communication perspective, the border closure illustrates the principle of cultural relativism—the idea that behaviors and policies are understood within their cultural contexts. American policymakers prioritized containment, framing their actions within a protective, nationalistic perspective, which contrasted with other nations' approaches emphasizing international collaboration. The principle of communication accommodation theory also comes into play here, as different cultures adjust their communication styles in response to crises; for instance, countries like South Korea emphasized transparent, culturally sensitive communication to foster public compliance and trust, while U.S. messaging often centered on authoritative directives, which sometimes led to misunderstandings and fear.

The decision also highlighted the core intercultural challenge of balancing individual rights with collective safety—a struggle magnified in diverse societies like the U.S. where cultural values around freedom and government intervention vary widely. As citizens overseas were cut off without clear plans for assistance, the U.S. government’s efforts through embassies and consulates to provide aid became crucial. These diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining trust and providing timely information, reflecting intercultural communication principles of empathy and intercultural sensitivity.

Looking ahead, the next steps involved broadening international cooperation, developing health protocols for travelers, and addressing the economic and social fallout of border restrictions. The pandemic underscored the importance of intercultural competence—understanding diverse perceptions of authority and risk, which are shaped by cultural backgrounds. Globally, countries are learning to navigate these differences, balancing security concerns with cultural values and international solidarity. As intercultural communication continues to evolve during the pandemic, fostering mutual understanding, cultural empathy, and respectful dialogue will be essential for effective crisis management and recovery.

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