Cross Cultural Communication

Anyone who thinks that Cross Cultural Communication is a dumb class should really read The Conquest of America. A lot of people seem to think it's all about cultural relativism and all that. They're sick of hearing how every culture is legitimate, every culture is worthy of respect. Regardless of how you feel about cultural relativism, there is a reason to study other cultures. Even if you don't like the way they do things over there, understanding their motivations will undoubtedly help you navigate those cultural icebergs to a better result.

Cortés very quickly understood the civilizations of Central America. He understood them, and he was able to defeat them with a tiny force. I'm not even talking about Ender's "understanding." He just found their weak-spot, a biological limitation. Cortés understood Montezuma's culture, and was able to manipulate him and his people because of it.

What's the best model for Contact? I think a combination of the political realism of Schmitt informed with Todorov's awareness of sign could go a long way in helping us survive an alien encounter. I've almost given up hope on a "successful" contact, at least maybe we can live through the next landing on the White House lawn.