Slippery Slope Model

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In Chapter 2, the author speaks heavily on biblical principles of unity and conflict resolution (Elm-p26). And it is not necessarily that I disagree with him, but when I attempt to translate the ideas into a different cultural context I can see problems arising. For example, Elmer (p24) speaks on conflict as being irritations, misunderstandings or unmet expectations that bring conflict, resulting in disunity. However, I see this as more as an individualistic issue or something that is commonly present in a Western culture. I am not saying it cannot arise in a communal culture, but in most cases I think it is more prevalent in an individualistic society.
For example, in a communal society that focuses heavily on shame, issues will not be directly addressed, but nonetheless, addressed in some manner (Elm-p54; 98). So, in some cases, conflict and unity can still exist especially with proper management like the given examples of a mediator or submitting to …show more content…

Sanders states that there is a slippery slope on how people react to conflict. No matter how accurate these ideas are, the slippery slope model may not fit in a different culture. As I attempt to myself in the shoes of an African national, these ideas come off as offensive. For instance, he labels one reaction as an escape response (San-p22). Yet, as an African, I see this method as using a mediator. A person may avoid face-to-face confrontation and use a middle person of peace to help resolve the conflict (Elm- p67). Being a person from African, if I used a mediator, it would be fine and get results. However, to American, per say, this would appear to be cowardly and seen as someone attempting to escape the issue of confrontation. To an American it appears they are avoiding the problem, or escaping, when that may not be the case. Thus, the wording here may be inaccurate for a cross-cultural