Basic Culture Differences

What are the 5 main areas of difference in cultures?

Communication- high or low context

Time – time or relationship more important

Space – how much touching, how things are built

Power- who in a society has how much

Individual/collectivist – person or group

Culture Evaluation Guidelines – Things to remember when evaluating cultures:

Avoid stereotypes

First – Understand your mind

-The brain often sorts information into either/or categories, called binary    thinking.

-This is a way the brain simplifies information it receives over time.

-When comparing cultures this can lead to stereotypes – sweeping

 generalizations (all, most, every)

What is critical thinking?

Second – Vanquish black/white categories, make them gray.

-Some, from time to time, occasionally, etc.

-Where did your information come from?

-TV, movie, etc

-Mass media only reflects society, it is not a true representation.

-Person to person information should be considered.  Where did they get the facts from?

Ask Why

-As humans we like to compare.

-Ask questions to find the reasons underneath the surface of a difference.

-Avoid assumptions

Example Question

In the US today, young people tend to have very “open” opinions towards sexual behavior.  This trend is starting to emerge in China with today’s high school and university students.  What changes in Chinese culture could explain this similarity to the situation in the US?

Which is a good question to ask at American when you first meet them?

-What is your cell phone number?

-How much money do you make?

-What is your email address?

-How old are you?

Music and Entertainment

Name as many styles of music as you can that we talked about in class?

      - Pop, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Country, Rap/Hip-hop

What leisure activity is most popular in the U.S.?

      - Watching TV

What technology do most Americans use?

- Television

What popular American social networking website recently launched a Chinese version?

- Myspace.com

Not all the bands that are popular in China are popular in the US.  Can you think of any?

- Westlife

What are the origins of Rap/Hip-Hop?

- Urban

- Challenges of life

- 1970’s

What issue surrounding the music industry in the U.S. has led to legal problems for college students?

- Downloading music

Religion in the U.S.

2/3 of Americans say they believe what religion?

- Christian

What amendment in the US constitution protects freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceful protests?

- First Amendment

Besides just worshipping a higher power, why do Americans go to church?

- Make friends

In what places can you see the Church vs. State debate in the US?

- “In God We Trust”

- Evolution vs. Creationism

- Public office oath on Bible

- Prayer in schools

- 10 Commandments in public

Things that happen in a religious service:

- Singing

- Praying

- Donating Money

- Speaking other languages

What is atheism?

      - Belief in no God

Sports

What are the big 4 sports in the U.S.?

      - Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey

What is one of the biggest differences between college sports in the U.S. and in China?

      - The NCAA (college sports) in the US is as popular as professional sports.

What is the biggest NFL game each year?

      - Superbowl

At what age do people in the U.S start and stop playing sports?

      - They play for their whole lives.

Why is sports considered a part of a persons education in the U.S.?

- Sportsmanship

- Equality

- Teamwork

- Perseverance

- Brings people together.

Education

What are some advantages and drawbacks of home-schooling and private schools in the U.S.?

      - High academic standards

      - Small class size

      - One-on-one time with teachers

What are some current debates in the US regarding education?

- Sex education

- Creation vs. Evolution

- Teaching English

- Who controls what is taught.

Why is it important for college students to find an internship in college?

      - To gain work experience that will help find a job after graduation.

How do U.S. students pay for college?

- Job

- Parents

- Loans

- Scholarships

How much does public education in the U.S. cost?

      - It is free

What makes a Junior/Community college different from a liberal arts college?

      - Low admission standards

      - Easy classes

      - No liberal arts degrees

      - Cheap

Work in the U.S.

What is the population of the U.S.?

- 300 million

In the 1960’s Americans realized what things about their country?  (page 380)

      - No automatic improvement

      - Quality of life was declining

      - Government and big business were not always ethical.

Your textbook mentions one thing that has created cultural similarities across the U.S. in business, architecture, and products, what is it?

      - Technology

What is an example of merit-based work?

      - A person’s hard work deserves compensation and rewards.

What is the length of a legal work week in the U.S.?  What is normal?

      - 40 hours, but 50 or more is normal.

Is it common to move or travel for a job in the U.S.?

      - Yes, moving for a job is very common.

How much vacation time does a person usually get in the U.S.?

      - 1-2 weeks

How much time does a worker usually get for lunch?

      - Half an hour to an hour.

American Family

There are three types of families in the U.S.

- Nuclear – traditional two parent home.

- Extended – nuclear + grandparents, ect.

- Alternative – Gay/lesbian, single parent

In the US the nuclear family used to be the most common, but not today.

The divorce rate is almost 50%