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Cultural Differences in Mundane Things

michaelskis

michaelskis

Sawdust Producer
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Right now I am sitting an ergonomically appropriate chair that is elevated such that it aligns my position with a typical height desk. But that is normal for me. However, some cultures sit on a mat on the floor with a much smaller desk in front of them because it is what is normal for their culture. Last night, I grilled some steaks and used a knife and fork to eat my food. In some cultures, they use chop sticks or other utensils. The bed that I sleep on is slightly higher than most modern beds because I built it custom based on a historic English design where they were elevated slightly. However some eastern cultures have mats on the floor for sleeping.

Ultimately we are all doing mostly the same thing, but the positioning, location, or even the tools that we use might be very different.

Are there things that you do that are not typical of North American culture? Do you think that there are physical or mental benefits to some other cultural norms? When you go to an Asian restaurant, do you use chop sticks or a fork and knife?
 
I have used chopsticks at an Asian restaurant by choice.
I have used a squat toilet abroad by necessity.

I essentially 'go with the flow' so to say. If I have the opportunities to try something different - either by choice or necessity - I will try it to a certain degree.
 
Cultural Differences between Jaguars and Leopards:

Jags: Skittish, shy, elusive, and not prone to attacking humans (unless provoked or cornered). Loves water and is an excellent swimmer and fisher.

Leopards: Bold, prone to climbing trees, does not like water. Sees humans as dinner, and allot more likely to attack.
 
In Western New York, they call soda "pop" like Canadians do.

There is also the tradition of the "Stag Party" - I.e. a pay-to-play bachelor party to raise funds for the bachelor. Back in NYC, a "stag party" was when your nonno got all of his WWII Buddies over to watch vintage porn on super 8.

Great Lakes people also tend to pronounce "Jaguar" as "Jag-wire" instead of "Jag-war" or "Jag-u-are" (the British way).

Butter Lambs and Meat Raffles instead of Struffoli and 7 Fish, function of there being fewer Italians.

One thing Buffalo Polish & NYC Italians/Hispanics have in common, though.......plastic on the furniture.
 
When I was studying abroad in Europe and living with a family, I ate Euro-style (fork stays in your left hand with knife in your right, don't switch to use fork). It didn't stick when I got back to the US but it was also very easy to switch when I was there.

I still work the accelerator in my automatic car like I was driving a stick to "get it to shift at the right time" even though I have not driven a manual in 20 years.

Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetable in South Carolina. Along with fried apples and collards it makes up the typical "three" I'd order at a "meant and three."
 
Faust_Motel said:
Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetable in South Carolina. Along with fried apples and collards it makes up the typical "three" I'd order at a "meant and three."
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Can confirm. Completely accurate statement.

I don't even like mac and cheese that much but when you get invited to the cookout (IYKYK), that stuff just hits different.
 
JNA said:
Which do you like better
creamy cole slaw
or
vinegar cole slaw
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Vinegar if I don't know what it's going to be like- creamy if I know I'm somewhere that makes it like I like it (mostly just has to be fresh, where vinegar gets better with age...)
 
michaelskis said:
Right now I am sitting an ergonomically appropriate chair that is elevated such that it aligns my position with a typical height desk. But that is normal for me. However, some cultures sit on a mat on the floor with a much smaller desk in front of them because it is what is normal for their culture. Last night, I grilled some steaks and used a knife and fork to eat my food. In some cultures, they use chop sticks or other utensils. The bed that I sleep on is slightly higher than most modern beds because I built it custom based on a historic English design where they were elevated slightly. However some eastern cultures have mats on the floor for sleeping.

Ultimately we are all doing mostly the same thing, but the positioning, location, or even the tools that we use might be very different.

Are there things that you do that are not typical of North American culture? Do you think that there are physical or mental benefits to some other cultural norms? When you go to an Asian restaurant, do you use chop sticks or a fork and knife?
Click to expand...
Most people don't have furniture. I quit sleeping with a pillow in 1978 and still don't use one.
 
My son was dating a girl who recently moved here from Japan. He thought it was interesting that they all took off their shoes outside and left them on the rug in the hall of the apartment building. He did as they did but asked me about it later.
 
michaelskis said:
My son was dating a girl who recently moved here from Japan. He thought it was interesting that they all took off their shoes outside and left them on the rug in the hall of the apartment building. He did as they did but asked me about it later.
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There are some regional differences in the US RE: shoes on or off in the house. In new England I think it's categorically "shoes off" inside the house but someone can prove me wrong- maybe it's different in Connecticut, for example. I have a really hard time leaving my shoes in when i visit somebody else even if they tell me to keep 'em on.
 
Bubba said:
Um...mac and cheese is one of the main food groups. Duh.
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We didn't have it this year, but who doesn't like lots of cheese and noodles.

We did have an array of "salads." One actually included lettuce. The others were strawberry jello/cream cheese/pretzel and green jello/cottage cheese/pineapple. They look horrible but are family staples going back to when my grandmother started making them at the height of jello. They are also delicious.
 
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Salad in jello - let's whip out the blue cheese dressing!
 
One of the cultural differences I notice is smiling in pictures - many cultures do not smile in their photos - we do it automatically unless we are on purpose doing otherwise - it's really noticeable on LinkedIn with the profile photos
 
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