Checkpoint Culture Shock

Checkpoint

Culture Shock

If you were visiting and studying the Yanomamo, describe what you would have done to prepare yourself for possible culture shock.

If I were to visit a place that faraway and foreign to my current culture, I would do extensive research of the area in question. Even though the purpose of the visit is to learn about and study a different culture, I would find all of the information I could about the area in general. Things like animal types, potential hostile neighbors, plant life, and any terrorist that could be in the area. I would pack a sufficient amount of water and energy snacks for the trip. I would make sure I have the right currency for when I arrive in the civilized part of the country.

It is important to know all of this before proceeding with any type of cultural research, because one should always have some type of working knowledge about the environment around them. This will allow the researcher or researchers to be better prepared for any issues that could arise from being in a foreign place. I would also ask the guide to give me some things to not do, and peaceful phrases I can say to let the people know that I am not a threat.

Describe a personal experience you have had where you experienced culture shock. What components of culture were you shocked by?

I have never been in a situation where the culture was foreign to me, so I do not have any stories about culture shock regarding visiting a foreign place. However, I have met people from other cultures and some of them have relayed information about their culture that was surprising to me. I met a person who identified himself as Hmong, and his family comes from Vietnam. He told me how his people were treated badly over there and came here in search of a new life. He is a 3rd generation born here and he relayed how their funeral custom works.