Final answer:
Mainstream American communication is characterized by low uncertainty avoidance, reflecting a preference for direct, explicit communication over high-context, indirect styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of mainstream American views of communication that is most commonly identified is low uncertainty avoidance. This means that in American culture, there is a preference for direct communication and an acceptance of new ideas, openness to change, and less formal structures. Americans tend to value clearly expressed, explicit communication over indirect or high-context communication, which is more typical in cultures where people are expected to read between the lines. So the characteristic that fits the mainstream American communication style is not indirect communication, high power distance, or high-context communication. The characteristic of mainstream American views of communication is often associated with option c) Low uncertainty avoidance. In the context of communication styles, low uncertainty avoidance suggests a preference for more flexible and open communication, tolerance for ambiguity, and a willingness to accept diverse opinions. Mainstream American communication tends to be direct, explicit, and informal, reflecting a culture that values individual expression and is generally comfortable with uncertainty. In contrast, high-context communication (option d) is typically associated with cultures where much of the meaning is implicit and relies on shared context, which is not as characteristic of mainstream American communication styles.