Culture … and some homework
And it’s not for lack of writing.
In fact, I’ve been writing since 8a my time (12a Colorado time) off an on as I’ve been traveling.
I just can’t shake this thought … but the issue is, it’s not processed enough to share (and believe me, you do NOT want to actually see me verbally process on paper … I know you think you have, but trust me, you ain’t seen nothing)
Ok, so really quick; culture.
Yeah, it has a way of causing quite a scene.
Culture A loves Culture A stuff (and maybe 40% of Culture B stuff), and Culture B loves Culture B stuff (and maybe 20% of Culture A stuff) but neither can seem to get along and agree on what’s right and wrong.
And this is where I’ve been struggling.
When I travel, I like to be with a local who can show me around. I hate exploring otherwise 🫣
The main reason is that I like to abide by the cultural norms of where I’m at as best as humanly possible.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I’ll never trust a non-native to teach me cultural norms. Like who writes these blogs online 😂
But that’s caused riffs, and I’ve also done trips where my “sensitivity” is viewed as a hinderance to objectives. (Specifically missions trips and such).
SOOOOO… I’ve been investing time this trip into reading a book that was recommended to me and it’s been INCREDIBLY helpful in this very arena.
My plan is to summarize my thoughts on all this AFTER I finish the book.
In the meantime, I’d love to know what you think about the following:
When you experience new cultures, do you just go for it or what for a “native/local” to show you the way?
How would you describe your culture? I’m talking family culture here, like how you were raised, how you live, the ‘tone of your home’.
What one thing irks you the most about any other culture other than your own?
What one thing do you appreciate the most when other do/say it that certain way?
Ok, next Tuesday I’m on a plane all day, so patience please as I try to schedule something for then, but I’ll chat with you here soon and we’ll get back to this as soon as I wrap up this book!