It's Just Different

If we are not going to be “ugly Americans”, if we are going to be living messages in the world, and if we are going  to love our international neighbors, then we need to deepen our cultural understanding of them.  We need to see beyond religious beliefs, food preferences and interesting customs. 

 Recognizing that there is a difference between a biblical absolute and a cultural mindset is the first step.  A second step is recognizing that the “American way” is not the only way, nor the right way, nor even necessarily the best way.

Every culture including our own has a conscious and unconscious mindset that determines how to approach life.  Let me point out some of the big differences.

 Linear/Curved – We in western civilization reason in a point by point, linear fashion to a conclusion.  We want things to be systematic. By contrast other cultures use a curved logical approach.  It does not come directly to the point but instead explores various issues, feelings, and possibilities on the way to coming to a conclusion.

 Individual/Collective – Americans stress individuality and independence.  Decisions are based upon what’s best for “me” and “my”. We even have a big personal space for our comfort zone. Other cultures place the higher value on a collective society or the group.  Common goals, shared possessions and decisions made for the good of the whole are the norm. 

 Time/Event– Industrialized societies like our own place a high emphasis on time.  Punctuality, start times, schedules, deadlines are all clock oriented concepts that order our lives.  It’s a fast paced world.  Other cultures focus on the event and place a greater emphasis on interaction and discussion.  Arriving “on time” is not as important as the event itself.  It’s a slower paced world. 

 Task/Relationship – We are also a task oriented society which means that we value setting goals and getting things done.  Success depends on how much we can accomplish.  Other cultures are more concerned about building and nurturing relationships.  Even work situations revolve around being with others in community.  

 Past/Present/Future – We live much of our lives with an eye to the future - plans are made, money is invested, retirement is worked out, insurance is purchased.  Other cultures live with a greater focus on the present – the moment is enjoyed, money is spent now, tomorrow is not a big concern.  Still other cultures live more with the past – elders are honored, traditions are respected. 

 Guilt/Shame – We are motivated by internal guilt when a law is broken, conscience is violated or someone is offended.  Other cultures are motivated by not bringing shame from others upon oneself, family, or community. 

 Each of these areas offers positives and negatives.  This means all cultures have something to share and something to learn. In each of these areas, the mindset of our international neighbor is neither right nor wrong…it’s just different.  Seeing, understanding, not judging and assimilating these differences will go a long way in building bridges between us.  It will go a long way in being the light of Christ to the world.