Culture varies across different continents, countries, cities, communities, and citizens. They have dissimilar communal organization and business standards. They also differ in the way they form relationships with other people. It is a must to know what these differences are in order for one to cope with other people from different social groups. Knowing the roots of cultural disparity is the answer in building long term ties with different people from different countries. These differences must be addressed properly to avoid conflicts and misunderstanding. Culture affects the manner by which things are done and how they are done. The differences mark the phases of progress in every culture (Mills). In this regard, the important point is that adaptation to the different cultures involves the need to understand and respect the different views of life in today’s world.
Based on my own observations and cultural experiences of being an American student, the divergence between Asian and American cultures is really farfetched. This may involve differences in religious beliefs, customs and traditions, political views, and gender issues that are affected by their values, principles and moral standards, as well as by the way they behave within their homes and within the community as a whole.
As an American student, one observation regarding the differences between the American and the Asian culture is their attitude about age. In America, when you turn 18 or become of legal age, you are bound to be independent from your parents. However, this is not the norm in Asian countries where children can choose whether they want to still live with their parents or not, even after they turn 18. Furthermore, students in America are more comfortable in saying what they want to say and at ease in frankly and honestly talking about their success and knowledge with others. In contrast, Asian students are more reserved in the way they converse with people. Also, the American students’ culture is more relaxed and straightforward whereas the Asians are firmly bound by a code of behavior and a set of rules that guide them in the way they express their opinions. In particular, Americans are more straightforward. They are encouraged to argue and deliberate on issues whereas Asians tend to keep their opinions to themselves.
Works Cited
Mills, D. Quinn. “Asian and American Leadership Styles: How Are They Unique?”
Harvard Business School. Web. 27 June 2005 <http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/4869.html>.
