Culture

Culture as a whole is like a maze. A maz that you can navigate only by experiences and an open mind. You have to leave assumptions at the door or you may not see what a new culture has to offer.

Experiencing a different culture can be exciting and a learning experience. I traveled to Belgium last spring. I discovered that their culture includes french fries with every meal and that meals can take hours. I took photos of all my meals as they all were lovely, it was a presenation on a plate that tasted wonderful. In the US if you choose to stay and visit at the table when you are finished with your meal, you feel the pressure, you know that the extablishment is just waiting to turn your table. The sooner you leave the sooner someone else can be seated therefore making more money. Resturants in Belgium encourage you to linger, enjoy the courses (there are always 4 or more for each meal) and the company of the people you are with. I found that food tastes better when you get to taste it and saver instead of inhaling so the next person can have your chair.

Culture can also take on an ugly side. When cultures clash the positives are hard to find. An example would be muslim women who choose to hold onto wearing berkas and sandels. If this is your choice then do not take jobs that require you to wear pants and steal toed shoes for your safety, only to scream discrimination when you show up and are told you must adhere to the dress code. Its not that the company is discriminating towards you, they have the rules in place for a reason, your own protection. When I heard this story my first thought was WTF! Did these women think they were special? I never heard how the story ended, but I curious to know how the judge ruled on this case.

In Harvest of Empire it states that when the first immigrants from Europe came here, they wanted a new life and they were willing to drop their old culture and make a new one in the new world. Today that does not happen and although we need to make room for all the new cultures that are coming into the US, those people also need to respect what is already here. It is a two way street.

I understand culture and its maze of practices, actions and relationships. How to get everyone on the same page towards different cultures (basically playing nice)is a whole nother maze. I guess if everyone took on the idea that a different culture could enrich your life the world might be at peace.