Take an individual from anywhere in this world and displace him/her from wherever that person was raised. The result will be what is called a "culture shock" in that person's mind. This case is prevalent in the majority of immigrants shortly after their arrival in foreign countries that they will begin to call "home," and it is something that I have experienced countless times after my arrival in New York.
The first things a person can notice in a new environment are the obvious things like people, language, and behavior. Accordingly, the first thing that I have noticed the second after I took my first step outside of the airplane was the people. It is important to note that I have never seen foreigners, or "non-asians," before except on the television. It was surreal to see people that were white, black, hispanic, middle eastern, and etc. What was stranger, however, was their behavior. I assumed non-asians did what they did because they are obviously not asian; however, it later became evident to me that even the asians in this country did not take part in the same conduct that I was raised to follow.
For the first couple of years, I found that the way people greet themselves in this country was outrageous. In Korea, there is usually an exchange of bows and hellos. I was not unfamiliar with the idea of friendly physical contact, but I was shocked at the way Americans could be so physical when greeting each other. I saw people hugging each other constantly - which was not too bad but still weird. To take it up a level, I started seeing females kiss each other on the cheeks which, to me, was very peculiar. Finally, to take it one step further, I began seeing MEN and WOMEN kiss each other on the cheeks and hugging even though they were married! This was something that I could not understand. Was it normal in this culture for married couples to touch others of the opposite sex so passionately?! Is that not some form of cheating?! Do they not become jealous and argue afterwards?! In Korea, a married couple that would touch others the same way Americans did would be degraded and belittled by others, but here, in America, people are so happy while doing it!
Holy smokes! Why?!!!
I have been living in America for almost 6 years now, but I am still not used to hugging and kissing each other on the cheeks.
답글삭제I don't mind doing it and I think nothing is wrong with it, but sometimes I prefer to just wave my hands or say hi and bye.