Interesting
Cultural Contrasts in Values
by
guest contributor Berthalina Hernandez
Main Article
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Individuality |
| Individual is primary. |
The community is primary. |
| Independence and autonomy is fostered Individual decision
important. |
Group Consensus is sought. |
| Privacy is highly valued . |
Community life is most desirable. |
| Individual can control environment. |
Considered “tampering” with environment. |
| Weathermen ridiculed if wrong feels he must apologize for
weather! |
You flow with nature. |
| Must master/control nature. |
God’s domain. |
| Must "do something" at all times. |
Know how to appreciate time. |
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Competition |
| Winning is everything. |
One doesn't play to win unless professional. When you win
you apologize to others. |
| Competition is desirable. |
This is seen as ruthless, egotistical and show off . You do
not compete and embarrass others. You learn some, help some.
|
| Recognizing one’s worth is good. |
Individualistic pride frown upon. You let others recognize
you. |
No natural separation of men's and women's roles. They seek
the same goals and compete for them.
|
Natural separation of men's and women's roles. They do NOT
seek the same goals or compete for them. |
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Communication |
English highly desirable for the immigrant to
know the language.
|
You don't assume others know your language upon arrival to
the country; conversely, no bilingual programs exist in public
institutions. |
| Written history is consensus. |
Oral history important. |
| Direct eye contact is seen as honest. |
Direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and defiant. |
| Limited physical contact (respect your space). |
Hugging, touching and kissing (on the cheek) are signs of
delight at meeting someone. |
| Control emotions. |
Show emotions publicly. |
Informality is considered a compliment in dress and speech
(it means you are comfortable with the person).
|
Formality is considered a sign of respect in dress and speech. |
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Time |
Adhere to a schedule, even in leisure
time.
|
Time does not control the individual. |
| "Manana" (tomorrow) syndrome less marked but still
alive. |
| Respect for punctuality. |
People take precedence. (If you meet someone you know on the
street on your way somewhere, you stop and talk to them, even
if you are late getting to where ever you were going.) |
| Always have time for personal relations. |
Change translates positively to development,
improvement, progress.
|
Change is not a natural extension, more often it is frightening. |
| Often, to better oneself in educationally
and economically, the young distance themselves from family
and community. |
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Status |
| Measured by what you've made of yourself AND by your economic
possessions. |
Value upbringing, breeding, family history much more than
possessions. |
| It is natural to "show off" the accomplishments
of your family. |
Bragging about one's family is considered bad form. |
| Emphasis on academic education. |
Emphasis on humanistic education. |
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Family |
| Nuclear family is the ideal unit . |
Extended families are the norm (parents, brothers, sisters,
grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, godparents, etc.). They
are the core of a child's upbringing, the adults' self esteem,
and everyone sense of security and belonging. |
| The future is more highly valued than the past, therefore-- |
The past is greatly respected, and the future is unknown. |
| Society centers around youth. Seniors are not
perceived as being as valuable as
children. Youth is exalted. |
Society centers around seniors; they are the most highly valued
members of the community. |
| Parents proud of depending on kids' knowledge,
especially if technological know how. |
Role reversal is diffcult to accept. (It is not 'normal' for
the children to know more than the adults.) |
| Youth has power, it has money! |
Token allowance if anything. |
| You're supposed to "break away" and
make your own life. |
Lifelong attachment to family and community. |
| Parental guidance valued regardless of age. |
NORTH
AMERICAN WHITE CULTURE |
DIFFERENCES
IN OTHER CULTURES |
Aesthetics |
| Attractive in women means thin, young, blonde, blue eyes.
|
Plump is considered healthy, of good stock, and prosperous.
|
| Attractive in men is athletic, tall, head full of hair. |
Bald men are seen as super attractive. |
| Will do anything not to age. |
Aging is seen as a natural process that brings wisdom, recognition
and respect. |
Questions
or comments? E-mail Tobey. |
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