Culture Clash

We characterize Cultures by varying norms and nuances. It is the way of life for a group of people; who share common interests. The biggest reason some cultures clash is simply, their values are different.

Cultures vary, not only from country to country but family to family.

American culture encompasses the customs and traditions of the United States. “Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things,” said Cristina De Rossi. Culture is all that makes up the identity of a particular group of people. It is different because people are generally different and distinct.

That’s why a particular practice in this country gets dismissed in a different country. We even have culture clashes within our country. Cultures are what make us— humans, unique and different. We inherit culture. Many of the world’s practices are norms shared through our ancestors’ teaching. An American parent can expect their child to act within the confines of the American culture and share the same religion, food, language, marriage, and music with his or her parent.

As Americans, we are a nation of immigrants, so our culture is a mix of many.

Immigrants coming to America understand that their culture will shift. To find a cultural balance while raising a family in a different country is complicated. Many first-generation kids grow up accustomed to American culture. There’s an existing pressure for them to act in line with both. Striking the balance of respecting your parents’ culture while living in another is challenging. Failure to abide by their cultural traditions might bring contentions.

Many people fall into the chasm of ancestral culture versus American culture. Sometimes feeling forced to oblige their parents, they sacrifice their desires. Marriage is one of those factors that can reveal friction. Many cultures practice arranged marriage. Americans usually marry when in a current relationship based on love. Cultures clash when someone feels pressure to entertain an arranged marriage to appease their parents. At the same time, some parents feel pressure to propose a traditional arrangement.

Both parents and children can feel estranged from each other and their culture. Not everyone will understand this duality. GeboCall is a safe place to talk about what you are experiencing, and we are offering your first 5 minutes free.

Wishing you The Gift of Understanding,

Tiffany