learning to walk, the start of cultural acquisition
Breakfast
Preface: Ironically, the greatest lessons learned were in how I could not complete the original objective. The reflection has taken a turn from its original thesis to instead cover the fundamental complications with grasping culture through short-term traveling. Over the 20 day period, I visited 12 cities, travelling to many of the main sites within each location. The problems encountered in trying to understand the cultures of the cities visited were numerous: averaging 1.8 days per city offered little time to obtain a holistic view of the city’s culture; sub-cultures abound within a city; the paths between major historical sites were lined with Anglophone-oriented tourism; most of the people we spent time with were other travelers; and immersion into a culture takes many months if not years to dive into. However, there were many lessons along the way about mainstream travel that I hope to document in a format that may help others better maximize their travel. Additionally, this informational essay layout will intermittently include examples from my trip and will end with my thoughts going forward which will also, hopefully, serve to inform travelers. Although the original objective was not met, so much more was gained by understanding how to approach culture and take in information on different people(s). Better grasping this helps one to navigate complicated cultural environments – ones that especially need deftness and tact in increasingly hostile relationships.
Beware the sirens. In traveling as in seafaring, many temptations would draw the eye, leading it towards danger. The traveler, therefore, should be skeptical of that which is shiny and immediately appeasing. Gift shops and dramatized displays of traditions are present in most touristic areas. However gratifying they may be, rarely will they provide accurate insight into an area’s culture. Moreover, even delving a little off of the beaten path of restaurant salesmen encouraging you inside in English, the traveler must not be quick to assume. For example, with American pop culture somewhat present in Europe, might lead to the conclusion that there aren’t many cultural differences. As Robert J. Gordon advises in Going Abroad: Traveling like an Anthropologist, to identify cultural aspects, assume that everything is different unless proven similar. Informed by my own experiences, the accounts/examples of those I met along the way, and research on culture, I will give a number of recommendations and insights on exploring culture through mainstream methods and how it has expanded my worldview.
There are a number of must-see places that each traveler, going to a certain city, is expected to return having seen. Largely historical or political sites, these locations provide notable value on history, contextualizing certain (or many) milieus. However, they may not always serve to underline cultural norms, values, or beliefs. Another complicating reality of travel is that the expectation of friends/family/colleagues is that the sojourner become something of an expert on the area once returning. Such an unrealistic expectation often leads to claims on culture that aren’t substantiated or accurate. Before heading abroad, therefore, it is wise to become aware of the norms of travel and to learn more about culture. In other words, to speak on culture, it is appropriate to first understand the terms we use.
To begin, culture is roughly defined as the norms, values, and beliefs of an area. Small pockets of meaning for a culture are oftentimes housed in symbols or rituals (e.g. – a cross, a dance, etc.). Researchers like Hofstede have develop numerous studies which have tested national cultures along various dimensions. Notably, these cultural results show little evidence of shifting over time and they do offer insight into the beliefs of a nation. These can serve as guidelines and fallbacks, to be used in situations where no other information is available but not being applied without exception. Similarly, laws and ordinances represent (roughly) the views of the majority in an area. For example, the Australian mandate on a minimum vacation time of 20 days per year underlines a value on the quality of life. Although swaths of information on national cultures exist, it is critical that travelers differentiate. Spain has its own norms and beliefs but the Catalan people – many of which are currently seeking independence – might be insulted if they are roped in without exception. Furthermore, the research done covers people living within the borders but it countries are sub divided. Granted, knowing national cultural norms gives information, but citizens oftentimes more strongly identify with the norms of a city or town. The brother of my sibling’s French wife was jokingly called “the German” by his French colleagues after living in Alsace-Lorraine which shows how countrymen/countrywomen see their counterparts as notably different within their own country. Therefore, use the information on nations’ cultures but treat it as you would for any stereotype.
The term stereotype cannot be extricated from culture. Stereotyping is the way in which we sort through information on different things. Perhaps the largest American misnomer to identify is that stereotyping is always bad. It is not the case. Every day, people categorize information into different boxes, completing the act of stereotyping. The term, used in the U.S., has a negative connotation because of the historical link to racism. However, stereotyping can be a good practice so long as the data kept on a group/thing is updated, not applied without exception, isn’t informed by bias or prejudice, and is not categorically demeaning. Although this reflection could not hope to hold an entire crash course on culture, the basics outlined are enough to start with.
The appreciation for diversity was a central theme to the trip. Meeting with numerous people from various countries prompted from our discussion, fascination for the many lifestyles and beliefs people have. Moreover, on my journey, I explored the literature on diversity. For example, groups with more diverse people make more creative decisions. Similarly, more diverse juries make more accurate decisions. However, for their talent and proven quality, such teams are more difficult to manage, oftentimes leading to group member dissatisfaction unless properly handled. My interest spiked in this discovery, recognizing an invaluable new tool that, with adequate education and consideration, could help improve the projects in which I involve myself. But diversity’s value is not limited to the work space, rather, it is a demonstration of the beauty, uniqueness, and even creativity of humans.
Before entering a new culture, it is good to perform a Johari’s Window exercise on what you know about the community/area to explore. The thought experiment helps the user identify knowledge gaps and on what they have information. An abstract window is broken into four quadrants: “What I and others know about me,” “What I know about me that others don’t,” “What others know about me that I don’t,” and “What is unknown to others and myself.” Filling out these quadrants with categories like non-verbal communication, beliefs, historical community knowledge, etc. for the location and community. Outlining knowledge limits should also serve to expose some of the various sub-cultures within an area. Perhaps this may be the political parties or the lifestyles of modern cave dwellers on Granada’s city outskirts or the neighborhood cultures. Whatever groups are identified, the exercise should underline how any group with distinguishable values, beliefs, and norms has claim to be its own cultural entity. Entering into a new community with a mindset acknowledging the fact that the particular group may have different assumptions/beliefs is immeasurably beneficial. It heightens awareness to different definitions or uses of key terms that, once identified, leads to avoiding miscommunication. It also allows for
The European hostel community had its own norms and values. Most of the people were very curious and eager to learn. Experiences outweighed the lack of sleep from traveling. Becoming more informed on a nation and/or group of people was oftentimes a key motivator. Drinking was a common denominator of most every hostel but it was oftentimes just an ice breaker leading to more adventures and friendships. For as much as the people wanted to get to know you, there was a palpable mistrust present: all belongings were locked up because although guests were friendly, they couldn’t gain confidence on a group of 12 or more in a night. Long days walking and long nights going out with new friends was the standard. The purpose of this expose is merely to highlight the presence of culture and how common cultures are. Furthermore, it should be noted that most people participate in multiple cultures at the same time.
Traveling on mainstream methods/practices roughly translates to visiting cities for a handful of nights before moving on to another destination. In this framework, grasping cultural understanding becomes challenging. What then should one do? How does the average American gain something of value with a several week long trip abroad? Talk. When appropriate, talk to anyone who will listen and ask them about their experiences. With pure anthropological observances out of the question, it becomes best to probe. Be pointed in asking and identify areas that you have no knowledge on. However, questions should be phrased so as to not provoke. For example, when I was curious about Russian disapproval of gay marriage, I was careful to not antagonize or lead the person to believe that I might be a stereotypical American have anti-Russian feelings. The question was thus phrased something to the effect of: “Without ever living in Russia, it is difficult to understand the feeling of Russians towards homosexuals, could you give me some background?” Careful word choice is key so as to save face, to leave the question open, and to offer the most room for their input and contextualization.
Going forward, I now recognize that with standard, short-term international travel my time is limited. There will not be enough hours to gather information on the various people I meet or the cities I visit to develop cultural understandings. Therefore, it becomes important to expand horizons by getting diverse perspectives and tapping into different beliefs. Rather than obtaining a holistic picture, gather some data points about starkly different ways of life or lines of thought. These data will be largely informative in decision making and gaining an understanding/appreciation for other ideas and lifestyles. Before I travel to any location, the preparation will include background reading on the current issues of a given location as well as any laws or norms that contradict those in America. Additionally, I will set out to gather subjects to inquire more about with the limited amount of conversation time available. Finally, if I am to stay in a hostel, I will set my evenings to be free so as to get to know new people and share what typically was relaxation time as opportunities to learn from one another.
Beware the sirens. In traveling as in seafaring, many temptations would draw the eye, leading it towards danger. The traveler, therefore, should be skeptical of that which is shiny and immediately appeasing. Gift shops and dramatized displays of traditions are present in most touristic areas. However gratifying they may be, rarely will they provide accurate insight into an area’s culture. Moreover, even delving a little off of the beaten path of restaurant salesmen encouraging you inside in English, the traveler must not be quick to assume. For example, with American pop culture somewhat present in Europe, might lead to the conclusion that there aren’t many cultural differences. As Robert J. Gordon advises in Going Abroad: Traveling like an Anthropologist, to identify cultural aspects, assume that everything is different unless proven similar. Informed by my own experiences, the accounts/examples of those I met along the way, and research on culture, I will give a number of recommendations and insights on exploring culture through mainstream methods and how it has expanded my worldview.
There are a number of must-see places that each traveler, going to a certain city, is expected to return having seen. Largely historical or political sites, these locations provide notable value on history, contextualizing certain (or many) milieus. However, they may not always serve to underline cultural norms, values, or beliefs. Another complicating reality of travel is that the expectation of friends/family/colleagues is that the sojourner become something of an expert on the area once returning. Such an unrealistic expectation often leads to claims on culture that aren’t substantiated or accurate. Before heading abroad, therefore, it is wise to become aware of the norms of travel and to learn more about culture. In other words, to speak on culture, it is appropriate to first understand the terms we use.
To begin, culture is roughly defined as the norms, values, and beliefs of an area. Small pockets of meaning for a culture are oftentimes housed in symbols or rituals (e.g. – a cross, a dance, etc.). Researchers like Hofstede have develop numerous studies which have tested national cultures along various dimensions. Notably, these cultural results show little evidence of shifting over time and they do offer insight into the beliefs of a nation. These can serve as guidelines and fallbacks, to be used in situations where no other information is available but not being applied without exception. Similarly, laws and ordinances represent (roughly) the views of the majority in an area. For example, the Australian mandate on a minimum vacation time of 20 days per year underlines a value on the quality of life. Although swaths of information on national cultures exist, it is critical that travelers differentiate. Spain has its own norms and beliefs but the Catalan people – many of which are currently seeking independence – might be insulted if they are roped in without exception. Furthermore, the research done covers people living within the borders but it countries are sub divided. Granted, knowing national cultural norms gives information, but citizens oftentimes more strongly identify with the norms of a city or town. The brother of my sibling’s French wife was jokingly called “the German” by his French colleagues after living in Alsace-Lorraine which shows how countrymen/countrywomen see their counterparts as notably different within their own country. Therefore, use the information on nations’ cultures but treat it as you would for any stereotype.
The term stereotype cannot be extricated from culture. Stereotyping is the way in which we sort through information on different things. Perhaps the largest American misnomer to identify is that stereotyping is always bad. It is not the case. Every day, people categorize information into different boxes, completing the act of stereotyping. The term, used in the U.S., has a negative connotation because of the historical link to racism. However, stereotyping can be a good practice so long as the data kept on a group/thing is updated, not applied without exception, isn’t informed by bias or prejudice, and is not categorically demeaning. Although this reflection could not hope to hold an entire crash course on culture, the basics outlined are enough to start with.
The appreciation for diversity was a central theme to the trip. Meeting with numerous people from various countries prompted from our discussion, fascination for the many lifestyles and beliefs people have. Moreover, on my journey, I explored the literature on diversity. For example, groups with more diverse people make more creative decisions. Similarly, more diverse juries make more accurate decisions. However, for their talent and proven quality, such teams are more difficult to manage, oftentimes leading to group member dissatisfaction unless properly handled. My interest spiked in this discovery, recognizing an invaluable new tool that, with adequate education and consideration, could help improve the projects in which I involve myself. But diversity’s value is not limited to the work space, rather, it is a demonstration of the beauty, uniqueness, and even creativity of humans.
Before entering a new culture, it is good to perform a Johari’s Window exercise on what you know about the community/area to explore. The thought experiment helps the user identify knowledge gaps and on what they have information. An abstract window is broken into four quadrants: “What I and others know about me,” “What I know about me that others don’t,” “What others know about me that I don’t,” and “What is unknown to others and myself.” Filling out these quadrants with categories like non-verbal communication, beliefs, historical community knowledge, etc. for the location and community. Outlining knowledge limits should also serve to expose some of the various sub-cultures within an area. Perhaps this may be the political parties or the lifestyles of modern cave dwellers on Granada’s city outskirts or the neighborhood cultures. Whatever groups are identified, the exercise should underline how any group with distinguishable values, beliefs, and norms has claim to be its own cultural entity. Entering into a new community with a mindset acknowledging the fact that the particular group may have different assumptions/beliefs is immeasurably beneficial. It heightens awareness to different definitions or uses of key terms that, once identified, leads to avoiding miscommunication. It also allows for
The European hostel community had its own norms and values. Most of the people were very curious and eager to learn. Experiences outweighed the lack of sleep from traveling. Becoming more informed on a nation and/or group of people was oftentimes a key motivator. Drinking was a common denominator of most every hostel but it was oftentimes just an ice breaker leading to more adventures and friendships. For as much as the people wanted to get to know you, there was a palpable mistrust present: all belongings were locked up because although guests were friendly, they couldn’t gain confidence on a group of 12 or more in a night. Long days walking and long nights going out with new friends was the standard. The purpose of this expose is merely to highlight the presence of culture and how common cultures are. Furthermore, it should be noted that most people participate in multiple cultures at the same time.
Traveling on mainstream methods/practices roughly translates to visiting cities for a handful of nights before moving on to another destination. In this framework, grasping cultural understanding becomes challenging. What then should one do? How does the average American gain something of value with a several week long trip abroad? Talk. When appropriate, talk to anyone who will listen and ask them about their experiences. With pure anthropological observances out of the question, it becomes best to probe. Be pointed in asking and identify areas that you have no knowledge on. However, questions should be phrased so as to not provoke. For example, when I was curious about Russian disapproval of gay marriage, I was careful to not antagonize or lead the person to believe that I might be a stereotypical American have anti-Russian feelings. The question was thus phrased something to the effect of: “Without ever living in Russia, it is difficult to understand the feeling of Russians towards homosexuals, could you give me some background?” Careful word choice is key so as to save face, to leave the question open, and to offer the most room for their input and contextualization.
Going forward, I now recognize that with standard, short-term international travel my time is limited. There will not be enough hours to gather information on the various people I meet or the cities I visit to develop cultural understandings. Therefore, it becomes important to expand horizons by getting diverse perspectives and tapping into different beliefs. Rather than obtaining a holistic picture, gather some data points about starkly different ways of life or lines of thought. These data will be largely informative in decision making and gaining an understanding/appreciation for other ideas and lifestyles. Before I travel to any location, the preparation will include background reading on the current issues of a given location as well as any laws or norms that contradict those in America. Additionally, I will set out to gather subjects to inquire more about with the limited amount of conversation time available. Finally, if I am to stay in a hostel, I will set my evenings to be free so as to get to know new people and share what typically was relaxation time as opportunities to learn from one another.