This week in class we learned more about cultural differences. Everyone in different countries are used to their surroundings as they grow. We adapt to our own culture and it is hard to understand anything different from that. The fishbowl analogy illustrates this point. We may be able to see outside of our fishbowl, but there will always be our own values standing in the way (the glass and water).
The road in India may seem completely insane to Americans, but it is a norm for everyone living in India. They are all adapted to that behavior that it just comes naturally. Americans are so used to stop lights and people yeilding to pedestrians. If an American were to travel to India, they would experience culture shock either trying to drive or cross the street.
In "God Grew Tired of Us" it was so interesting to see how completely different two countries can be. The Lost Boys were so used to be in a relaxed and interactive environment. When they got to American they experienced complete culture shock. It was a totally different place. They expressed that they felt more isolated in America because everyone was expected to have a job or go to school and always stay busy. Everything was fast pace. Time became so important that human interaction weakened. The Lost Boys also explained how people in America were unfriendly and less welcoming. This just shows how social norms affect cultures. Being 'your own person' is expected in America, while togetherness is common where the Lost Boys were from.