3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
A concept that I found interesting in this week’s reading was culture shock. Trenholm defines culture shock as, “the anxiety that results from losing all of our familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse.” I have been to many different states within the past year and I am constantly in culture shock. However, one country that I have been to that has given me an impression was Paris. Not that I didn’t like being in Paris, it was just completely and totally different. The lifestyle they lives was completely different than the one we currently are living as well as the food and their everyday activities. Having four-hour lunches/breaks during the middle of the day amazes me. They are so laid back there that it allows them to focus on the important things rather than stress all day. Here in America, stress is constantly following us and we are always looking for a break. We are given a 2-week break every year where in Paris; they are given a 6-week break. When I came back to America, I looked at everything from a different perspective and I am happy to say that I enjoy the life I live even though there are times when I wish I was living someone else’ life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
nice posting I had that feeling of culture shock when we moved to the USA from Germany. Lifestyles are completly different. Germany when we lived there everything closed at six Pm here compeltly opposite in germany no one left the house after like 7 or 8 here nights begin at that time. Life is just so different and that inital shock and seeing the huge differences makes it so interesting to me atleast, but I also believe people can adjust to any type of lifestyle they choose to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that visiting other countries is a big culture shock. I have visited many different places such as Jamaica and the Philippines. But in my opinion American culture is more driven by economy and not leisure time or time for ones self all that much anymore. This is why American culture is mostly based on working so hard to provide for their family and all of the people that immigrated to America moved here for that. For example, in then Philippines there aren't many jobs for people and if you get one its because you have a college degree. Also, the living conditions are really bad and they are a perfect example of how of a culture cannot take four hour breaks a working day and so many vacation days paid.
ReplyDeletegood post!