Can we look to racial conflict for advice?

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Does anyone remember in the early 90's, tension was so strong between Korean business owners and their African American patrons, that a bi-coastal mistrust and boycott ensued? I read an article once that attributed the tensions between these groups to their styles of interaction, and while that article focused solely on this, subsequent articles have certainly recognized their different communication styles as a large contributing factor. Quick and cursory summary: the claim is that Korean culture was quieter and more reserved when meeting new people and dealing with strangers. African American culture was more outgoing and likely to speak intimately with strangers. Korean business owners that were polled noted there was not enough respect, loudness, and swearing coming from their black patrons. And the African American patrons said they felt ignored, and that they were being constantly watched. For my money, I can see how this would become a volatile situation! In MyLot, our communication is so hindered by lack of facial expression and hand gestures, tone of voice, and very often no understanding of where the poster is coming from (age, location, etc). And so many discussion escalate into arguments, and then name calling, and then trolling! How many conflicts (besides just disagreements, those are ok in a discussion forum ) can be avoided? I am interested if anyone here has a productive solution / treatment for this problem? For myself, if someone says something that gets me angry or annoyed, I check out to see how they respond to others. 9 out of 10 it is just their communication style that is foreign to me, not that I am being attacked. Sometimes even just looking for age or location can clear it up, sometimes there is a non-obvious language barrier. So then, what are some things you have tried to dissolve a fight before it becomes a fight? Examples from real life welcome!