The way I was raised was to always respect our elders. So when you're walking in front of them, you'd put your head down in a little type of bow thing, just to show you're lower than them. It is just a respectful thing to do. Also, that you'd never cuss to them even if it was apart of the way you speak, you just wouldn't. No matter what age you are, it just doesn't happen. Another common thing to do is, taking off your footwear before entering a home.
So about 2 years ago, I was very angry with my parents for some reason and I've cussed at them! Oh goodness, that was one of the worst mistake I have ever made in my life. That is also one of the two types of punishment that I received being a naughty kid. Being hit, definitely painful but it surely gets the point across. But I've noticed something completely different, whenever I go to visit my friend, Ryan. He cusses when he's on the phone with his parents, which I was baffled to hear! Ryan had told his parents once he has turned 18 - he's 20 now - he'll be cussing in front of them. Which I thought was absurd! They're fine with it, since he is an 'adult' now. But I don't think there is an age limit when it is acceptable to say in front of your parents or elders for that matter.
This is when I noticed he and I have completely different types of cultures. Ryan with is western-style culture and I, with my Asian. The way I was raised to never speak back or cuss at my elders, the little bowing thing we do and much much more. With his parents definitely more lay back than my own. Ryan is able to conversationally cuss with his parents and even drink alcohol with them! Which I would never be able to do in front of my parents.
My culture would be like a pack of lions, there is a need for order and respect. One of the newer members would never try to offend the alpha of the pack, unless they're asking for a beating! Knowing where you are on the social ladder is critical. They teach you the things you need to know and provide all the necessary essentials. Always showing respect for one another but on a different scale for each person.
However, for Ryan's culture, it'd be like grazing cattle. They all respect each other but it is just split into two different types of groups. You are either the child or an adult. So the adults are almost fully equal social status to one another. The older the generations a bit more respect they have but you are still able to do as you please. For the children, there are rules but they are not strict rules.
If these two different types cultures ever clashed together, it would cause mayhem! Both of them of have their own opinions on what is right and what is wrong, causing an never ending debate between the two. The lions would just be shredding the cattle apart or the cattle would be trampling over the lions.
There will always be diversity in the world of cultures. No culture would ever be the same, only similar in ways. But I like learning about other peoples cultures and how it is different from my own. Everyone has the right, to their own opinion on what they think is right and wrong.
Asian Persuasion is what I like to call it.Due to the dominance for order by the asain culture, it fasinates me. It explains a lot towards theway they act in public too according to their culture. It's intersting to see the difference between the polynesian culture and asian culture- espcially with fashion, but if we look at the similarities both cultures are almost the same. I too have the tradition of removing footwear before entering a household.
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