Between cast members, between a cast member and yourself/your own culture, etc.
For me, I find the Russian speaking cast members and alumni to be more precise with their words than Americans, and forthright about what meets or doesn’t meet their expectations. I also find the South African cast members to very strictly reinforce gender norms and patriarchal values; which many people, especially women, in other Anglosphere locales would find jarring in comparison. This was a huge source of conflict between Ronald and Tiffany.
I also find the American alumni to be very indignant about American values, ideals, and even territory, even when not physically not in America (eg,. Angela’s “I’m an American!” rants; the Family Chantel’s references to the “harvesting of the American dollar.”). Or, when inside America, a preoccupation with sniffing out the green card abusers and the use of deportation as a weaponized threat (Dinyell). I can’t recall analogous behavior in other countries or cultures represented on the show.
I think people in my country (the USA) oftentimes perceive and assume Africans to be desperate to come to the US based on the existence of widespread poverty. However, the Africans on this show never seemed to be dazzled by or even remotely impressed with cast members’ Americanness; which could subvert expectations of quite a few of the presumptuous. Baby Girl Lisa was an archetypical laughing stock, mocked openly in Nigeria (the music video premiere at the nightclub? Cringe!). Ben and Akinyi? Her family in Kenya tasked him with the most ball-busting and ridiculous demands to take him for a ride out of amusement and disdain.
Lastly, (I’m centering American culture here as a point of reference because I’m an American - feel free to draw connections/disconnections with/between your own various cultural identities or experiences!) I find myself exposing some of my own biases towards men from non-English speaking backgrounds. I personally have found Asuelu to appear to be cognitively disabled due to his various (what I perceive to be questionable) behaviors and slow cadence of speech. However, there are linguistic and cultural factors at play here beyond my own experience that influence this impression; factors that also could explain why I also thought Mursel was “simple.”
I think it’s interesting to make note of cultural differences and similarities, and to invest some self-reflection time into which biases influence these impressions and whi
... keep reading on reddit ➡
For people who are in a relationship with someone who doesn't share your culture/race/nationality, what are some things that you find yourself disagreeing about?
I (American) told my boyfriend (Japanese) that in America, it's common for kids to want to make money by cutting grass, doing a paper route, washing cars, etc. He said that was really sad, that it sounded like child labor, and didn't want to hear any more because it upset him too greatly. I thought it was an overreaction and misunderstanding, but he stood his stubborn ground.
What about you guys? Any stories?
I'm used to being intimate early on in relationships, she's more reserved which is fine and I'm willing to adapt but it's very confusing.
On one hand she's receptive to spending a lot of time together, we planned planning citytrips and she introduced me to the parents etc but on the other because I'm so used to having partners who do things like touch me often, sleep over and such things which are now missing that now I can't help but shake the feeling that there's barely any real attraction from her side and I might be barking up the wrong tree. Is this a cultural difference where I should just be patient and give it a chance or should I cut my losses and move on? I don't know, maybe people just don't show affection as much through touch in this culture? Please help me understand.
I read a comment from a French woman about her observations while dating in the US and I thought it'd be a cool question to ask here. Everything she said was the first time I've ever heard anything about French dating culture other than "they're free lovers". There's pros and cons to everything, I'm sure, but I find topics like this interesting! This post got removed from a different sub but I'm pretty curious about this. I like hearing about cultures and how we are all different yet the same, in a way. I've never dated in another country, so I'd like to hear what yall have to say. If you've heard comments from other men or women that are not American, I'd love to hear those too!
Hi all!
I am looking for a romance with EXTREME cultural differences (i.e. Alien romance, Supernatural romance, etc).
I know these books are recommended pretty frequently but the main thing I want to preface is that I don't want any insta-lust or fated mate pairings because the appeal of the books to me are the characters slowly coming together over time, overcoming cultural differences and beginning to appreciate the other person slowly.
Having aliens think they are mates of the humans defeats the purpose to me, I want both sides of the pairings to work to appreciate each-other.
Books I have enjoyed are: Pretty much any book written by R. Lee Smith, Homebound by Lydia Hope, Ascending and Bright Shards by Meg Pechenick, Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.
Some books that didn't work for me: Dustwalker by Tiffany Roberts had too much insta-lust from the hero, Books like Ice Planet Barbarians have insta-lust and mated pairs.
Pestilence by Laura Thalassa fit the bill in many ways - not my favorite but not bad!
I don't care about gender and I can handle books with dark themes and triggering subject matters.
I would really appreciate some help finding something to read, I have had a lot of trouble. Thank you for your time!
I’m 10 years younger than my TF (I’m 29 and he’s 39). I’m Asian and he’s Caucasian. I’m short (5 ft 3) and he’s tall (6 ft 3). He’s a bodybuilder and I’m not the fittest looking person but I do lift weights as well but not shredded like he is. I look innocent while he looks intimidating.
Initially, I didn’t see myself dating someone 5 years older than me but the first time I met him, I wasn’t phased at all that he’s a lot older than me. Interestingly, I’m more mature than him. He seeks advice and guidance from me. I’m the “intimidating” one. Externally he looks tough because of his bodybuilding physique but I’m the actual tough one LOL He looks like the most Caucasian guy growing up in the most stereotypically known Caucasian suburb in Australia but funny enough, we have a lot in common and he breaks the stereotypes: loves Japanese culture, cars, especially JDM cars, Pokémon, etc.
Interested to hear from others and your thoughts/experiences.
I understand it differs a lot based upon your gender.
Hey guys I’m struggling here. I’ve been reading and reading but still can not seem to get a clear understanding of what separates cultural anthropology from sociology. I’ve googled it I’ve asked professors but it all seems so vague. Can anyone give some clarity please? Thanks in advance maybe I’m just dumb.
As a kid, I remember overhearing my parents and their friends discuss how american culture is so different, shockingly sharing stories of someone they know getting arrested and put to jail for “punishing” their kids here in the states.
I even read a book that was lying around the house written by an immigrant Asian parent that wrote how many 1.5 and second gen Asian children grow up and estrange themselves from their parents due to “cultural differences”, which my parents reached out and visited in admiration only for the author to turn out to be a huge narcissist and a fraud.
My mom used to starve me, strip me naked and beat me until I bled, and moved onto emotional manipulation and abuse once we moved to US which I find it somewhat worse, I have daily nightmares, dissociation, flashbacks, and panic attacks even though I’m NC now, and it absolutely infuriates me to think that there is even a remote chance of her thinking I was estranged due to “cultural differences.”
Absolutely fuck that
There are some slice-of-life-esque anime that I'd like to write fanfiction about but I'm too afraid to because I'm not very knowledgeable of Japan's culture. I get afraid about the accuracy of Japan's lifestyle that I'd end up writing. If I tried to write fanfiction about an anime, sometimes I get afraid that I could get too Americanized in the dialogue, mannerisms, scenarios, etc. Yes, I know that people will say that I should just do research about Japan but there are tiny little personal details that could only be included from anime for Japanese creators that grew up there, e.g. worldbuilding, personal relationships with other, parenting, education system, etc. I mean some of these were created or inspired by from someone's personal lives and it's really difficult to recreate or expand upon that.
Uk stoner, im seeing from all the americans and canadians that the use of tobacco is not present, where as in the uk and i think some of Europe spliffs are much more common.
I want to know your guys thoughts on the use of tobacco and also why that difference exists and what are some other differences you guys can think of?
Is it due to smoking cigarettes is more common and accepted in Europe, or is it down to the quality and availability of bud?
Edit: thanks guys for all the responses! Loved reading them all!
The EU just passed a law that makes it mandatory for car manufacturers to install hardware, something like a "black box" that will track your movement and log every handling you make and it will make sounds and flashing lights when you surpass the maximum speed limit. It will be enforced within two years from now.
They say this is being done to minimize traffic-death toll and although obviously I think every causality is one to many, I just assume the real reason is to maximize the amount of control governments and companies will have on you is to maximize profits and to strive for something we they call prosperity.
Because to the general public, laws are being developed to eradicate terrorism, child porn, drugs and unnecessary death from the face of the earth, but since I'm closer to forty than thirty I start to understand that all of these phenomena's are just part of life, so you either have to cope or install totalitarian regime in where they can implement all the necessary tools to follow your every footstep, measures so drastically, it will interfere with the way you flow into daily life, as for instance we currently see in parts of China, which obviously does not exterminate illicit drug manufacturing or terrorism, but it will fuck up your life.
This might be quite a rant - the vibe I get from the current situation alongside the border of Ukraine and Russia is that, in the Western media that is available around me, everyone has something to say, except for Russia. The voice of Russia is never to be heard in our newspapers, so the only thing I get is that the West somehow is anxious about something that Russia does.
And because we, as kids, were raised with the narrative that 'the West' is of superior quality than the regimes in 'the (far) East', because regimes are baaaad and communism is baaad and everyone in the East is being suppressed and you people are poor and healthcare sucks and totalitarianism is awful. North Korea is shit and China right now is shit because of it's surveillance-state and sweatshops. Russia and the far East should shut the fuck up because you are always drunk fucks and let the Great West decide that you are shit and we are amazing, fuck you. If you plan to invade a country, we will fuck you up, goddamnit.
I have the feeling I'm missing out big time on some great cultura
... keep reading on reddit ➡I'm a firm believer in Corey's teachings and have read his book over 10 times but have yet to really apply his stuff as I have limited dates. I realised that some of Corey's work might not quite work on girls from other cultures.
I went to a friend (we'll call Jane)'s event and met an extremely cute asian girl (we'll call Jess), she caught my attention immediately. I'm asian myself but grew up in a western society whereas she's just here for university.
I texted Jess, a few light hearted exchanges and then I asked her out (be direct as Corey would say, phone is for setting dates). She said she will ask Jane to come since she's the connection between us. I thought about what would Corey do and his advice about no group dates until shes my girlfriend and using humour in these kind of situations. I decided it's not something I want so I joked saying "wow is this like a buy one get one free deal? haha" and then told her I'm interested in taking her out on a date, not Jane, so if she changes her mind then let me know. Direct and going for what you want as a man, right? I thought I may have just passed her shit test and was quite proud of myself. She replied saying oh I just thought since we have a mutual friend it's better we go out together.
I talked to Jane about this and she said I literally freaked Jess out by asking her on a 1 on 1 date so directly, since she barely knows me. In her culture you have to move slow, hang out afew times as friends and let her be comfortable with you before you guys go out 1 on 1. Jane said 'Jess knows I already have a boyfriend so she knows you and I are just friends. She wanted me to be there with her for safety and if things get awkward. If things go well, I was going to excuse myself and since I know you like her, of course I was going to help you (wingwoman?) but now that you scared her she won't go out with you.' Understanding asian culture myself, I realised what she said was quite true, this is actually how people date there. I explained to Jane about how western dating is different and that starting out as friends could cause a girl to lose interest and friendzone you. Having half grown up in western society, Jane understands my view very well but reiterated that Jess is uncomfortable going out with a guy she barely knows and she doesnt wanna get murdered (so to speak). Also she basically thought I just wanted to have sex with her, moving so fast instead getting to know her. I then sent a text to Jess saying I didn'
... keep reading on reddit ➡
I'm a Canadian and most of the black people I see in my country tend to know who their ancestors were so they often identify themselves as Nigerian-Canadians, Somali-Canadians, etc.
Its different in the US because it seems that different populations of slaves were mixed together until they culturally homogenized.
i dont like how i have to make zen make up with a emotionally abusive mother and brother all just cause zen was born pretty. literally tryign to shave the poor boys head so he will be "ugly" and you can force him into a lifestyle he doesnt want and calling him stupid for following his dreams.
really boils my blood
Some younger guys I game with thought I was lying when I told them kicking players without a mic was universally practiced for left4dead on xbox360 when it was popular. What are some other specific things younger gamers might not believe was common practice.
Can anyone speak on the differences between the battalions? I’ve heard 3BN is the most “Ranger”, but what makes each one unique besides location?
Screw these people. Poor Jenny must really love him, and has been so ridiculously gracious. You can’t tell me that men in India think it’s fine to sit by and watch women be verbally abused and mocked. I can’t wait until someone puts these assholes in their place.
My boyfriend (Indian m) and I (Black f) have been together for 2yrs now and most of it has been long distance, since I finished university and moved around while he still attended university. This is the first serious relationship for us both, so we are still learning how to navigate things and being that we have different cultures, it’s a tad difficult. Recently, we closed the distance and have been living together. While this is a great opportunity to learn more about each other and our habits, it has been rather difficult for us, him especially. He said that we have many cultural differences and that he’s not sure if he can see a future with me. I don’t feel like we have such big cultural differences that would be a deal breaker so I’m having a hard time understanding his feelings. I’ve tried to have a conversation with him about it, but he worries that I will change my habits completely if he tells me. I’m open to adjusting because I know that he has very strong ties to his culture, but I feel like he expects me to treat him as an Indian would and have household habits as one would from his culture. It’s really hard for me because he’s the person that I want to be with forever, but I feel like these cultural differences are going to be a dealbreaker for him. Any advice?
Also, he’s incredibly worried about me meeting his mom (she’s coming around March) because he doesn’t think we will connect because (1) she barely speaks English and I barely-barely speak Hindi or Gujarati and (2) the cultural differences. He is the only son and wants to give his mom the full experience of connecting with his partner. I’m also nervous, mainly about the communication barrier. Any advice?
North Carolina’s major Piedmont cities tend to look similar and have similar characteristics, but have you noticed any cultural differences between the cities?
For example, are the people in Raleigh different than the people in Charlotte? Or Durham versus Winston, etc.
The title says it all. I’m interested in understanding how social customs and culture may differ. For example, is greeting friends with kisses on the cheek customary in Quebec?
If “The Bonjour Effect” is anything to go by, then Bonjour + pause + Bonjour reply is essential in France, avoiding the topics of family and work with acquaintances in France, etc. Is this the same across the pond? How North American is Québec in this regard?
What is the same? What is different?
I’m not American but it’s been so interesting seeing parenting from a completely different culture. The differences are
- Bedsharing is extremely common in my country, I remember reading from Americans about how dangerous is it and thinking what, everyone does it here why isn’t sids a thing.
- You guys love following rules, every potential hazard is known, and people actually follow the rules. Doctors say no screen time for 2 years and people actually listen and feel bad if they don’t. Coming from a country where breaking the law is laughed about and celebrated, this is wow.
- Parenting is largely done in isolation, it’s wild to me how little support you guys have raising your kids. We have so much familial support, people would think my husband and I were insane if we tried to look after a newborn alone.
- Sleep training is not a thing.
- No one in my country cares about baby sleep, y’all so many books, seminars, conferences on baby sleep. It’s so fascinating. Where does this come from?
- You guys take parenting so seriously and mommy wars are so interesting. I’m like y’all think formula feeding makes someone a bad mom, you’d be scared if you saw some of the parenting in my country.
- leaving the house with a baby less than 3 months in my country would be akin to committing a literal crime, y’all are out with 2 week old babies and I’m like teach me your ways!
- Finally you guys expect men to be like actual involved parents.
I've heard this is a very important aspect to consider when choosing what branch of the Armed Forces to join. I know nothing on this, so some guidance would be of much help to understand which would suit me better.
This is a very loose thought, but i've been wondering to what extent we can argue with libs and regular uninformed people that a part of what the western media says about China and DPRK is based since the start in our western perception, and ignores the différences culturally. Will be glad if anyone can somehow shed some light in this abstraction
I’m from the UK, and having read so many stories about trying to leave the church it struck me that it seems a lot different to my own experience.
I’m 19M, and when I was 16 my parents sat me down and asked me how I felt about the church. At that point I was PIMO, and felt as though as nervous as I was (parents both TBMs) I couldn’t not tell them how I felt as the opportunity was right there. Surprisingly, my parents were incredibly understanding and we still have a great relationship, where we respect each other’s boundaries.
Having grown up in the church I still have many close friends, some in some out, and so I still have a close level of contact with the church despite not attending myself for years. During many conversations with other less active members it seems to me that the backlash received over here is generally less severe than in America, and culturally the differences between youth in the UK/Europe and America seem different i.e the youth seem to integrate far more easily into society and are viewed as less “weird” (for want of a better word), leading to what I perceive to be a far happier youth experience generally.
Could anyone speak as to whether this is true? It pains me to see so many stories about unaccepting parents, but it seems so much more common in the US, and it caused me to wonder as to whether I was simply lucky or whether there is a large cultural difference between US mormons and mormons around the world.
I was told Asian culture is more strict, what should I expect?
Hello everyone! I’ve been having this kind of discussion with some people and I want to know more about what culture experience you might have felt once you enter The Netherlands. In my case, for example, was the fact that people here (not all of them of course) eats dinner early (around 5/6pm). In the country I came from we normally eat dinner around 7/8pm and it was a big cultural shock for me. If you have experienced something similar let me know :)
