I wanted to dedicate this post to write a bit of something about
cultural differences. I never thought I would notice them as clearly as I have
during my time here. I thought cultural differences were actually only stereotypes
and that I would never be really affected by them. I thought that all youth of
all countries would somehow have approximately similar values. But I’ve learned
now.. ..no way :D
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I wrote a post about cultural differences because of having
experienced so many misunderstandings here. But I don’t dare to post my
original text because it got so personal and I started sounding like I was
claiming some cultures were better than others, which is totally not what I
want to say!
Here is however my top three most striking things that I have
realized only now, during my time here:
1. Of course I knew that the times of skinny models and photoshopped pictures of actresses are not over but looks and beauty still are even more highly appreciated than I thought. Here I notice a lot more looks-related pressure than in Finland.
2. I had no idea how often two people can interpret the same thing in two totally different ways. Because of this I have experienced here so many misunderstandings I wouldn’t believe it is true if it didn’t happen to myself. Note to self: Be cautious, people can get offended by things that you’d never think as offensive.
3.The level of equality between men and women is totally different in different countries, and also in terms of the attitudes of the young people. Of course, in theory, this is not a surprise but again, I did not think I’d notice the difference here myself so clearly. Around here there have been a million times more situations related to equality that have actually made me angry, than ever in Finland.
With love,
Noora
1. Of course I knew that the times of skinny models and photoshopped pictures of actresses are not over but looks and beauty still are even more highly appreciated than I thought. Here I notice a lot more looks-related pressure than in Finland.
2. I had no idea how often two people can interpret the same thing in two totally different ways. Because of this I have experienced here so many misunderstandings I wouldn’t believe it is true if it didn’t happen to myself. Note to self: Be cautious, people can get offended by things that you’d never think as offensive.
3.The level of equality between men and women is totally different in different countries, and also in terms of the attitudes of the young people. Of course, in theory, this is not a surprise but again, I did not think I’d notice the difference here myself so clearly. Around here there have been a million times more situations related to equality that have actually made me angry, than ever in Finland.
With love,
Noora
