It is so very interesting to see how things bear different meanings in different countries. At the same time, however, it makes sense. When people live together, it naturally follows that they would establish norms. In fact, not doing so would be infinitely more strange. It all comes down to symbols. Everyone has different symbols attached to their culture, and they are one of the most crucial components to communication, socialization, and the development and cultivation of personal and formal relationships (whether they be in the family or at work or in social groups/etc). Everything from auditory, visual, and spoken symbols are necessary. The differences (sometimes slight and other times quite drastic) come from a multitude of different causes. Firstly, geographical location is a major component in the difference in meanings in different countries. Citizens of countries across the sea lack everyday exposure to our culture and practices here in the United States. Likewise, we do not participate in the same culture as those in countries on the other side of the globe, hence, we have developed different symbols to denote our meanings. Secondly, heritage is a factor as well. Many of the symbols (phrases, images, and gestures) are based in practices of those generations who lived before us. Therefore, an Afrocentric culture would no doubt have a vastly different set of symbols established from their history and passed down from the generations than an Ethnocentric culture. All in all, it is fascinating to discover this seemingly small (but actually quite impactful) part of cultures other than our own. Watching this video showed just a sliver of what everyday life is like in other countries, and did an excellent job of displaying just how important and influential symbols are to our culture. Even having a slight understanding of this concept is beneficial to everyone, and can change the way one looks at culture.
I found this video to be extremely interesting. It really encapsulated the intensity of the fact that cultures around the world are so vastly different. In this video there were ten hand signs showcased that are very normal within our culture in the United States. However these same hand signs can be extremely unacceptable, some even highly disrespectful, within other cultures around the world. Some of the signs included the thumbs up and the okay sign that we all use frequently. After watching this video you are led with a very confirmed sense of the great difference between different cultures and the accepted norms. It lead me to wonder how we could all strive to understand more fully the differences between cultures, in order that we can better accept and understand each other. If every human on the earth was aware of all the cultural differences I know there would be a very significant decrease in the number of misunderstandings between persons from different cultures and countries. I know from personal experience after attending a music conservatory in Cleveland, Ohio that draws music majors from many different countries around the world that there can be very large differences in the way that people are raised and how they live. I have many friends from China, Lebanon, Korea, Russia, England, France and many others. Every country ultimately has a completely different way of going through life. Therefore when all of us come together it has a significant affect on how we can relate to each other. Some of these different signs that were included in the video were ones that I had been explained about previously. I think it is super important that we all can understand each other and the culture in which we have come from. -THEARSONIST012
Yes, this video really illustrates just how different cultures are across the globe. Because cultures are so diverse, this video also illustrates that cultures are created. We as humans create symbols and language in order to communicate with those around us, but we realize that the symbols and language of our own culture are not as universal as we may think. Do you think that if someone is visiting the United States from a different country that we as Americans should try to adopt their cultural symbols to respect their culture, or should they try to use the “correct” symbols to respect us and our culture? MySliceofthePi012
Even though this video was short and simple, it had a lot of meaning packed into it. It is definitely good to know the signs that would offend someone if a person were to travel to another country, but the mannerisms are also good to know if a person were ever to encounter someone from another country right here in America. This video brings awareness to the day-to-day mannerisms we use and encounter by simply being immersed in American culture. Many of the signs or mannerisms listed in the video seem natural to us, and many of us would not think twice about many of the activities listed in the video. However, I believe that now knowing a little more about a few different cultures, if I were ever to travel outside of the United States or travel to a different U.S. territory, I think I would experience more culture shock than if I had not watched this video. Even though I would know a little bit about the culture that I would be immersed in, I would tour the country and interact with the people in a very timid manner as if walking on eggshells. I would not want to offend anyone, so I think culture shock would hit me harder because I would be in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar groups of people doing unfamiliar things, and I would also be worried about how I was portraying myself to them. Although I would do research about different signs and mannerisms used and not used in a specific country or region before going there, I would think that maybe I did not learn everything about the mannerisms of the culture, and try to be more aware of my gestures. I have only been out of the country once, and I traveled to Turkey. Turkey was specifically mentioned in the video, but I am sure that while I was there I did not make the gesture shown in the video. I just wonder what types of things I may have done that may have offended others. MySliceofthePi012
I think its really cool that you have been out of the country and that you can compare your visit to the video of what gestures you might have done that offended others. I agree with what you said about how many of the mannerisms listed in the video seem natural to us but in other countries they can be consider rude. Meaning we should always be aware of how respond to others especially when traveling. We shouldn't want to be disrespectful in another country. So in culture shock we should remember to relax and look around to see they people of that culture interact with each other it could ultimately teach us how to respond to others in that surrounding. -IDK123012
I think it’s awesome you’ve been out of the country! In my response I stated how awesome that would be, but also how scared I’d be to do something wrong. I feel like so many things are different no matter where you go so it would all take getting some used to. I think it’s weird that something could mean something positive here but somewhere else it would mean something incredibly negative. I need to visit another country soon so I can see what it’s like and see all the differences for myself! That would be such a life changing experience. Cheer456
Great reply! You had some great thoughts and things to share. It was very interesting to hear about your travel outside of the country and your great interest in the normalities and cultural differences within different countries and countries. Thanks for sharing! I can relate in a small way after traveling to England this past May. Although in England they speak the same language that we do in the United States there are still significant differences. The English that is spoken in Great Britain is actually quite different then the English that is spoken within our country of the United States. There are many different references as well as body language and signs that are very different then that of the United States. To me it was fascinating that two countries even sharing the same language can have such a different way of life. Thanks for sharing your story. -THEARSONIST012
This video was shocking as well as entertaining. To know that a lot of things we here in America do, are considered offensive and very rude in other countries, is just another way we learn about other cultures and geographical locations and the way things are done differently. We now know in Japan to not put someone’s business card in your pocket, to not fill your own drinking glass, or not to smile at strangers. However, slurping your soup is a sign that you are enjoying your food and shows you have good manners. When you are giggling at that one, be sure not to laugh with your mouth open as it is considered horse-like and impolite. And when you are done with your soup, for goodness sake- do not tip the server because this is one of the biggest insults!! A lot of Japans customs go against American customs- which I’m sure creates a lot of confusion for the visitor/vacationer. I would be so terrified to do something wrong or offensive, especially if it were something that could get me thrown in jail. If you beckon someone with your finger in the Philippines, not only is it an arrestable offense, but it’s considered fit for dogs!? I’d surely be arrested my first day! Time is not only different in zones, but being late or being on time has different values in other countries as well. Whereas Americans use roundabout times such as 1-ish, etc., we also consider showing up late sometimes as “fashionable”. Could you imagine if you showed up to a party, that you were invited to, an hour late? In Argentina it’s expected as it is deemed a sign of greed to be punctual. Or in Germany, if you are late- even the slightest bit, it’s perceived that you believe your time is more valuable than everyone else’s. So, while we sit and ponder why our cultures and values are so different from other countries, just remember that none of them are the “correct” way of doing things. Just enjoy coming to class in your gym clothes, sportswear, sweatpants, flip-flops or baseball caps: because in Japan and most of Europe consider this to be of a seriously sloppy appearance and also very disrespectful. All of which is good to know… TRM012
Wow, this video left me speechless. I never ever even thought about the little stuff I do could offend some cultural. Like if I would’ve put that business card in pocket and found out I was not supposed to do that I would have experienced a culture shock I would have been so confused. Then smiling in Korea is bad that mind blowing because people smile for no reason. People just walk down the streets smiling. It is so crazy different things can be looked at differently by your culture. I honestly feel like I was supposed to live in Japan because I love slurping soap or noodles and my mom always complain. Then in Korea I could live there because I don’t care to smile, and strangers would come up to me an tell me to smile baby girl and I just don’t like to. Then when people are late to an event in the US it is a bad thing your frowned upon when your late. Like if you are late to an interview you just made a horrible first impression because they are going to think you will be late every time. In Argentina you are supposed to be an hour late. Me and my mom belong in Argentina too because we be late to every event. I am pretty sure I am going to be late to my own funeral, that’s how bad it is. Like the whole video was so interesting I was saying wow the whole time. Imagine a thumb up meaning up yours instead of good job its crazy. This video made me want to travel the world because let me know the world is very different then what I know. I’m so use to Peoria that this video definitely made me want to travel the world and learn about other things that could be a social shock to me. -jolly rancher
I would imagine that the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang are quite awkward for the hosts right now! I'm sure they were instructed that the Westerners like to smile a little too much and not to take any offense to it. I laughed about your comment about noodles, as I do the same thing with both soup and noodles (I also would like to think it is a sign that I am enjoying my food). I also agree that this video makes me want to travel the world, but it also scares me! What if one of my normal actions is extremely offensive and possibly criminal? I would be surely out of luck at that point. -CSP012
The world we live in today has many interpretations depending upon where we live the things we look at and think are acceptable aren’t always in other countries. Many things such as eating chicken fingers with both hands because it is figure food is unacceptable in other societies. Due to when they use the restroom you use your left hand, so it is quite disgusting if you use your left hand to eat or shake hands with other people. Business cards are a known thing in this country and as Mr. White says he doesn’t even give them out because most of the time people will not even use them to contact you. In other countries business cards do not get put into your pocket or it is looked at as disrespectful. When we go to people’s houses in America we tend to complement the houses we go to and say what we like. Well in other counties you do not do that because the people they complement think than they need to give you their beautiful belongings. When we go out to eat or anywhere we will sometimes fill our own glasses for a refill. Ha well in other countries you do not fill your own glass at all! If you are with a friend, you refill each others glasses but never yourselves. Oh and how we hate slurping when the people around us decide to do so well listen to this depending where you are at slurping can mean you enjoy your meal. Watch where you decide to travel guys! We all smile on a daily basis in America it just a common thing to be happy we do not think anything about it.. well you do not smile to people in other countries it can mean the one you are smiling at is stupid or they will think you are.
AnonymousFebruary 16, 2018 at 3:16 PM The world we live in today has many interpretations depending upon where we live the things we look at and think are acceptable aren’t always in other countries. Many things such as eating chicken fingers with both hands because it is figure food is unacceptable in other societies. Due to when they use the restroom you use your left hand, so it is quite disgusting if you use your left hand to eat or shake hands with other people. Business cards are a known thing in this country and as Mr. White says he doesn’t even give them out because most of the time people will not even use them to contact you. In other countries business cards do not get put into your pocket or it is looked at as disrespectful. When we go to people’s houses in America we tend to complement the houses we go to and say what we like. Well in other counties you do not do that because the people they complement think than they need to give you their beautiful belongings. When we go out to eat or anywhere we will sometimes fill our own glasses for a refill. Ha well in other countries you do not fill your own glass at all! If you are with a friend, you refill each others glasses but never yourselves. Oh and how we hate slurping when the people around us decide to do so well listen to this depending where you are at slurping can mean you enjoy your meal. Watch where you decide to travel guys! We all smile on a daily basis in America it just a common thing to be happy we do not think anything about it.. well you do not smile to people in other countries it can mean the one you are smiling at is stupid or they will think you are. -campbell012 sorry did not put my name on last one reposted
I totally agree with you! The way people react or see things are different in other countries. In Libya, if anyone complements anything that you have, it directly should go to them because it will bring you bad luck if you keep it. Even the new generations are still doing it. Another thing that caught my eyes here in the U.S. In my culture it is to consider rude to eat in front of people without giving them some of the things you are eating. For example, if my mum made cookies, and I want to take some to eat them while I work, I must bring enough cookies for all the people in the place that I work in. It is very interesting to know that other countries see things different, it is like the joke that here in the U.S. consider a joke and in other places consider nothing! POINTOFVIEW012
I think the video was very interesting in a sense of I was able to realize there are many gestures throughout my day that are normal but if I were to travel the world and go to a different country those same gestures could be considered rude and disrespectful. I would have to adapt to how that country addresses certain situation, as a sign of respect and understanding. I also, realize that some country goes to extreme when it come to gestures. An example would be the number one gesture in Philippines gesture come here with your pointer finger can get you sent to jail. The reason I think its extreme is because even though the people who have grown up and lived in that area have a way of thinking it as rude, someone who is visiting might do it unknowingly. Though that is a part of their norms, proving that many parts of the world are different. I believe it has to do with culture and social norms. I say this because usually gestures are fowled by the people of the community, which can tend to be in a certain part of the world. Being aware that not all gestures are the same around the world makes me think there are more ways I might do something that in another part of the world someone else is doing it differently. There is no wrong in others having a different way to do something, its something to learn from and its very interesting to see. Another way I view this video as an eye opener meaning, not to take offence if someone else doesn’t smile back or makes me pour their drink. I’m saying that sometimes as an individual we should think about why someone does or doesn’t do something verses jump to conclusions that their rude because they could be following a social norm from their culture. -IDK123012
This video is cool to see. I’ve never been out of the country so it’s nice to know what are some taboos for different places in the world. In America, we have a tendency to think that our way of life is the right and only way. Which might be the reason why other countries hate us and look down on us a lot, but who knows. Our customs are unique to us and us alone. Something as simple as a smile in Japan can offend someone and get you beat up. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind for America to switch to that way of thinking because I personally do not like having to fake smile at strangers, I think it is awkward and honestly, we should put a taboo on that as well. All jokes aside, it does give me a different way of viewing the world. Everything we do that seems to be normal, actually isn’t. In class we actual learned that there is no normal. There is no one set way to live or do any one thing, which is actually the opposite of what we’ve been taught our whole lives. The “thumbs up” in one country is the same as the middle finger salute in ours, but we wouldn’t know unless someone told us. Imagine going to a place where that isn’t okay, and you don’t know the country’s language very well. You use the “thumps up” salute to try to signal that you’re having fun and enjoying the exotic new surroundings that you’re in, but instead you tell an ambassador of the country “up yours”, not good. It’s important to know what is and isn’t acceptable by certain societies for many reasons, that’s just one example. I’ve heard for many years now that in certain Arabian cultures it is best to avoid their left hand. I wasn’t sure if that was just a stereotype or something, but this video confirms that they do very different things with their hands that we would find to be maybe a lack of personal hygiene. Every society has different standards of living so it’s interesting to see some of those differences up close.
It is funny to think some things in that video we think are so odd and different where if they watched a video on things we do in our culture maybe they would think the same. I have been to seven different countries so I am culturally aware of how things are a lot different places. One thing I remember is in Spain my family and I were thrown off the first day because there shops and restaurants close at certain times during the day then reopen. In America everything is go go go places stay open up to 24 hours! We are used to that so when we arrived we expected to go straight to dinner whenever wherever we pleased. Then we remembered that the restaurants close after lunch and reopen for dinner a little after six. Or another experience I had like this was in Paris. We were walking all day and went to a place to eat for lunch. It was so expensive and we do not eat much so we did what we do back home and order two meals and maybe an appetizer for the four of us to share. That is not allowed most places in Paris. It is looked at as rude. In Europe there seems to be a lot of practices as such regarding dining. Then when I went places like Belize or Mexico there was never anything like that. What I did find different in Belize was the men cat call a lot. To me it is rude and alarming. When people do that here it is usually looked at as degrading and such. There is seemed more okay and acceptable. In Belize it did not carry such a bad connotation to people, I am not saying it is positive but more neutral. Then when I went to places like Argentina it was considered normal to dine very late. I recall going to dinner as late as 10! At home we eat around 5-6 so it was a big change. What people have to understand is that in other places they take dining as a relaxing time. They take their time eating, socialize, drink, and take time to enjoy life. I enjoy a lot of practices as such in different countries. I do not like the go go go of America, I think a lot of times Americans do not know how to enjoy the quality of life as much as some countries overseas. Also in places like Spain and Belize life is simpler. Grocery stores do not have 52 different flavors of chips to choose from, or 29 poptart flavors. I think that is beneficial. People do not always want bigger or better like we do here. I believe it is a healthier way of life physically and mentally. gea012
I too find this topic very interesting. Probably the most interesting blog i've done so far. I can agree this video left me speechless, because it is so mind blowing that the little things we do here can really offend someone in another nation. And we have to realize that, that is their culture, that is what those people were taught and that is normal for them. I wonder when people from other nations come here, how they are culture shocked! It is so interesting i want to go to another nation to learn about their culture and they do’s and don'ts. cheese012
This was a very interesting video. I think it is cool and interesting at the same time how something could be totally normal here in the United States and we can go to another country and it will be offensive. For example, in the video, the thumbs up here in the United States is showing someone their doing good or just gesturing someone they are doing well. Whereas in Iran and parts of the Middle East, I was unaware that it was offensive. After watching this video, it almost makes me feel like before I go to a different country I need to study that particular culture. I would not want to go to a different country and offend people and not be aware that I even offended them. We don’t think about these things as we go about our daily lives because we are used to it. It is normal for us as well as people in other countries. After watching this video, it made just think about maybe some immigrants who may have came over and the Unites States was probably a huge culture shock for them. I am pretty sure some things we did over here was totally different than what they were doing where they were at. I love that culture is beautifully diverse. I would love to go visit different countries and just observe their culture. I know that I would be amazed by watching them go about their daily lives. I know in different countries I have seen they wear a lot of jewelry and that is beautiful to me. I can only imagine what it would be like for culture to be the same globally. It might be weird. I think it is just a beautiful sight to see but you have to be careful to not offend anybody. prettygirlhd012
I love learning about other culture's customs and intricacies. I always feel as a Westerner that I have blinders on in terms of being culturally aware. We feel that our way is the only and right way, which probably is the reason we involve ourselves so unnecessarily in foreign affairs. Onto the video! I always find myself getting places much too early. I consider myself very Type A anal, and now I know that I would be considered an absolute menace in Argentina. I find it so interesting that a trait we care so much about here in the United States, punctuality, is viewed in a polar opposite manner in another country. Maybe that says a lot about both countries? Another example was only using the left hand for bathroom duties in Muslim countries and India. My mom would be in a world of trouble over there, that is for sure! Those countries could definitely have better dexterity though! The example of Arab and African nations had me laughing out loud. I wish I could compliment someone about a possession and then have them give it to me (greedy, I know!)! In those countries however, I would imagine that they are reluctant, but obliged to hand over the loot. The video even mentions how awkward it is for the host. In one way, Americans do copy that general pattern. If we see something of someone else's that we like, we either go out and buy the same thing, or something very similar (maybe a different brand, but same function) in order to save face and seem original.
I think I enjoyed this video so much mostly because the scenarios that were used are things that Americans would more than likely see as normal or typical. When I hear about “culture shock” I usually make the mistake and think of EXTREME differences within cultures. For example, in France they don’t mind nudity as much as we do. You may go to a beach and be lucky enough to see a 60 year old woman with her top off! (Lucky you) However after watching this video, I won’t ever make the same mistake to think that little things don’t mean much again. LITTLE THINGS MATTER TOO!! That is one thing that I feel Americans tend to forget...especially when it comes to interacting with those of different cultural backgrounds. For example, a thumbs up is gesture which typically signifies something good in America can/is seen in a bad way elsewhere. I think showing more attention to the “little” things can aid humans as a whole when trying to conquer the culture’s that we encounter. I was wanting to travel as an RT & after watching this I feel like I can actually see that with traveling, comes a HUGE responsibility. Nobody likes making a fool of themselves nor being disrespected, so I know that If I do choose to travel I will have to be able to open my mind to new and rejected ideas of others. I am going to try to work on my mindfulness when it comes to these sorts of things. I feel like the more we acknowledge and embrace the differences that the human race holds, the better chance we’ll have a dealing with and overcoming culture shock LayBae012
I like the point you make (and agree with you) when you talk about how culture shock is something that is not necessarily an extreme situation, case, or occurrence. Oftentimes, cases of culture shock are those that are subtle offenses or faux pas’ that more adequately fit the description. Based on this, culture shock is something that someone could experience by traveling a few hours away, or even simply traveling a few miles across town. Culture shock can be experienced as a result of everything from an unfamiliar environment to the actions, reactions, attitudes, and behaviors of people. I think it is so interesting how many different forms culture shock can take.
I did enjoy watching this video a lot, maybe because I am not from here and sometimes I feel that I offended other people by the way I dress, talk, and even the way I express myself, so I always think before I do anything. Sometimes when people ask me about something, I stop for a minute and think how to reply because I don't want to say or do something that is not accepted here. There is a said, “You will not see it until you are there!” I have never thought about cultural shock until I came here. This relies on the culture and the way a group of people live and communicate in a specific region which might be completely wrong, inappropriate to others. One of the best examples I saw in this video was using the left and to eat. Eating with your left hand is not acceptable in many Middle-Eastern countries not only for eating but also for writing and shaking hands. My friend is a left-handed person, and when she was in primary school, the teachers forced her to use the right hand and asked her to write as many words with the right hand hoping that she will eventually get rid of this bad habit and learn how to use the right hand instead of the left hand. She hated going to school because she didn’t know how to use the right hand. It is like asking a right-handed person to write, eat and shake hands using the left hand. Which I personally don’t look at this as bad because we are all different and should accept each other. Another example, In my culture it is very normal to talk with your hands, but here in the U.S., it considers inappropriate and rude to talk with your hands and people will look at you as you are coming from another planet. So my advice is before going to anyplace, read more about this place and ask people who have been there what’s is life over there! POINTOFVIEW012
I always find it interesting how different countries develop completely different meanings for the same hand gestures. The last one about the Philippines, I am surprised I have never heard of. My dad travels there on mission trips and in all his stories he’s never mentioned anything like that. My best friend is from China, and she told me that in her country what we call the peace sign just means “yay” there and everyone uses it for pictures to show how happy they are. I had always wondered why she is always doing that for pictures. She also slurps soup, as the video showed, but I knew before that that is a way that people Asian countries show that they are enjoying a meal. The video made me kind of worried, because I want to travel but I would be mortified to accidentally offend someone. Not that that would stop me, but I feel like to travel you have to do some research about that places you are going, and maybe that would help with culture shock, if you had some idea of what to expect. I would like to take a trip back with her to China some time, but it’s less intimidating when you are with a friend who knows the customs and do’s and don’ts. --Burnskey012
It is interesting to see how some of these simple hand gestures take on a whole new meaning somewhere else. It also can be nerve raking to be in a different part of the world and worry if you're going to offend someone. I found that many people in different countries are pretty forgiving though. I never knew the peace sign meant yay, that makes a lot of pictures I have seen with some of my Asian friends make a little more sense.-pj012
I found it very interesting to see that common gesture and actions that are performed in the Unites States are considered very rude or extremely vulgar in other countries and to other people around the world. I was aware of this phenomenon before this video, however, I never knew what kind of things that it entailed. I was also intrigued by how each culture reacted to such things like having to give you a couch just for complimenting it or how you are considered greedy if you show up to a party on time, all of these being the opposite or not considered at all here. I would also like to bring up that these can also show up in subculture. In the military, certain expletives are used commonly as adjectives and are often thrown into sentences during conversations. This, while normal in the military would be mostly accepted, would be highly frowned upon in the civilian world. I personally had a problem with it after I came back from training for the United States Marine Corps and it was very noticeable by family and friends while I did not even bat an eye. Mostly because I had become so used to doing it that it became second nature to me and I did it without thinking about it. It makes me wonder if I offended or unknowingly caused a problem in the United Kingdom when I went there. I will be going to another country soon as well and I will probably end up looking into the cultural norms of the country to make sure I do not misrepresent the United States Marine Corps and the United States as a whole and I wonder if anything that I usually do would end up being offensive to the people of that other country. -TheMarshall012
I agree it is very interesting to see how some common gestures used worldwide have different meanings to them. It would be weird if I said this is a nice couch and someone gave it me, I wouldn’t know what to say. I understand with what you are saying with subcultural norms that take place in the military. When I got out I would use an explicative to describe something not even realizing how I could be offending someone. It became so common while I was at my command that it became in a sense how I talked. Now that I’m out I realize it and have been trying to stop doing it so much.-pj012
It's so cool while one culture may find something normal there's another culture out there that finds that same thing weird or out of the ordinary. This video was humorous yet interesting to me. It also amazed me in a way. I say that because but watching this video, I already have an idea of what Sociology really focuses on and why it's important to invest in society. Although some of these beliefs were weird to me in a strange way I really want to look into why these things are a huge don't and what are the consequences when someone goes against their cultural beliefs. I just feel like it's important to at least learn about different cultures you don't necessarily have to like what their culture is but at least try to learn why it is they do what they do. I learned a long time ago it is not right to feel like your culture is better than another. Many things in the video were interesting but one stuck out to me in general because it was very funny and unbelievable and that was 5.)In Argentina when you're attending a dinner party you should show up a hour later than the time you're supposed to be there. If you show up on time it's a sign of greed. When I heard that I laughed so hard, I was so amazed. It amazes me so much because here in America we can barely wait until everyone is at the restaurant before we start ordering! In my family, we'd still having people showing up but by the time they get there my other family is already eating, so over in Argentina we'd be the ultimate pigs! I found this video humorous because some of the things other cultures don't like over here in America we TOTALLY do those things! Then there are some things in other cultures that we in America can actually relate to. For example I believe they said over in Japan it is important to slurp your soup because it's a sign that you're enjoying your meal. Which in America we do the same thing by smacking and eating. Smacking usually means whatever you're eating is good. This video was really cool and it left me curious and wanting to learn more about other places culture. -JEWELS012
This video showed me how different cultures and parts of the world use the exact same symbols, signs, and gestures but depending on your culture or which part of the world you are in it can mean or be the total opposite and can be offensive to people in other countries. Here in the U S the thumps up mean great job and is a good thing to do so a person can be congratulated parts of the Middle Eastern countries and Iran this sign is to say up yours. This would be very embarrassing if you had good intentions but would have insulted someone unknowingly. It is also mind blowing too know that you can offend someone by putting their business card in your pocket, this would be normal to do and would be the place I would put it until I could put it in a more secure place, but this is not so in Japan. In Western society it is installed from childhood to be on time because it shows that you are reliable and prompt, but the video showed that in Argentina going to a dinner party early is a sign of greed to be punctual. They also mentioned how Muslim countries and India say it is very rude to use your left hand to eat, and this is because the left hand is reserved for rest room duty. Western society are not as strict on this type of custom it doesn’t matter the hand, but if they are clean. This is just yet another way that societies and cultures can be different. The last and final thing that took me by surprise was how in Korea you can insult someone with a simple smile, smiling at a stranger is an indication that you think they’re stupid now that is something a person might want to know wow. Just me 012
I agree with you especially with the fact the thumb up meant something completely different in some Middle Eastern countries. With me being part of the military, that really stuck out to me. It is a gesture I use a lot and if I was to get deployed over there, which may or may not happen, I would be offending the local populous just by doing that. In turn, that may affect relation with the locals and may cause harm to my unit. It really is surprising how it can affect you in the long run too, even if you did not know about it. –TheMarshall012
I found myself to really like this video because I've had some experience with some culture shock. Over the summer I went with my friend to Nicaragua and one thing that was offensive there was if girls wore shorts. Most people there just wear jeans and if you as a girl had on shorts on you would be looked at badly. Being able to see this first hand is actually kind of interesting because you get to see the different types of culture shock. It made me realize how extremely different things are across the world and the different beliefs. So when I went there I didn't know that wearing shorts could be bad thing. I was looked at many times and also whistled at. Thats another thing that was a culture shock to me because living in the united states we don't have men whistling at girls because its considered disrespectful where there its just funny. Culture shock doesn't have to be just about hand gestures and clothing items but it can be about mobility too. Another major culture shock there that I witnessed was the transportation. They all used four wheelers, junkie motor bikes, or small motor carts that they used as their taxis. When I came back it really made me realize and appreciate what I have. Culture shock really is a huge thing when it comes to sociology and its so interesting when you can experience it first hand.
Wow, your example is mind blowing. I couldn’t imagine going out of the United States and wearing shorts because that’s what I’m used to doing then offending someone on accident. That’s crazy to me but I shouldn’t say crazy cause that’s a way people live but it is different then what I’m accustom too. I couldn’t imagine going there and having someone whistling at me I would be ready to fight but then I would have to remember where I’m at before I react, because like you said they take it as a joke while we take it as disrespectful. -Jolly Rancher
Your story was pretty incredible! It would be hard to go to another country and be looked down upon because of an article of clothing. Its crazy to think just how different life is outside of the U.S. Personally, i have never traveled outside the country, but from you're description I too would be in culture shock. JE012
It is very interesting to see different cultural norms around the world. These nonmaterial cultural acts that we display every day in America can have a completely offensive meaning somewhere else. Things such as giving someone thumbs up here in America can be completely offensive in places like Iran and in some parts of the Middle East. I find it fascinating that the processes we consider normal natural acts of kindness or offense take different meaning in different societal cultures. I remember while in the Navy there would be little fyi’s in our POD for each port visit we had pertaining to the culture we were about to experience. There was one that through me off while I was in I believe Bahrain. We couldn’t show the soles of our shoes because it was a great insult to the culture there. It was really different trying to think about not showing the bottom of my foot while I sat down at a bar in town. I was used to resting my foot on my knee and had done it my whole life but while I was there I had to consciously think about not doing it. Some of the other places I visited people would haggle with me about prices of certain items while I as in their shops. In Dubai I was trying to buy a black diamond in one of the shops, the man working there was relentless when I said I was going to look around at some of the other shops. It was something I wasn’t used to because here in America the price of the things are what they are; unless it’s a car dealership I suppose. Learning about different cultural norms has put a lot of what I experienced into perspective. This video really makes me think twice about some of the things I did while overseas. Pj789
This video was very interesting to me. There were a lot of new facts for me and things I did not know about. I think the only thing in the video that I knew prior to watching it was that it is impolite to slurp your soup in Western cultures but polite to do it in Japan. I thought it was very interesting to see all the different ways that things are handled in different countries and their norms. It would be very hard for me to go to Korea, because I smile a lot! In the United States, people regularly give "thumbs up" to others, but it is not a sign of disrespect at all. We also use the "okay" sign and it is not referenced to a body part. I thought it was interesting that in Muslim countries it is impolite to eat with your left hand because you are supposed to use your left hand for bathroom duty. I wonder if people take that seriously or not, because no one would know if you used the wrong hand in the restroom. In America, we do not have as strict laws or norms here. One of the very few things deemed offensive in America is giving someone the middle finger. There are a lot of things that we do in America that those other countries in the video do not. Many people in America eat with their left hand and it is not offensive in any way. We call people by using one finger to tell them they are needed and most of the time it does not mean anything bad, it is just a gesture to get someone's attention. Also, a lot of times when someone is given a business card they put it in their pocket so they do not lose or misplace it and no one in America takes that offensively. There were a lot of things in this video that I did not know about and I really enjoyed learning them! I will be visiting other countries in the near future and this will be a big help for me. - mommaj'skid012
It was rather interesting to see all those things that people do around the world. I also was trying to think of some things that people would find offensive in America, and I couldn't think of many. I thought of rolling your eyes when in conversation as well as, like you said, giving the middle finger. I am sure there is more, but since it is my culture it is hard for me to discern what I find rude unless someone does it, because I rarely think about it. -twentyfourframes012
I also found the video interesting. It was a real eye-opener to how a simple gesture can mean something totally different to someone in another country. I too, was presented with facts that I was not aware about like the business card in Japan. I found that interesting seeing as Doctor White sees little use for them, but in Japan your are to have a great respect for them. This video has made me want to go to some of these places to see their culture. - CUBSFAN012
It has always interested me how easily we can find ourselves outside of our cultural comfort zone. These are some good examples that were shown in the video, but even people in our own country can find themselves at a loss in a place they don't feel accustomed to. Like a person going to a fancy restaurant and not knowing table etiquette, or someone going in for a handshake when the other party was going in for a fist bump. Not necessarily as severely different, but everything we do we do because of what the people around us are doing. Even the things we don't do are usually influenced by those same people. When we do not feel comfortable in our own world we begin to notice every detail of the surrounding world. Culture shock seems to have a snowball effect you do something wrong and then you feel heightened and aware of everything you are doing which will probably only make you seem more awkward and out of place. It also surprises me how most of the things that are different in other cultures are the small minutia elements. The things that are easy to get wrong. Like hand gestures, table etiquette, and conversational norms. Those behaviors are all learned and incredibly subconscious. Rarely do we think about what hand movements we are making when we wish to call someone to our side, or what words we use to make a greeting. We just do what we have always done. This is why having a global society will take some adjustment for certain people. Being connected to everyone does not mean you connect with everyone. -twentyfourframes012
It is very interesting to see the different ways we offend people in other cultures. Stuff like hand gestures and the way we eat can have us be looked at differently in other countries. I found the eating with your left hand was a interesting thing that the Muslim culture does not do. It is only reserved for bathroom use. I think where we grow up has a big impact on the things we pick up from our own country and cultures. The video made me think on what the people from these countries think when they travel to the United States and see our everyday lives. They must feel out of place and you could say they experience a big culture shock when they come here. That also goes for a United States citizen traveling to another country with its own rules and customs. The video overall was entertaining due to the fact we take a lot of what was in the video for granted here in the United States. A simple smile in Korea can offend someone, but here it's a sign of happiness and just being friendly. I like the business card example due to the fact Doctor White has talked about in class why he doesn’t give his out due to the fact people rarely use them. But in other countries you have to treat that card with respect. It's interesting how different people from around the world see a piece of paper. Overall, I really enjoyed this video because it made me open my eyes to other cultures and how they live everyday life. -CUBSFAN012
I understand that these things are useful to know when going to different areas around the world, but I don't think that accidentally doing these things in front of someone from somewhere else should be taken offensively unless they are clearly doing it on purpose. I have eaten with several Japanese people, and never minded when they slurp. I simply asked about it, and they gave me a response. I don't care about these cultural norms unless they serve a purpose and then I will adopt them. I think that people focus way to much on the insignificant actions to judge whether or not that person is rude. In japan bumping into someone is nothing to even acknowledge because the population is so much more dense that it would be very inefficient to apologize for bumping into someone, but over here we are not very dense, so if we bump into someone it is not inefficient to apologize. In addition to all of this, I don't know how much of the video was correct in what it said. I have a lot of relatives from South Korea, but smiling never seemed to be a sign of disrespect in any way. Even among the more traditional family members. -GMPeschy
I find it interesting to see what other countries and cultures find offensive or out of the norm. What we do in Western Civilization and what other cultures do is quite different. It shows the variety of the cultures in the world. Watching a few of these videos and jotting down the important ones would be a good idea if you plan to travel overseas, seeing as you don't want to be a rude tourist. It is quite interesting to see how norms change in different countries. I am curious how people from other countries feel or what they think of us as Americans when they travel here. Do they look down on us, or do they too realize that it is a different culture from the one they're accustomed to. JE012
Wow! This video was very interesting. I was not aware the smallest things that i think are normal, could offend someone in another country. Like for instance putting up the ok sign can offend someone in brazil or turkey. I just find that totally mind blowing. If i ever get the great opportunity to travel the world, i definitely would have to learn about these offences in that specific nation. in one nation i think if you signaled someone with your finger, you could go to jail. Like how brazar is that, that is so unheard of in my eyes. Like here in the US you go to jail for violence or drugs or fraud. There you go to jail for simpliy signalling someone with your finger. Very shocking, but i have to realize that all cultures are not like my own. And if i was to go to a different country with a different culture, i would need to adapt fast and in a hurry. Another offence in the video was, if you make a compliment like “I love your couch” in arab and african nations. It could make the host feel awkward and obligated to give you that couch! In my head i'm thinking “WHAT” i'm not giving nobody my expensive couch i paid for! I would feel finneseed, i just gave a person a free couch and now i dont have one. That is super absurd to me. Again i have to remember everything is different in different cultures. But i wonder by people knowing that in those specific nations, if they give a compliment on purpose to come up on something new. Or maybe not, maybe people in those nations just know not to give a compliment. -cheese012
Such an interesting video!! It’s so intriguing to see how one thing can be taken so differently in another country or culture. I’d heard of the thumbs up gesture, but I hadn’t heard of the others! Well, also the Muslim one regarding hand usage. Other than that, I didn’t know about these! And the thing is, there’s so much more than that! Also, the video is a reminder that you have to have a certain degree of knowledge and respect for other people’s cultures and beliefs when speaking with those outside of yours. Being mindful of how someone can take a word that you say, your body posture/facial expressions, or hand gestures says a lot about you. Not only are you being respectful and polite if done correctly, but it shows that you care. But, with that being said, if you don’t know a lot about what other cultures think and believe in the social scene, it can be a huge culture shock when doing or saying something culturally accepted in America as opposed to in Singapore! Did you know that it’s against the law to chew gum in Singapore? The law is in place with the intention of keeping their streets clean (this what I roughly remember about it, feel free to further look into it if interested!). If you’re caught chewing gum in Singapore, you could be arrested (and think of how often we chew gum in America!). All in all, I think this video is super informative and very important. Mainly because it gives us a little sneak peek into other cultures and countries. I think this is especially important when travelling or moving to another country. It’s always a great idea to look into a certain country’s laws and culture to be on the safe side!
I found this video to be extremely fascinating. It is very easy to view your own culture as the only way to do things, mostly because it is all that we know. This video was able to show us that are norms here aren’t that normal in other places. It was able to change our view of things we view or do every day in less than five minutes. I couldn’t imagine actually being able to fully engulf myself in a different culture from mine, but I hope to be able to at some point in my life. I think in doing so I would be bale to see life in a different way and experience the beauty of life in many different cultures. I think in America we are often told that America is the “Land of the Free,” and it often feeds into an attitude of superiority. Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely passionate about my country and love living here, but I also am a firm believer that no one is superior to another. Just because I grew up differently from someone else does not make me any better than them in any way. It just gives us both a different view on life that neither of us will fully understand due to the differences of how we were raised. Since America is so diverse, there are different cultures even within our country. Actually, last semester I was able to meet a young man of the Muslim faith in one of my classes. I am of the Christian faith but I in no way feel superior to him so I decided to strike up a conversation with him while we were both waiting around. We ended up having an amazing conversation, and I think we both learned a ton we didn’t know before. It really opened up my eyes to the fact that not everyone is going to have the same beliefs or norms, but we can still respect and learn from one another. (Patriots 012)
This video is very interesting and enjoyable to me because I love learning about other countries and seeing how unique we are. Most Americans never touch foot in another country so not many of us know how other countries are and how they would react to how we live our daily lives. When living in the United States you would just assume that everyone is the same as we are and that everyone reacts to everything we do. We just assume that since we do it that everyone else must do also. Watching this video showed me how much I don’t know because every gesture they showed on the video, I would’ve thought that those signs were international gestures. After watching the video also I realized that people who are planning on traveling to a different country should really do some research about the country they are traveling to so they know what to do rather then what they would do it America. The video shows that everyone has their own views and unique ways of seeing how something so common, such as a thumb up, could either be offensive or a good thing. Something about the video that I thought was funny though was how in African countries if you tell someone you like a certain thing they have that may feel entitled to give it to you so with that in mind, if I ever go to Africa and see something I really want and like, I may just say “hey buddy, I really like that car you have.” Our world is such a huge place and to understand that there’s so many cultures and that each culture have their own ways of looking at things is such a cool thing to think about because as we grow up in our own societies, we just learn to adapt and to accept the things around us. Mrbubby012
As we all know, all of the cultures have their similarities and their differences. Some of us know a little more about other cultures than majority of people do. This video really surprised me because I was never able to study other cultures in depth. There are so many things that we do in our culture that are offensive to other cultures. Some of us don’t realize it because we were not taught about it or we don’t really research them. I think everyone should take some time and research up cultures if you are going to travel to avoid any accidental problems that you may come across in the near future. Plus, you might find some of their customs and traditions really interesting. I think it is really cool that every single culture is different from one another. Some of them may be really similar but not exactly the same to another one. It Is kind of crazy that simple little gestures that we see and use in everyday life are offensive in other parts of the world. We as people have to respect that and the same vice versa. I think that if culture isn’t taught in school, it really should be so we are more informed and know the rights and the wrongs. Some of the things are kind of extreme in other cultures like if you point a finger, you can be sent to jail. That’s something that we think is bad but it isn’t a threat or anything really outrageous. There is no wrong in others having a different way to do something, it is something to learn from and it is very interesting to see. -Chewbacca012
This is just some great knowledge! I will remember this for next time I travel the world. This is a very simple thing that is considering good in the U.S. but some not so much. I would low-key be down to be exposed to other types of other cultures. Who would know that a simple ‘thumbs up’ could mean up your ‘A’ right? Like a thumbs up in America just means ‘good job’. I love how other countries are different and just show how we have so much to learn from. We have a depth that just ‘wows’ you instantaneously. But, no for real’s. People should really be careful for what they do in other countries, because it’s possible to get incarcerated. Bet, getting in jail in other countries wont is an easy ride for sure! Depending on the country right? I love how number eight says ‘I love your couch’ in Arab or in African Nations because know you people are just obligated to give their stuff to you. Honestly, if I was carrying a wallet full of mullah than I don’t think the individual is going to make ke obligated to give them my wallet. I feel kind of bad because you have to give your own stuff if people like it. Imagine if we had that kind of culture in the U.S. I believe we would be rich by than because we would like a lot of different things and will be obligated to give out stuff. But, respect to these other countries. Very different from others. Like I always wanted to visit japan, and slurping your food in U.S. could be consider disrespectful because aren’t nobody want to hear you slurp your food, but lets be honest ill be kind of funny. At least I would think so because I find humor in a lot of things, life is too short man. - LILPUMP012
I also think that everything we learned about in this video will help us out a little. Just the mindset of knowing that some of our practices aren't cool in other countries. I would also love to take on new cultures as well. I think having a selective perspective on life is lame. You need to learn to adapt and be friendly with others from other cultures. I think people need to be very careful not to upset others in other countries as well. I think the slurping thing is pretty cool as well. Don't see the big deal in it. Also, life is wayyyyy to short to be dwelling on the little things indeed. ^~^ Itis012
I can easily see how these symbols can offend others. In other cultures, we have to take into effect that other people are brought up in this world differently. Not everyone grew up with the same expectancies or guidelines. Thus, not everyone uses a smile to let someone know they are friendly. The thumbs up is understandable. If you grew up learning it was to tell someone to screw off, then some foreigner is giving you two big thumbs up. You can understand why this might cause some issues. The business card insult is understandable as well. If someone is taking the time, and resources to give you something they think will benefit your life, then it would be pretty disrespectful to just simply put it away. Although, most people, not accustomed to these kind of traditions, could end up causing trouble for themselves. Just from not knowing what to do with a simple paper card. It goes to show how very important it is to do some research on places you are going on vacation on. It will make your experience so much better, and less awkward. The one with people having to fill other people's drinks is kind of odd. I understand it to a certain point. Although, again, for someone not knowing these customs, this could easily be forgotten about. I personally don’t like the tradition of being late to events. I kind of don’t get how that means you are greedy but okay. I feel like anyone not from that culture would immediately feel out of place, and would stick out. Lastly, I think the slurping rule is a must have in the USA! I mean, why look down on someone enjoying their food. I know when I hear people slurping it just makes me jealous that I don’t have that food. ^~^Itis012
This video was pretty short but showed a lot of ways you can offend people of different countries and cultures. I think its important to know these when traveling or talking with people of other cultures. It is important to respect other people’s cultures especially when you are the one visiting their country. One thing I found really interesting is that in middle eastern cultures if you say you like their couch they then feel obligated to give it to you. I think if it was like this in American culture people would use this to their advantage to get whatever they want. One I thought was odd was the one from South Korea that smiling at a stranger means you think they’re stupid. That would definitely be one that would take some getting used to for me. I smile at a lot of strangers and it is kind of my job at work to smile at strangers and greet them. This makes me wonder about how customer service is in Korea. In Indian and Muslim cultures it is considered offensive if you eat with your left hand because that hand is reserved for bathroom use. This gesture also makes me wonder what these people do if they are left handed. I really liked this video and have even run into one of these offensive gestures when I was traveling. It is also true in Peru that the “ok” sign is calling someone the not so nice version of butthole. I think this gesture is often taken as this in South American countries. I learned this when I was in Peru at a restaurant with my travel group one a guy started to make the sign until my teacher stopped him and explained to him how disrespectful he would be if he made that sign there. -curlyhead012
Very intersting about the story in peru I would have been embarssed if I offened someone from a different country and wasnt meaning to. Im sure they dont know what defends us like when you dont smile that means your being rude.conrad456
It’s always interesting to know certain cultural differences in everyday life that we wouldn't normally think about. Something as simple as waving at someone hello can easily be taken for granted. Having watched this video, I feel as if I could never fit in with any other culture because I’m so bound to these American ways. Like if I’m giving someone a compliment on their furniture I am usually just complimenting their style, not trying to take that away from them. I wonder if that covers most things. For example, if I like someone’s shirt, would they begrudgingly take it off and hand it over? Another thing I found interesting that smiling would be an insult in Korea. To me, smiling is such a beautiful thing to see, so I’m sure I’d experience great cultural shock if I were to ever visit. I don’t know what to say...I find it really hard to do these comments because I don’t even like commenting on normal things. But it’s possibly hard because I’m sort of doing this last minute, I’m not sure. Anyways, the video was pretty cool and interesting with all those facts an my opinion on it is that um..I don’t know. It’s really cool and interesting and not something that one thinks about every day so yeah.
This video was very intriguing to watch. Many cultures around the world are incorporated in our country, which makes it so vastly interesting. Our country stands for freedom and a nation of incorporated people. In our country we have so many signs and uses and languages compared to tohers that here things can mean a handful of things compared to another country where their meanings are singular. It's interesting seeing other countries and differentiate to our everyday life. You can easily offend someone of another culture if you aren't used to their culture norms. this can give people culture shock like explained in class and that's pretty scary.
This video made me wonder if we’re the strange country or if every other county is just strange. There are so many differences between the US and other places. One thing that really stuck out to me about this video is when it said if you make a comment along the lines of “I like your couch” the person would feel obligated to let you have it. Imagine telling someone you like their bed frame then 10 minutes later you see them carrying the bed frame out to your car. Maybe Americans are just rude, but I don’t think anyone would feel obligated to give someone something just because they liked it. It would be awesome living in another country for a year or two because it would almost be like living in a whole new planet. The customs would be different, the music would be different, the people would dress different, etc. The slide that said smiling insults people in Korea could also almost be true here. Think about when you’re arguing with someone and they smile or laugh at you. Doesn’t that make you mad because I know it infuriates me. Walking past someone on the street though and just having a straight face would be a little odd though. If I ever got the chance to go to another country for a little while I would be super scared I’d do something way wrong and embarrass myself. I feel like there’s so many differences I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I’ve always wanted to study abroad but I don’t know if I have enough courage. What if I give someone the thumbs up because they did a good job but they take it the wrong way and get mad. It’s weird that people most likely think that about coming the the US. I’d want to put myself in someone else’s shoes for a little bit to get a taste of a new way of living. Cheer456
This video very interesting on why he made this a blog. But I sit and realize why he picked this becoming an officer is something very important to the community needing to know certain things especially since there isn't just americans in the united states. We have to know where other people come from and they dont always do the same things as us we might be smiling at someone and that means your being very rude to that person in another country. I like that I got to know different things about different countries in this video it was interesting to see how sometimes you just never know what people are thinking are why you're doing that rude sign with your hands, when it mean “okay” in our country but its rude in another country. Its weird but very interesting on how other people can speak different than us. I wish I could speak multiple languages so I could travel around to other countries and fit right in but since I don't know their language it will be very difficult for me to visit. IF your from a different country and you were born and raised in the US you might think the foreigner is very interesting.conrad456
It is so very interesting to see how things bear different meanings in different countries. At the same time, however, it makes sense. When people live together, it naturally follows that they would establish norms. In fact, not doing so would be infinitely more strange. It all comes down to symbols. Everyone has different symbols attached to their culture, and they are one of the most crucial components to communication, socialization, and the development and cultivation of personal and formal relationships (whether they be in the family or at work or in social groups/etc). Everything from auditory, visual, and spoken symbols are necessary. The differences (sometimes slight and other times quite drastic) come from a multitude of different causes. Firstly, geographical location is a major component in the difference in meanings in different countries. Citizens of countries across the sea lack everyday exposure to our culture and practices here in the United States. Likewise, we do not participate in the same culture as those in countries on the other side of the globe, hence, we have developed different symbols to denote our meanings. Secondly, heritage is a factor as well. Many of the symbols (phrases, images, and gestures) are based in practices of those generations who lived before us. Therefore, an Afrocentric culture would no doubt have a vastly different set of symbols established from their history and passed down from the generations than an Ethnocentric culture. All in all, it is fascinating to discover this seemingly small (but actually quite impactful) part of cultures other than our own. Watching this video showed just a sliver of what everyday life is like in other countries, and did an excellent job of displaying just how important and influential symbols are to our culture. Even having a slight understanding of this concept is beneficial to everyone, and can change the way one looks at culture.
ReplyDelete- MAXIMA012
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ReplyDeleteI found this video to be extremely interesting. It really encapsulated the intensity of the fact that cultures around the world are so vastly different. In this video there were ten hand signs showcased that are very normal within our culture in the United States. However these same hand signs can be extremely unacceptable, some even highly disrespectful, within other cultures around the world. Some of the signs included the thumbs up and the okay sign that we all use frequently. After watching this video you are led with a very confirmed sense of the great difference between different cultures and the accepted norms. It lead me to wonder how we could all strive to understand more fully the differences between cultures, in order that we can better accept and understand each other. If every human on the earth was aware of all the cultural differences I know there would be a very significant decrease in the number of misunderstandings between persons from different cultures and countries. I know from personal experience after attending a music conservatory in Cleveland, Ohio that draws music majors from many different countries around the world that there can be very large differences in the way that people are raised and how they live. I have many friends from China, Lebanon, Korea, Russia, England, France and many others. Every country ultimately has a completely different way of going through life. Therefore when all of us come together it has a significant affect on how we can relate to each other. Some of these different signs that were included in the video were ones that I had been explained about previously. I think it is super important that we all can understand each other and the culture in which we have come from. -THEARSONIST012
ReplyDeleteYes, this video really illustrates just how different cultures are across the globe. Because cultures are so diverse, this video also illustrates that cultures are created. We as humans create symbols and language in order to communicate with those around us, but we realize that the symbols and language of our own culture are not as universal as we may think. Do you think that if someone is visiting the United States from a different country that we as Americans should try to adopt their cultural symbols to respect their culture, or should they try to use the “correct” symbols to respect us and our culture? MySliceofthePi012
DeleteEven though this video was short and simple, it had a lot of meaning packed into it. It is definitely good to know the signs that would offend someone if a person were to travel to another country, but the mannerisms are also good to know if a person were ever to encounter someone from another country right here in America. This video brings awareness to the day-to-day mannerisms we use and encounter by simply being immersed in American culture. Many of the signs or mannerisms listed in the video seem natural to us, and many of us would not think twice about many of the activities listed in the video. However, I believe that now knowing a little more about a few different cultures, if I were ever to travel outside of the United States or travel to a different U.S. territory, I think I would experience more culture shock than if I had not watched this video. Even though I would know a little bit about the culture that I would be immersed in, I would tour the country and interact with the people in a very timid manner as if walking on eggshells. I would not want to offend anyone, so I think culture shock would hit me harder because I would be in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar groups of people doing unfamiliar things, and I would also be worried about how I was portraying myself to them. Although I would do research about different signs and mannerisms used and not used in a specific country or region before going there, I would think that maybe I did not learn everything about the mannerisms of the culture, and try to be more aware of my gestures. I have only been out of the country once, and I traveled to Turkey. Turkey was specifically mentioned in the video, but I am sure that while I was there I did not make the gesture shown in the video. I just wonder what types of things I may have done that may have offended others. MySliceofthePi012
ReplyDeleteI think its really cool that you have been out of the country and that you can compare your visit to the video of what gestures you might have done that offended others. I agree with what you said about how many of the mannerisms listed in the video seem natural to us but in other countries they can be consider rude. Meaning we should always be aware of how respond to others especially when traveling. We shouldn't want to be disrespectful in another country. So in culture shock we should remember to relax and look around to see they people of that culture interact with each other it could ultimately teach us how to respond to others in that surrounding.
Delete-IDK123012
I think it’s awesome you’ve been out of the country! In my response I stated how awesome that would be, but also how scared I’d be to do something wrong. I feel like so many things are different no matter where you go so it would all take getting some used to. I think it’s weird that something could mean something positive here but somewhere else it would mean something incredibly negative. I need to visit another country soon so I can see what it’s like and see all the differences for myself! That would be such a life changing experience. Cheer456
DeleteGreat reply! You had some great thoughts and things to share. It was very interesting to hear about your travel outside of the country and your great interest in the normalities and cultural differences within different countries and countries. Thanks for sharing! I can relate in a small way after traveling to England this past May. Although in England they speak the same language that we do in the United States there are still significant differences. The English that is spoken in Great Britain is actually quite different then the English that is spoken within our country of the United States. There are many different references as well as body language and signs that are very different then that of the United States. To me it was fascinating that two countries even sharing the same language can have such a different way of life. Thanks for sharing your story. -THEARSONIST012
ReplyDeleteThis video was shocking as well as entertaining. To know that a lot of things we here in America do, are considered offensive and very rude in other countries, is just another way we learn about other cultures and geographical locations and the way things are done differently. We now know in Japan to not put someone’s business card in your pocket, to not fill your own drinking glass, or not to smile at strangers. However, slurping your soup is a sign that you are enjoying your food and shows you have good manners. When you are giggling at that one, be sure not to laugh with your mouth open as it is considered horse-like and impolite. And when you are done with your soup, for goodness sake- do not tip the server because this is one of the biggest insults!! A lot of Japans customs go against American customs- which I’m sure creates a lot of confusion for the visitor/vacationer. I would be so terrified to do something wrong or offensive, especially if it were something that could get me thrown in jail. If you beckon someone with your finger in the Philippines, not only is it an arrestable offense, but it’s considered fit for dogs!? I’d surely be arrested my first day! Time is not only different in zones, but being late or being on time has different values in other countries as well. Whereas Americans use roundabout times such as 1-ish, etc., we also consider showing up late sometimes as “fashionable”. Could you imagine if you showed up to a party, that you were invited to, an hour late? In Argentina it’s expected as it is deemed a sign of greed to be punctual. Or in Germany, if you are late- even the slightest bit, it’s perceived that you believe your time is more valuable than everyone else’s. So, while we sit and ponder why our cultures and values are so different from other countries, just remember that none of them are the “correct” way of doing things. Just enjoy coming to class in your gym clothes, sportswear, sweatpants, flip-flops or baseball caps: because in Japan and most of Europe consider this to be of a seriously sloppy appearance and also very disrespectful. All of which is good to know… TRM012
ReplyDeleteWow, this video left me speechless. I never ever even thought about the little stuff I do could offend some cultural. Like if I would’ve put that business card in pocket and found out I was not supposed to do that I would have experienced a culture shock I would have been so confused. Then smiling in Korea is bad that mind blowing because people smile for no reason. People just walk down the streets smiling. It is so crazy different things can be looked at differently by your culture. I honestly feel like I was supposed to live in Japan because I love slurping soap or noodles and my mom always complain. Then in Korea I could live there because I don’t care to smile, and strangers would come up to me an tell me to smile baby girl and I just don’t like to. Then when people are late to an event in the US it is a bad thing your frowned upon when your late. Like if you are late to an interview you just made a horrible first impression because they are going to think you will be late every time. In Argentina you are supposed to be an hour late. Me and my mom belong in Argentina too because we be late to every event. I am pretty sure I am going to be late to my own funeral, that’s how bad it is. Like the whole video was so interesting I was saying wow the whole time. Imagine a thumb up meaning up yours instead of good job its crazy. This video made me want to travel the world because let me know the world is very different then what I know. I’m so use to Peoria that this video definitely made me want to travel the world and learn about other things that could be a social shock to me. -jolly rancher
ReplyDeleteI would imagine that the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang are quite awkward for the hosts right now! I'm sure they were instructed that the Westerners like to smile a little too much and not to take any offense to it. I laughed about your comment about noodles, as I do the same thing with both soup and noodles (I also would like to think it is a sign that I am enjoying my food). I also agree that this video makes me want to travel the world, but it also scares me! What if one of my normal actions is extremely offensive and possibly criminal? I would be surely out of luck at that point. -CSP012
DeleteThe world we live in today has many interpretations depending upon where we live the things we look at and think are acceptable aren’t always in other countries. Many things such as eating chicken fingers with both hands because it is figure food is unacceptable in other societies. Due to when they use the restroom you use your left hand, so it is quite disgusting if you use your left hand to eat or shake hands with other people. Business cards are a known thing in this country and as Mr. White says he doesn’t even give them out because most of the time people will not even use them to contact you. In other countries business cards do not get put into your pocket or it is looked at as disrespectful. When we go to people’s houses in America we tend to complement the houses we go to and say what we like. Well in other counties you do not do that because the people they complement think than they need to give you their beautiful belongings. When we go out to eat or anywhere we will sometimes fill our own glasses for a refill. Ha well in other countries you do not fill your own glass at all! If you are with a friend, you refill each others glasses but never yourselves. Oh and how we hate slurping when the people around us decide to do so well listen to this depending where you are at slurping can mean you enjoy your meal. Watch where you decide to travel guys! We all smile on a daily basis in America it just a common thing to be happy we do not think anything about it.. well you do not smile to people in other countries it can mean the one you are smiling at is stupid or they will think you are.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAnonymousFebruary 16, 2018 at 3:16 PM
The world we live in today has many interpretations depending upon where we live the things we look at and think are acceptable aren’t always in other countries. Many things such as eating chicken fingers with both hands because it is figure food is unacceptable in other societies. Due to when they use the restroom you use your left hand, so it is quite disgusting if you use your left hand to eat or shake hands with other people. Business cards are a known thing in this country and as Mr. White says he doesn’t even give them out because most of the time people will not even use them to contact you. In other countries business cards do not get put into your pocket or it is looked at as disrespectful. When we go to people’s houses in America we tend to complement the houses we go to and say what we like. Well in other counties you do not do that because the people they complement think than they need to give you their beautiful belongings. When we go out to eat or anywhere we will sometimes fill our own glasses for a refill. Ha well in other countries you do not fill your own glass at all! If you are with a friend, you refill each others glasses but never yourselves. Oh and how we hate slurping when the people around us decide to do so well listen to this depending where you are at slurping can mean you enjoy your meal. Watch where you decide to travel guys! We all smile on a daily basis in America it just a common thing to be happy we do not think anything about it.. well you do not smile to people in other countries it can mean the one you are smiling at is stupid or they will think you are.
-campbell012
sorry did not put my name on last one reposted
I totally agree with you! The way people react or see things are different in other countries. In Libya, if anyone complements anything that you have, it directly should go to them because it will bring you bad luck if you keep it. Even the new generations are still doing it. Another thing that caught my eyes here in the U.S. In my culture it is to consider rude to eat in front of people without giving them some of the things you are eating. For example, if my mum made cookies, and I want to take some to eat them while I work, I must bring enough cookies for all the people in the place that I work in. It is very interesting to know that other countries see things different, it is like the joke that here in the U.S. consider a joke and in other places consider nothing! POINTOFVIEW012
DeleteI think the video was very interesting in a sense of I was able to realize there are many gestures throughout my day that are normal but if I were to travel the world and go to a different country those same gestures could be considered rude and disrespectful. I would have to adapt to how that country addresses certain situation, as a sign of respect and understanding. I also, realize that some country goes to extreme when it come to gestures. An example would be the number one gesture in Philippines gesture come here with your pointer finger can get you sent to jail. The reason I think its extreme is because even though the people who have grown up and lived in that area have a way of thinking it as rude, someone who is visiting might do it unknowingly. Though that is a part of their norms, proving that many parts of the world are different. I believe it has to do with culture and social norms. I say this because usually gestures are fowled by the people of the community, which can tend to be in a certain part of the world. Being aware that not all gestures are the same around the world makes me think there are more ways I might do something that in another part of the world someone else is doing it differently. There is no wrong in others having a different way to do something, its something to learn from and its very interesting to see. Another way I view this video as an eye opener meaning, not to take offence if someone else doesn’t smile back or makes me pour their drink. I’m saying that sometimes as an individual we should think about why someone does or doesn’t do something verses jump to conclusions that their rude because they could be following a social norm from their culture. -IDK123012
ReplyDeleteThis video is cool to see. I’ve never been out of the country so it’s nice to know what are some taboos for different places in the world. In America, we have a tendency to think that our way of life is the right and only way. Which might be the reason why other countries hate us and look down on us a lot, but who knows. Our customs are unique to us and us alone. Something as simple as a smile in Japan can offend someone and get you beat up. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind for America to switch to that way of thinking because I personally do not like having to fake smile at strangers, I think it is awkward and honestly, we should put a taboo on that as well. All jokes aside, it does give me a different way of viewing the world. Everything we do that seems to be normal, actually isn’t. In class we actual learned that there is no normal. There is no one set way to live or do any one thing, which is actually the opposite of what we’ve been taught our whole lives. The “thumbs up” in one country is the same as the middle finger salute in ours, but we wouldn’t know unless someone told us. Imagine going to a place where that isn’t okay, and you don’t know the country’s language very well. You use the “thumps up” salute to try to signal that you’re having fun and enjoying the exotic new surroundings that you’re in, but instead you tell an ambassador of the country “up yours”, not good. It’s important to know what is and isn’t acceptable by certain societies for many reasons, that’s just one example. I’ve heard for many years now that in certain Arabian cultures it is best to avoid their left hand. I wasn’t sure if that was just a stereotype or something, but this video confirms that they do very different things with their hands that we would find to be maybe a lack of personal hygiene. Every society has different standards of living so it’s interesting to see some of those differences up close.
ReplyDeleteHOOTIEGRL012
It is funny to think some things in that video we think are so odd and different where if they watched a video on things we do in our culture maybe they would think the same. I have been to seven different countries so I am culturally aware of how things are a lot different places. One thing I remember is in Spain my family and I were thrown off the first day because there shops and restaurants close at certain times during the day then reopen. In America everything is go go go places stay open up to 24 hours! We are used to that so when we arrived we expected to go straight to dinner whenever wherever we pleased. Then we remembered that the restaurants close after lunch and reopen for dinner a little after six. Or another experience I had like this was in Paris. We were walking all day and went to a place to eat for lunch. It was so expensive and we do not eat much so we did what we do back home and order two meals and maybe an appetizer for the four of us to share. That is not allowed most places in Paris. It is looked at as rude. In Europe there seems to be a lot of practices as such regarding dining. Then when I went places like Belize or Mexico there was never anything like that. What I did find different in Belize was the men cat call a lot. To me it is rude and alarming. When people do that here it is usually looked at as degrading and such. There is seemed more okay and acceptable. In Belize it did not carry such a bad connotation to people, I am not saying it is positive but more neutral. Then when I went to places like Argentina it was considered normal to dine very late. I recall going to dinner as late as 10! At home we eat around 5-6 so it was a big change. What people have to understand is that in other places they take dining as a relaxing time. They take their time eating, socialize, drink, and take time to enjoy life. I enjoy a lot of practices as such in different countries. I do not like the go go go of America, I think a lot of times Americans do not know how to enjoy the quality of life as much as some countries overseas. Also in places like Spain and Belize life is simpler. Grocery stores do not have 52 different flavors of chips to choose from, or 29 poptart flavors. I think that is beneficial. People do not always want bigger or better like we do here. I believe it is a healthier way of life physically and mentally.
ReplyDeletegea012
I too find this topic very interesting. Probably the most interesting blog i've done so far. I can agree this video left me speechless, because it is so mind blowing that the little things we do here can really offend someone in another nation. And we have to realize that, that is their culture, that is what those people were taught and that is normal for them. I wonder when people from other nations come here, how they are culture shocked! It is so interesting i want to go to another nation to learn about their culture and they do’s and don'ts.
Deletecheese012
This was a very interesting video. I think it is cool and interesting at the same time how something could be totally normal here in the United States and we can go to another country and it will be offensive. For example, in the video, the thumbs up here in the United States is showing someone their doing good or just gesturing someone they are doing well. Whereas in Iran and parts of the Middle East, I was unaware that it was offensive. After watching this video, it almost makes me feel like before I go to a different country I need to study that particular culture. I would not want to go to a different country and offend people and not be aware that I even offended them. We don’t think about these things as we go about our daily lives because we are used to it. It is normal for us as well as people in other countries. After watching this video, it made just think about maybe some immigrants who may have came over and the Unites States was probably a huge culture shock for them. I am pretty sure some things we did over here was totally different than what they were doing where they were at. I love that culture is beautifully diverse. I would love to go visit different countries and just observe their culture. I know that I would be amazed by watching them go about their daily lives. I know in different countries I have seen they wear a lot of jewelry and that is beautiful to me. I can only imagine what it would be like for culture to be the same globally. It might be weird. I think it is just a beautiful sight to see but you have to be careful to not offend anybody.
ReplyDeleteprettygirlhd012
I love learning about other culture's customs and intricacies. I always feel as a Westerner that I have blinders on in terms of being culturally aware. We feel that our way is the only and right way, which probably is the reason we involve ourselves so unnecessarily in foreign affairs. Onto the video! I always find myself getting places much too early. I consider myself very Type A anal, and now I know that I would be considered an absolute menace in Argentina. I find it so interesting that a trait we care so much about here in the United States, punctuality, is viewed in a polar opposite manner in another country. Maybe that says a lot about both countries? Another example was only using the left hand for bathroom duties in Muslim countries and India. My mom would be in a world of trouble over there, that is for sure! Those countries could definitely have better dexterity though! The example of Arab and African nations had me laughing out loud. I wish I could compliment someone about a possession and then have them give it to me (greedy, I know!)! In those countries however, I would imagine that they are reluctant, but obliged to hand over the loot. The video even mentions how awkward it is for the host. In one way, Americans do copy that general pattern. If we see something of someone else's that we like, we either go out and buy the same thing, or something very similar (maybe a different brand, but same function) in order to save face and seem original.
ReplyDelete-CSP012
DeleteI think I enjoyed this video so much mostly because the scenarios that were used are things that Americans would more than likely see as normal or typical. When I hear about “culture shock” I usually make the mistake and think of EXTREME differences within cultures. For example, in France they don’t mind nudity as much as we do. You may go to a beach and be lucky enough to see a 60 year old woman with her top off! (Lucky you) However after watching this video, I won’t ever make the same mistake to think that little things don’t mean much again. LITTLE THINGS MATTER TOO!! That is one thing that I feel Americans tend to forget...especially when it comes to interacting with those of different cultural backgrounds. For example, a thumbs up is gesture which typically signifies something good in America can/is seen in a bad way elsewhere. I think showing more attention to the “little” things can aid humans as a whole when trying to conquer the culture’s that we encounter. I was wanting to travel as an RT & after watching this I feel like I can actually see that with traveling, comes a HUGE responsibility. Nobody likes making a fool of themselves nor being disrespected, so I know that If I do choose to travel I will have to be able to open my mind to new and rejected ideas of others. I am going to try to work on my mindfulness when it comes to these sorts of things. I feel like the more we acknowledge and embrace the differences that the human race holds, the better chance we’ll have a dealing with and overcoming culture shock
ReplyDeleteLayBae012
I like the point you make (and agree with you) when you talk about how culture shock is something that is not necessarily an extreme situation, case, or occurrence. Oftentimes, cases of culture shock are those that are subtle offenses or faux pas’ that more adequately fit the description. Based on this, culture shock is something that someone could experience by traveling a few hours away, or even simply traveling a few miles across town. Culture shock can be experienced as a result of everything from an unfamiliar environment to the actions, reactions, attitudes, and behaviors of people. I think it is so interesting how many different forms culture shock can take.
Delete- MAXIMA012
I did enjoy watching this video a lot, maybe because I am not from here and sometimes I feel that I offended other people by the way I dress, talk, and even the way I express myself, so I always think before I do anything. Sometimes when people ask me about something, I stop for a minute and think how to reply because I don't want to say or do something that is not accepted here. There is a said, “You will not see it until you are there!” I have never thought about cultural shock until I came here. This relies on the culture and the way a group of people live and communicate in a specific region which might be completely wrong, inappropriate to others. One of the best examples I saw in this video was using the left and to eat. Eating with your left hand is not acceptable in many Middle-Eastern countries not only for eating but also for writing and shaking hands. My friend is a left-handed person, and when she was in primary school, the teachers forced her to use the right hand and asked her to write as many words with the right hand hoping that she will eventually get rid of this bad habit and learn how to use the right hand instead of the left hand. She hated going to school because she didn’t know how to use the right hand. It is like asking a right-handed person to write, eat and shake hands using the left hand. Which I personally don’t look at this as bad because we are all different and should accept each other. Another example, In my culture it is very normal to talk with your hands, but here in the U.S., it considers inappropriate and rude to talk with your hands and people will look at you as you are coming from another planet. So my advice is before going to anyplace, read more about this place and ask people who have been there what’s is life over there! POINTOFVIEW012
ReplyDeleteI always find it interesting how different countries develop completely different meanings for the same hand gestures. The last one about the Philippines, I am surprised I have never heard of. My dad travels there on mission trips and in all his stories he’s never mentioned anything like that. My best friend is from China, and she told me that in her country what we call the peace sign just means “yay” there and everyone uses it for pictures to show how happy they are. I had always wondered why she is always doing that for pictures. She also slurps soup, as the video showed, but I knew before that that is a way that people Asian countries show that they are enjoying a meal. The video made me kind of worried, because I want to travel but I would be mortified to accidentally offend someone. Not that that would stop me, but I feel like to travel you have to do some research about that places you are going, and maybe that would help with culture shock, if you had some idea of what to expect. I would like to take a trip back with her to China some time, but it’s less intimidating when you are with a friend who knows the customs and do’s and don’ts.
ReplyDelete--Burnskey012
It is interesting to see how some of these simple hand gestures take on a whole new meaning somewhere else. It also can be nerve raking to be in a different part of the world and worry if you're going to offend someone. I found that many people in different countries are pretty forgiving though. I never knew the peace sign meant yay, that makes a lot of pictures I have seen with some of my Asian friends make a little more sense.-pj012
DeleteI found it very interesting to see that common gesture and actions that are performed in the Unites States are considered very rude or extremely vulgar in other countries and to other people around the world. I was aware of this phenomenon before this video, however, I never knew what kind of things that it entailed. I was also intrigued by how each culture reacted to such things like having to give you a couch just for complimenting it or how you are considered greedy if you show up to a party on time, all of these being the opposite or not considered at all here. I would also like to bring up that these can also show up in subculture. In the military, certain expletives are used commonly as adjectives and are often thrown into sentences during conversations. This, while normal in the military would be mostly accepted, would be highly frowned upon in the civilian world. I personally had a problem with it after I came back from training for the United States Marine Corps and it was very noticeable by family and friends while I did not even bat an eye. Mostly because I had become so used to doing it that it became second nature to me and I did it without thinking about it. It makes me wonder if I offended or unknowingly caused a problem in the United Kingdom when I went there. I will be going to another country soon as well and I will probably end up looking into the cultural norms of the country to make sure I do not misrepresent the United States Marine Corps and the United States as a whole and I wonder if anything that I usually do would end up being offensive to the people of that other country. -TheMarshall012
ReplyDeleteI agree it is very interesting to see how some common gestures used worldwide have different meanings to them. It would be weird if I said this is a nice couch and someone gave it me, I wouldn’t know what to say. I understand with what you are saying with subcultural norms that take place in the military. When I got out I would use an explicative to describe something not even realizing how I could be offending someone. It became so common while I was at my command that it became in a sense how I talked. Now that I’m out I realize it and have been trying to stop doing it so much.-pj012
DeleteIt's so cool while one culture may find something normal there's another culture out there that finds that same thing weird or out of the ordinary. This video was humorous yet interesting to me. It also amazed me in a way. I say that because but watching this video, I already have an idea of what Sociology really focuses on and why it's important to invest in society. Although some of these beliefs were weird to me in a strange way I really want to look into why these things are a huge don't and what are the consequences when someone goes against their cultural beliefs. I just feel like it's important to at least learn about different cultures you don't necessarily have to like what their culture is but at least try to learn why it is they do what they do. I learned a long time ago it is not right to feel like your culture is better than another. Many things in the video were interesting but one stuck out to me in general because it was very funny and unbelievable and that was 5.)In Argentina when you're attending a dinner party you should show up a hour later than the time you're supposed to be there. If you show up on time it's a sign of greed. When I heard that I laughed so hard, I was so amazed. It amazes me so much because here in America we can barely wait until everyone is at the restaurant before we start ordering! In my family, we'd still having people showing up but by the time they get there my other family is already eating, so over in Argentina we'd be the ultimate pigs! I found this video humorous because some of the things other cultures don't like over here in America we TOTALLY do those things! Then there are some things in other cultures that we in America can actually relate to. For example I believe they said over in Japan it is important to slurp your soup because it's a sign that you're enjoying your meal. Which in America we do the same thing by smacking and eating. Smacking usually means whatever you're eating is good. This video was really cool and it left me curious and wanting to learn more about other places culture.
ReplyDelete-JEWELS012
This video showed me how different cultures and parts of the world use the exact same symbols, signs, and gestures but depending on your culture or which part of the world you are in it can mean or be the total opposite and can be offensive to people in other countries. Here in the U S the thumps up mean great job and is a good thing to do so a person can be congratulated parts of the Middle Eastern countries and Iran this sign is to say up yours. This would be very embarrassing if you had good intentions but would have insulted someone unknowingly. It is also mind blowing too know that you can offend someone by putting their business card in your pocket, this would be normal to do and would be the place I would put it until I could put it in a more secure place, but this is not so in Japan. In Western society it is installed from childhood to be on time because it shows that you are reliable and prompt, but the video showed that in Argentina going to a dinner party early is a sign of greed to be punctual. They also mentioned how Muslim countries and India say it is very rude to use your left hand to eat, and this is because the left hand is reserved for rest room duty. Western society are not as strict on this type of custom it doesn’t matter the hand, but if they are clean. This is just yet another way that societies and cultures can be different. The last and final thing that took me by surprise was how in Korea you can insult someone with a simple smile, smiling at a stranger is an indication that you think they’re stupid now that is something a person might want to know wow. Just me 012
ReplyDeleteI agree with you especially with the fact the thumb up meant something completely different in some Middle Eastern countries. With me being part of the military, that really stuck out to me. It is a gesture I use a lot and if I was to get deployed over there, which may or may not happen, I would be offending the local populous just by doing that. In turn, that may affect relation with the locals and may cause harm to my unit. It really is surprising how it can affect you in the long run too, even if you did not know about it. –TheMarshall012
DeleteI found myself to really like this video because I've had some experience with some culture shock. Over the summer I went with my friend to Nicaragua and one thing that was offensive there was if girls wore shorts. Most people there just wear jeans and if you as a girl had on shorts on you would be looked at badly. Being able to see this first hand is actually kind of interesting because you get to see the different types of culture shock. It made me realize how extremely different things are across the world and the different beliefs. So when I went there I didn't know that wearing shorts could be bad thing. I was looked at many times and also whistled at. Thats another thing that was a culture shock to me because living in the united states we don't have men whistling at girls because its considered disrespectful where there its just funny. Culture shock doesn't have to be just about hand gestures and clothing items but it can be about mobility too. Another major culture shock there that
ReplyDeleteI witnessed was the transportation. They all used four wheelers, junkie motor bikes, or small motor carts that they used as their taxis. When I came back it really made me realize and appreciate what I have. Culture shock really is a huge thing when it comes to sociology and its so interesting when you can experience it first hand.
^ILIKETURTLES012
DeleteWow, your example is mind blowing. I couldn’t imagine going out of the United States and wearing shorts because that’s what I’m used to doing then offending someone on accident. That’s crazy to me but I shouldn’t say crazy cause that’s a way people live but it is different then what I’m accustom too. I couldn’t imagine going there and having someone whistling at me I would be ready to fight but then I would have to remember where I’m at before I react, because like you said they take it as a joke while we take it as disrespectful. -Jolly Rancher
DeleteYour story was pretty incredible! It would be hard to go to another country and be looked down upon because of an article of clothing. Its crazy to think just how different life is outside of the U.S. Personally, i have never traveled outside the country, but from you're description I too would be in culture shock. JE012
DeleteIt is very interesting to see different cultural norms around the world. These nonmaterial cultural acts that we display every day in America can have a completely offensive meaning somewhere else. Things such as giving someone thumbs up here in America can be completely offensive in places like Iran and in some parts of the Middle East. I find it fascinating that the processes we consider normal natural acts of kindness or offense take different meaning in different societal cultures. I remember while in the Navy there would be little fyi’s in our POD for each port visit we had pertaining to the culture we were about to experience. There was one that through me off while I was in I believe Bahrain. We couldn’t show the soles of our shoes because it was a great insult to the culture there. It was really different trying to think about not showing the bottom of my foot while I sat down at a bar in town. I was used to resting my foot on my knee and had done it my whole life but while I was there I had to consciously think about not doing it. Some of the other places I visited people would haggle with me about prices of certain items while I as in their shops. In Dubai I was trying to buy a black diamond in one of the shops, the man working there was relentless when I said I was going to look around at some of the other shops. It was something I wasn’t used to because here in America the price of the things are what they are; unless it’s a car dealership I suppose. Learning about different cultural norms has put a lot of what I experienced into perspective. This video really makes me think twice about some of the things I did while overseas. Pj789
ReplyDelete^pj012
DeleteThis video was very interesting to me. There were a lot of new facts for me and things I did not know about. I think the only thing in the video that I knew prior to watching it was that it is impolite to slurp your soup in Western cultures but polite to do it in Japan. I thought it was very interesting to see all the different ways that things are handled in different countries and their norms. It would be very hard for me to go to Korea, because I smile a lot! In the United States, people regularly give "thumbs up" to others, but it is not a sign of disrespect at all. We also use the "okay" sign and it is not referenced to a body part. I thought it was interesting that in Muslim countries it is impolite to eat with your left hand because you are supposed to use your left hand for bathroom duty. I wonder if people take that seriously or not, because no one would know if you used the wrong hand in the restroom. In America, we do not have as strict laws or norms here. One of the very few things deemed offensive in America is giving someone the middle finger. There are a lot of things that we do in America that those other countries in the video do not. Many people in America eat with their left hand and it is not offensive in any way. We call people by using one finger to tell them they are needed and most of the time it does not mean anything bad, it is just a gesture to get someone's attention. Also, a lot of times when someone is given a business card they put it in their pocket so they do not lose or misplace it and no one in America takes that offensively. There were a lot of things in this video that I did not know about and I really enjoyed learning them! I will be visiting other countries in the near future and this will be a big help for me.
ReplyDelete- mommaj'skid012
It was rather interesting to see all those things that people do around the world. I also was trying to think of some things that people would find offensive in America, and I couldn't think of many. I thought of rolling your eyes when in conversation as well as, like you said, giving the middle finger. I am sure there is more, but since it is my culture it is hard for me to discern what I find rude unless someone does it, because I rarely think about it.
Delete-twentyfourframes012
I also found the video interesting. It was a real eye-opener to how a simple gesture can mean something totally different to someone in another country. I too, was presented with facts that I was not aware about like the business card in Japan. I found that interesting seeing as Doctor White sees little use for them, but in Japan your are to have a great respect for them. This video has made me want to go to some of these places to see their culture. - CUBSFAN012
DeleteIt has always interested me how easily we can find ourselves outside of our cultural comfort zone. These are some good examples that were shown in the video, but even people in our own country can find themselves at a loss in a place they don't feel accustomed to. Like a person going to a fancy restaurant and not knowing table etiquette, or someone going in for a handshake when the other party was going in for a fist bump. Not necessarily as severely different, but everything we do we do because of what the people around us are doing. Even the things we don't do are usually influenced by those same people. When we do not feel comfortable in our own world we begin to notice every detail of the surrounding world. Culture shock seems to have a snowball effect you do something wrong and then you feel heightened and aware of everything you are doing which will probably only make you seem more awkward and out of place. It also surprises me how most of the things that are different in other cultures are the small minutia elements. The things that are easy to get wrong. Like hand gestures, table etiquette, and conversational norms. Those behaviors are all learned and incredibly subconscious. Rarely do we think about what hand movements we are making when we wish to call someone to our side, or what words we use to make a greeting. We just do what we have always done. This is why having a global society will take some adjustment for certain people. Being connected to everyone does not mean you connect with everyone.
ReplyDelete-twentyfourframes012
It is very interesting to see the different ways we offend people in other cultures. Stuff like hand gestures and the way we eat can have us be looked at differently in other countries. I found the eating with your left hand was a interesting thing that the Muslim culture does not do. It is only reserved for bathroom use. I think where we grow up has a big impact on the things we pick up from our own country and cultures. The video made me think on what the people from these countries think when they travel to the United States and see our everyday lives. They must feel out of place and you could say they experience a big culture shock when they come here. That also goes for a United States citizen traveling to another country with its own rules and customs. The video overall was entertaining due to the fact we take a lot of what was in the video for granted here in the United States. A simple smile in Korea can offend someone, but here it's a sign of happiness and just being friendly. I like the business card example due to the fact Doctor White has talked about in class why he doesn’t give his out due to the fact people rarely use them. But in other countries you have to treat that card with respect. It's interesting how different people from around the world see a piece of paper. Overall, I really enjoyed this video because it made me open my eyes to other cultures and how they live everyday life. -CUBSFAN012
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ReplyDeleteI understand that these things are useful to know when going to different areas around the world, but I don't think that accidentally doing these things in front of someone from somewhere else should be taken offensively unless they are clearly doing it on purpose. I have eaten with several Japanese people, and never minded when they slurp. I simply asked about it, and they gave me a response. I don't care about these cultural norms unless they serve a purpose and then I will adopt them. I think that people focus way to much on the insignificant actions to judge whether or not that person is rude. In japan bumping into someone is nothing to even acknowledge because the population is so much more dense that it would be very inefficient to apologize for bumping into someone, but over here we are not very dense, so if we bump into someone it is not inefficient to apologize. In addition to all of this, I don't know how much of the video was correct in what it said. I have a lot of relatives from South Korea, but smiling never seemed to be a sign of disrespect in any way. Even among the more traditional family members.
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I find it interesting to see what other countries and cultures find offensive or out of the norm. What we do in Western Civilization and what other cultures do is quite different. It shows the variety of the cultures in the world. Watching a few of these videos and jotting down the important ones would be a good idea if you plan to travel overseas, seeing as you don't want to be a rude tourist. It is quite interesting to see how norms change in different countries. I am curious how people from other countries feel or what they think of us as Americans when they travel here. Do they look down on us, or do they too realize that it is a different culture from the one they're accustomed to. JE012
ReplyDeleteWow! This video was very interesting. I was not aware the smallest things that i think are normal, could offend someone in another country. Like for instance putting up the ok sign can offend someone in brazil or turkey. I just find that totally mind blowing. If i ever get the great opportunity to travel the world, i definitely would have to learn about these offences in that specific nation. in one nation i think if you signaled someone with your finger, you could go to jail. Like how brazar is that, that is so unheard of in my eyes. Like here in the US you go to jail for violence or drugs or fraud. There you go to jail for simpliy signalling someone with your finger. Very shocking, but i have to realize that all cultures are not like my own. And if i was to go to a different country with a different culture, i would need to adapt fast and in a hurry. Another offence in the video was, if you make a compliment like “I love your couch” in arab and african nations. It could make the host feel awkward and obligated to give you that couch! In my head i'm thinking “WHAT” i'm not giving nobody my expensive couch i paid for! I would feel finneseed, i just gave a person a free couch and now i dont have one. That is super absurd to me. Again i have to remember everything is different in different cultures. But i wonder by people knowing that in those specific nations, if they give a compliment on purpose to come up on something new. Or maybe not, maybe people in those nations just know not to give a compliment.
ReplyDelete-cheese012
Such an interesting video!! It’s so intriguing to see how one thing can be taken so differently in another country or culture. I’d heard of the thumbs up gesture, but I hadn’t heard of the others! Well, also the Muslim one regarding hand usage. Other than that, I didn’t know about these! And the thing is, there’s so much more than that! Also, the video is a reminder that you have to have a certain degree of knowledge and respect for other people’s cultures and beliefs when speaking with those outside of yours. Being mindful of how someone can take a word that you say, your body posture/facial expressions, or hand gestures says a lot about you. Not only are you being respectful and polite if done correctly, but it shows that you care. But, with that being said, if you don’t know a lot about what other cultures think and believe in the social scene, it can be a huge culture shock when doing or saying something culturally accepted in America as opposed to in Singapore! Did you know that it’s against the law to chew gum in Singapore? The law is in place with the intention of keeping their streets clean (this what I roughly remember about it, feel free to further look into it if interested!). If you’re caught chewing gum in Singapore, you could be arrested (and think of how often we chew gum in America!). All in all, I think this video is super informative and very important. Mainly because it gives us a little sneak peek into other cultures and countries. I think this is especially important when travelling or moving to another country. It’s always a great idea to look into a certain country’s laws and culture to be on the safe side!
ReplyDeleteStarlight012
I found this video to be extremely fascinating. It is very easy to view your own culture as the only way to do things, mostly because it is all that we know. This video was able to show us that are norms here aren’t that normal in other places. It was able to change our view of things we view or do every day in less than five minutes. I couldn’t imagine actually being able to fully engulf myself in a different culture from mine, but I hope to be able to at some point in my life. I think in doing so I would be bale to see life in a different way and experience the beauty of life in many different cultures. I think in America we are often told that America is the “Land of the Free,” and it often feeds into an attitude of superiority. Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely passionate about my country and love living here, but I also am a firm believer that no one is superior to another. Just because I grew up differently from someone else does not make me any better than them in any way. It just gives us both a different view on life that neither of us will fully understand due to the differences of how we were raised. Since America is so diverse, there are different cultures even within our country. Actually, last semester I was able to meet a young man of the Muslim faith in one of my classes. I am of the Christian faith but I in no way feel superior to him so I decided to strike up a conversation with him while we were both waiting around. We ended up having an amazing conversation, and I think we both learned a ton we didn’t know before. It really opened up my eyes to the fact that not everyone is going to have the same beliefs or norms, but we can still respect and learn from one another. (Patriots 012)
ReplyDeleteThis video is very interesting and enjoyable to me because I love learning about other countries and seeing how unique we are. Most Americans never touch foot in another country so not many of us know how other countries are and how they would react to how we live our daily lives. When living in the United States you would just assume that everyone is the same as we are and that everyone reacts to everything we do. We just assume that since we do it that everyone else must do also. Watching this video showed me how much I don’t know because every gesture they showed on the video, I would’ve thought that those signs were international gestures. After watching the video also I realized that people who are planning on traveling to a different country should really do some research about the country they are traveling to so they know what to do rather then what they would do it America. The video shows that everyone has their own views and unique ways of seeing how something so common, such as a thumb up, could either be offensive or a good thing. Something about the video that I thought was funny though was how in African countries if you tell someone you like a certain thing they have that may feel entitled to give it to you so with that in mind, if I ever go to Africa and see something I really want and like, I may just say “hey buddy, I really like that car you have.” Our world is such a huge place and to understand that there’s so many cultures and that each culture have their own ways of looking at things is such a cool thing to think about because as we grow up in our own societies, we just learn to adapt and to accept the things around us. Mrbubby012
ReplyDeleteAs we all know, all of the cultures have their similarities and their differences. Some of us know a little more about other cultures than majority of people do. This video really surprised me because I was never able to study other cultures in depth. There are so many things that we do in our culture that are offensive to other cultures. Some of us don’t realize it because we were not taught about it or we don’t really research them. I think everyone should take some time and research up cultures if you are going to travel to avoid any accidental problems that you may come across in the near future. Plus, you might find some of their customs and traditions really interesting. I think it is really cool that every single culture is different from one another. Some of them may be really similar but not exactly the same to another one. It Is kind of crazy that simple little gestures that we see and use in everyday life are offensive in other parts of the world. We as people have to respect that and the same vice versa. I think that if culture isn’t taught in school, it really should be so we are more informed and know the rights and the wrongs. Some of the things are kind of extreme in other cultures like if you point a finger, you can be sent to jail. That’s something that we think is bad but it isn’t a threat or anything really outrageous. There is no wrong in others having a different way to do something, it is something to learn from and it is very interesting to see.
ReplyDelete-Chewbacca012
This is just some great knowledge! I will remember this for next time I travel the world. This is a very simple thing that is considering good in the U.S. but some not so much. I would low-key be down to be exposed to other types of other cultures. Who would know that a simple ‘thumbs up’ could mean up your ‘A’ right? Like a thumbs up in America just means ‘good job’. I love how other countries are different and just show how we have so much to learn from. We have a depth that just ‘wows’ you instantaneously. But, no for real’s. People should really be careful for what they do in other countries, because it’s possible to get incarcerated. Bet, getting in jail in other countries wont is an easy ride for sure! Depending on the country right? I love how number eight says ‘I love your couch’ in Arab or in African Nations because know you people are just obligated to give their stuff to you. Honestly, if I was carrying a wallet full of mullah than I don’t think the individual is going to make ke obligated to give them my wallet. I feel kind of bad because you have to give your own stuff if people like it. Imagine if we had that kind of culture in the U.S. I believe we would be rich by than because we would like a lot of different things and will be obligated to give out stuff. But, respect to these other countries. Very different from others. Like I always wanted to visit japan, and slurping your food in U.S. could be consider disrespectful because aren’t nobody want to hear you slurp your food, but lets be honest ill be kind of funny. At least I would think so because I find humor in a lot of things, life is too short man.
ReplyDelete- LILPUMP012
I also think that everything we learned about in this video will help us out a little. Just the mindset of knowing that some of our practices aren't cool in other countries. I would also love to take on new cultures as well. I think having a selective perspective on life is lame. You need to learn to adapt and be friendly with others from other cultures. I think people need to be very careful not to upset others in other countries as well. I think the slurping thing is pretty cool as well. Don't see the big deal in it. Also, life is wayyyyy to short to be dwelling on the little things indeed. ^~^ Itis012
DeleteI can easily see how these symbols can offend others. In other cultures, we have to take into effect that other people are brought up in this world differently. Not everyone grew up with the same expectancies or guidelines. Thus, not everyone uses a smile to let someone know they are friendly. The thumbs up is understandable. If you grew up learning it was to tell someone to screw off, then some foreigner is giving you two big thumbs up. You can understand why this might cause some issues. The business card insult is understandable as well. If someone is taking the time, and resources to give you something they think will benefit your life, then it would be pretty disrespectful to just simply put it away. Although, most people, not accustomed to these kind of traditions, could end up causing trouble for themselves. Just from not knowing what to do with a simple paper card. It goes to show how very important it is to do some research on places you are going on vacation on. It will make your experience so much better, and less awkward. The one with people having to fill other people's drinks is kind of odd. I understand it to a certain point. Although, again, for someone not knowing these customs, this could easily be forgotten about. I personally don’t like the tradition of being late to events. I kind of don’t get how that means you are greedy but okay. I feel like anyone not from that culture would immediately feel out of place, and would stick out. Lastly, I think the slurping rule is a must have in the USA! I mean, why look down on someone enjoying their food. I know when I hear people slurping it just makes me jealous that I don’t have that food.
ReplyDelete^~^Itis012
This video was pretty short but showed a lot of ways you can offend people of different countries and cultures. I think its important to know these when traveling or talking with people of other cultures. It is important to respect other people’s cultures especially when you are the one visiting their country. One thing I found really interesting is that in middle eastern cultures if you say you like their couch they then feel obligated to give it to you. I think if it was like this in American culture people would use this to their advantage to get whatever they want. One I thought was odd was the one from South Korea that smiling at a stranger means you think they’re stupid. That would definitely be one that would take some getting used to for me. I smile at a lot of strangers and it is kind of my job at work to smile at strangers and greet them. This makes me wonder about how customer service is in Korea. In Indian and Muslim cultures it is considered offensive if you eat with your left hand because that hand is reserved for bathroom use. This gesture also makes me wonder what these people do if they are left handed. I really liked this video and have even run into one of these offensive gestures when I was traveling. It is also true in Peru that the “ok” sign is calling someone the not so nice version of butthole. I think this gesture is often taken as this in South American countries. I learned this when I was in Peru at a restaurant with my travel group one a guy started to make the sign until my teacher stopped him and explained to him how disrespectful he would be if he made that sign there.
ReplyDelete-curlyhead012
Very intersting about the story in peru I would have been embarssed if I offened someone from a different country and wasnt meaning to. Im sure they dont know what defends us like when you dont smile that means your being rude.conrad456
DeleteIt’s always interesting to know certain cultural differences in everyday life that we wouldn't normally think about. Something as simple as waving at someone hello can easily be taken for granted. Having watched this video, I feel as if I could never fit in with any other culture because I’m so bound to these American ways. Like if I’m giving someone a compliment on their furniture I am usually just complimenting their style, not trying to take that away from them. I wonder if that covers most things. For example, if I like someone’s shirt, would they begrudgingly take it off and hand it over? Another thing I found interesting that smiling would be an insult in Korea. To me, smiling is such a beautiful thing to see, so I’m sure I’d experience great cultural shock if I were to ever visit. I don’t know what to say...I find it really hard to do these comments because I don’t even like commenting on normal things. But it’s possibly hard because I’m sort of doing this last minute, I’m not sure. Anyways, the video was pretty cool and interesting with all those facts an my opinion on it is that um..I don’t know. It’s really cool and interesting and not something that one thinks about every day so yeah.
ReplyDeleteThis video was very intriguing to watch. Many cultures around the world are incorporated in our country, which makes it so vastly interesting. Our country stands for freedom and a nation of incorporated people. In our country we have so many signs and uses and languages compared to tohers that here things can mean a handful of things compared to another country where their meanings are singular. It's interesting seeing other countries and differentiate to our everyday life. You can easily offend someone of another culture if you aren't used to their culture norms. this can give people culture shock like explained in class and that's pretty scary.
ReplyDeleteThis video made me wonder if we’re the strange country or if every other county is just strange. There are so many differences between the US and other places. One thing that really stuck out to me about this video is when it said if you make a comment along the lines of “I like your couch” the person would feel obligated to let you have it. Imagine telling someone you like their bed frame then 10 minutes later you see them carrying the bed frame out to your car. Maybe Americans are just rude, but I don’t think anyone would feel obligated to give someone something just because they liked it. It would be awesome living in another country for a year or two because it would almost be like living in a whole new planet. The customs would be different, the music would be different, the people would dress different, etc. The slide that said smiling insults people in Korea could also almost be true here. Think about when you’re arguing with someone and they smile or laugh at you. Doesn’t that make you mad because I know it infuriates me. Walking past someone on the street though and just having a straight face would be a little odd though. If I ever got the chance to go to another country for a little while I would be super scared I’d do something way wrong and embarrass myself. I feel like there’s so many differences I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I’ve always wanted to study abroad but I don’t know if I have enough courage. What if I give someone the thumbs up because they did a good job but they take it the wrong way and get mad. It’s weird that people most likely think that about coming the the US. I’d want to put myself in someone else’s shoes for a little bit to get a taste of a new way of living. Cheer456
ReplyDeleteThis video very interesting on why he made this a blog. But I sit and realize why he picked this becoming an officer is something very important to the community needing to know certain things especially since there isn't just americans in the united states. We have to know where other people come from and they dont always do the same things as us we might be smiling at someone and that means your being very rude to that person in another country. I like that I got to know different things about different countries in this video it was interesting to see how sometimes you just never know what people are thinking are why you're doing that rude sign with your hands, when it mean “okay” in our country but its rude in another country. Its weird but very interesting on how other people can speak different than us. I wish I could speak multiple languages so I could travel around to other countries and fit right in but since I don't know their language it will be very difficult for me to visit. IF your from a different country and you were born and raised in the US you might think the foreigner is very interesting.conrad456
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