Four guys are in a bar in Seville; one French, one Italian, one American, and one German. The German says to the Italian (in English) "Maybe she'll know a spot... she's clearly a local". The French says "Why do you say that?", and the German replies "Well, she's sitting at the bar alone, reading a book with a bottle of wine. No tourist would do that". The Italian say "So who wants to try out their Spanish?". Quickly the American say "I do... she's cute. I'll tell her I'm Matt Damon, I get that all the time. Maybe I can get her to call some friends and come hang out with us tonight".
American Guy: "Hola Seniority. Mi nombre Matt. Mis amigos se preguntan si usted sabe de algún club nocturno por aquí. podemos venir con nosotros?"
Me: "Perdón?
American Guy: "Estoy Matt... Matt Damon. Puedo unirme a ustedes?"
Me: "Perdón? No compreno"
American Guy to his friends "Does anyone have the book. Either this chick is retarded or I am"
Me: "I should stop you. I'm not retarded... hablo un poco espanol. And though I'm sure you're very 'talented', I prefer Ben Afflack."
American Guy: "oh, s#!+...".
Walk away kiddo.
OK... so that not exactly Culture Shocking, but I thought was funny the way the guys assumed because I was a solo girl I couldn't be a tourist.
I can't say that I've ever felt true, unharnessed culture shock. I've had experiences that have surprised me; like the first time I was in Bad Ischl and visited a co-ed spa that didn't allow bathing suits in the sauna, or when I was in Amsterdam at a cafe when a 14 year old kid sat next to me on the sofa pulled out a bong and started toking up. I was certainly taken aback, but it didn't shock me... immersing yourself in the culture is part of traveling. I'm also super fortunate that my appearance is kind of hard to place (so long as I don't speak... and then I usually people I'm Canadian. Because how can you not love a Canadian?). I've had some interesting guesses to the "where are you from?" question. Not just "from" as far as cultural background, but even where I grew up here in the states. In fact, when I'm short on cash it's an easy way to get a free drink...
"So where are you from?"
"Where do you think I'm from?"
"You want me to guess... really?"
"You don't have to... but I'll bet you a round you can't guess where I'm from in 3 tries"
"You're on! Write it down"
And from this point on I can put the wallet away. Good thing too... we are in a recession.
Whats interesting to me about Americans is how we are far more tolerant of cultural differences of foreigners then we are of other Americans. Perhaps the exception being Middle Easterners... or anyone from that general area since most Americans are unable to distinguish India from Iran. I've lived in 6 states during my adult life, and they were all very different. They had different political climates, dominant religions, accents, even leisure activities. And Even though their state neighbors are equally as 'American', the locals in each place were equally ethnocentric. Their teams are better, their governor is smarter, their cuisine is more authentic, their god is the only real one. Where ever you go in the US it’s the same. Californians are too liberal, New Yorkers are rude, and all Southerners are hick red necks. We tend to think of foreigners as the ones who don't understand us... but considering we were all foreigners at one point, it seems cultural tolerance won't be a reality until we accept our own differences.
Fact of the matter is that America is the only true melting pot... and a majority of the world is lactose intolerant.
You are an amzing writer!
ReplyDeleteOkay so back to the comment on this blog...
I love that you talked about culture shock in other countries but also within the States. As New Yorkers we, well most of us, tend to think that New York is the way life is in the entire country. But you are right, the cultures within each state is different from the next. When I traveled to Hawaii I could have sworn I was out of the country. The culture of Hawaii is completely different from New York. Could you imagine living carefree in a state in which "fiften minutes" is the equivalent of forty-five New Yorken minutes? Amazing I tell you.
I agree COMPLETELY... with exception.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Americans are more tolerant of cultural differences of foreigners then we are of other Americans with perhaps the exception being Middle Easterners. Americans generally are curious about my culture when they first see me asking me questions about the culture in India and how and Indian has the name John Fernandes. But I do not get the same response when I say that I am from Kuwait - I was even asked by someone - "was the 9/11 news greeted with 'Haha' back home and if I was happy with it". Really!!!
I you think one state in America is different from another you should visit India someday. They have different languages and different dialects with the language, different religions and different gods within the same religion, different festivals and basically different lifestyles.
P.S: Canadians are not any better than Americans. Its just a perception. Maybe you should get a British accent and learn football and then be treated well around the world. Your welcome.
"Fact of the matter is that America is the only true melting pot... and a majority of the world is lactose intolerant."
ReplyDeleteF*#@ing genius. You are a very good writer.