D-I-E United States of America

1.      DESCRIBE: Think of one episode that has left you confused or that you think was strange/different. Describe the object or situation in concrete, observable terms. What happened in the interaction? What was said? What did you see? What did you feel at the moment?

I had confusing situation at the local church while we went listening Christmas songs there with my friend family, songs were presented and hosted by a family who was locally famous about this annual happening. The church was full of quests, and the son of the family welcomed people to the happening, from the stage, at his intro. I was introduced to them a bit earlier, and suddenly this man says to all: “May I introduce to you all, here is Rita.”  “Rita has come here all the way from Finland, etc.” I had to stand up and say hello to everybody, when they turned to see this weird miracle; all the way from Finland. It was awful to me because I haven’t used to be in the spotlights and it’s not so Finnish thing anyway.

2.      INTERPRET: Think of possible explanations (interpretations) for what you observed or experienced. From your cultural perspective, try to explain why you think this situation or experience occurred? Try to find at least 3 different interpretations of the interaction or occurrence. What cultural information have you used to produce these interpretations?  

In Finland that wouldn’t be happening, but I realized that it was a major politeness from their perspective and culture. In America you really must stand out from the crowd or leap to the eye, if you want to find the success in there. We don’t have that same system in here, so it was very weird thing to me. No worries, everything went well, and the concert was very good, but it was a good reminding of the differences between our cultures.

3.      EVALUATE: Evaluate what you observed or experienced. What positive or negative feelings do you have regarding the situation? Consider how you might feel if you were a member of the host culture and held the dominant cultural values and beliefs?

I don’t know? The situation was okay to me after a first shock when I thought to run out as fast as I could – not literally of course. The experience was good because now I know. In any case of willing to do business or have a job or a flat or you name it, it’s a competition. You must be seen, heard and noticed positively. There is a difference to the Finnish culture because we usually say that it’s good if it’s understandable, but in America it is far from good at that point; whatever it is.