So, have you ever heard this story? Three friends from a tiny hamlet (this story takes place during a time when one still used words like “hamlet”), one tall, one bearded and one bald, set off one day to see a holy man who was visiting a nearby village. Excitedly, the trio of friends walked for several hours, anxious for an opportunity to visit with a living saint who was said to bestow miracles just from being in his presence. Once in the village, they joined a lengthy line heading into a tent where the holy man was receiving seekers. One by one, the line of pilgrims shuffled in to the dimly lit tent and received a personal blessing from the holy man.

The three friends from the village were ecstatic. It’s not everyday that one gets to be in presence of one so wise and holy. For the hours long walk home that afternoon, the three longtime mates could hardly even bring themselves to speak.

Finally, said the tall friend, “Wasn’t that wonderful!? And by heaven, I was surprised by how tall the holy man was.”

“It was wonderful,” answered his bearded friend, “And did you see how long and fine his beard was?”

“I didn’t notice,” replied the final friend in the trio, “I was so surprised to see a bald saint that I don’t recall anything else.”

As the story points out, it’s surprising, yet hardly uncommon, how desire, both conscious and unconscious, shapes our experience. So much so that each of the three friends saw only in the holy man what was most like themselves, but did you know that what we see can even be shaped by our culture?

In a social/cultural experiment CNN covered, the above fish scene was shown to groups of Japanese and Americans. They were given a few seconds to study the photo before it was removed and they were then asked to describe the scene in detail.

What do you think they noticed most?

Well, the Americans, by a large majority, were most aware of the placement of the three large fish, while the Japanese paid far more attention to the overall environment. When asked to reproduce the picture, the Japanese could place the kelp and the small fish, but lost site of the three large fish, while for the Americans, it was just the opposite. How do we learn to recognize our own cultural biases?

Might you have an experience where what you saw was so shaped by your cultural bias that you saw something as tall, bearded and bald, when in actuality it was short, clean-shaven and with a full head of hair?

Adam

RW3 CultureWizard

After a callous remark from Tokyo’s governor, Shintaro Ishihara, we see a growing rift in Japanese cultural values that often does not bubble to the surface until, in this case, a destructive, powerful force of nature incites human nature to rationalize. Ishihara described the earthquake a “divine punishment” and said “We need to use the tsunami to wipe out egoism, which has attached itself like rust to the mentality of the Japanese people over a long period of time.”

The growth of individualism in Japan is something we’ve watched over the past decades, as technology and globalization have irreversibly influenced its youth. Exposure to a world of popular culture, greater opportunities to travel the world and more channels to pursue one’s interests have made the idea of being a unique individual, a hallmark of many Western cultures, a popular one among Japanese.

However, the individualistic tendencies of Japanese youth don’t look similar to what a Westerner is accustomed to seeing. Take cosplay for example, which is a kind of performance art popular in many parts of Japan where people dress in costume and congregate in a designated area of a city. The desire to emulate a fictional character that one connects with on a personal level is similar to the way one might idolize celebrities or other famous individuals, but cosplay is one unique, Japanese manifestation of the value.

Ian Buruma of the Wall Street Journal tells us the far right in Japan claim Japanese youth “have lost the old collective spirit of the obedient, disciplined Japanese, who supposedly always put the interests of the nation before their own.” However, the opposite has been true from what the media has shared about the greater reaction to disaster in Japan: a strongly collective effort to “remain calm and carry on” despite widespread physical and emotional misery.

Furthermore, many of us have noted the stoicism with which the Japanese have responded to the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. The cerebral if not sublime expressions we see in photos of people in the affected regions tell a unique, cultural story of collective responsibility and attitudes towards expression. The Journal also reflects on this:

Foreign observers have remarked on the discipline and solidarity of Japanese in the face of their current circumstances…It comes from the social conformity that is imposed on all Japanese from an early age, as well as from the duty to take care of one’s own and the fear of causing trouble to strangers. But it is also the result of an awareness, instilled by centuries of living with disasters, that what comes down can be rebuilt.

Many non-Japanese have a hard time interpreting the typically inward expression of emotion, which applies to both positive and negative situations. Many interactions between Japanese are highly intuitive, and feelings are transmitted with only the slightest visible or audible expression. Homogeneous societies such as Japan’s tend to be extremely contextual, as nearly 100% of the population share a common history, lifestyle and upbringing, eliminating the need to communicate in explicit, direct or overt ways (to compare, think about the way one would communicate with a person on the street in New York City).

Rescuers and victims carry bags of food aid from a helicopter in Yamada, northern Japan

The Journal continues to trace a path to the root of where many in Japan derive their feelings towards calamitous acts of nature and how to overcome them, two very cultural topics.

The sense of danger from natural calamities has deep roots in Japanese culture. The country’s earliest native religion, Shinto…is composed of rituals to appease the forces of nature, which are held to be divine. Since nature can be angry as well as benevolent, these gods must be kept happy with offerings, ceremonies and sacrifices.

Although many buildings are no longer made of wood (which is too expensive and hard to maintain), Japanese cities still look a little jerry-built, rather like movie sets, as though in anticipation of impermanence…

Impermanence is also a central concept of Buddhism, embodied in the changing of the seasons, which are heavily marked in Japan by festivals and other holidays. A somewhat fatalistic attitude towards nature is embedded in the Japanese psyche.

How does the Japanese mentality relate to the mentality of people living near active volcanoes, for example, or tornado prone areas, where disaster is known to strike without warning?

Is this a chance for Japan to steel itself and emerge as an even stronger nation and economy?

We appreciate your comments and thoughts. Please leave them by clicking on the title of this post and then scrolling to the bottom to leave your thoughts in the comments field.

RW3 CultureWizard

+ Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Gulf to discover oil and build a refinery, thereby becoming wealthy before most of its neighbors.

+ Bahrain is one of the few Gulf countries where nationals represent the majority of the population. Many Bahrainis are of Persian rather than Arab descent, (73,000 according to Wikipedia).

+ The country’s population is majority Shi’a and minority Sunni, representing the two primary sects of Islam. The ruling family is Sunni.

+ Bahraini’s view time as something that is fluid and adjusts to changing circumstances. The expression “insh’allah” literally means “If Allah wills it”, and is an explanation for much behavior. Personal relationships are so important that they take precedence over strict adherence to time.

+ While women are more publicly active in Bahrain than in most Middle Eastern countries, it is still important to establish a businesswoman’s credentials to avoid any misconception about her role. To do so, it’s a good idea to forward a brief bio including academic background, title, and professional accomplishments.

+ A personal introduction can open doors that might otherwise be closed. Bahrainis prefer to do business with those whom they have a personal relationship. A letter of introduction from someone they know allows you to be treated with the respect and trust of the other person.

+ As Bahrainis judge people on appearances, it is a good idea to stay in a high standard international hotel when traveling for business. Wearing good quality, conservative clothes marks you as someone of status. They respect education; mention if you have an advanced degree from a prestigious university, without appearing to boast.

-from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

For more country-specific information on culture and business, contact us.

RW-3.com

“Hao Ge (pronounced How Guh) is perhaps China’s most unlikely pop star: he is Nigerian, and he sings in Mandarin,” goes the singer’s article in the New York Times.

Emmanuel Uweche is his real name, and he gained popularity through China’s version of the TV show “American Idol”. He sings many classic Chinese songs, but infuses them with R&B, soul and other genres, which may be the key to his success. Listen to him sing in the video below.

The article goes on to draw a connection to China’s growing ties to and investment in Africa:

Some music industry experts in China credit part of his fame to the close economic and cultural ties — including friendship and exchange programs and other joint ventures — that have long existed between China and some African countries.

‘This is not just about Hao Ge,’ said Long Hu, 38, a music producer and talent scout…’It’s about China and Africa.’

This is an intercultural success story through and through. Do you know of any other unlikely star’s who have successfully managed to adapt to a new culture while finding celebrity?

Sean

RW3 CultureWizard

A poignant article in the Los Angeles Times by Geetika Tandon Lizardi, an American of Indian descent who writes for Outsourced, highlights the fact that it is OK to laugh at the ethnically based jokes on NBC’s pilot.

“Outsourced was the hippest thing to happen to South Asians in the United States since Madonna discovered henna.”

The Cast of NBC's Outsourced

Despite popular support, Lizardi points out there were many people who found the show offensive and ignorant to cultural norms. She also notes most of the offended people were not Indian. “Perhaps they don’t realize that we have five South Asian writers on the show telling stories that often come straight from our personal experiences. Or perhaps they don’t believe Indians should make fun of themselves,” she says.

We were curious to learn more about the show and commented on the intercultural perspective writers took with Outsourced through our blog last year. At RW3, we unanimously died (read: enjoyed) laughing at the preview trailer. However, we also received online comments from individuals who did not appreciate the theme of the show:

Comment 1: I will not watch this show at all. I know a lot people who are right now unemployed due to outsourcing, and I can tell you, it is not a joke for them.

Comment 2: I too know people who have lost their jobs due to outsourcing, and I don’t see a lot of humor in it. And the trailer full of lowbrow ethnic stereotype jokes doesn’t make the show any more appealing. I don’t understand how shows like this make it past the focus groups…

The connection between unemployment in the US and outsourcing to India is a separate topic from the humor employed on the show. I wonder what Lizardi would have to say about the sore topic?

In response to those who dislike the comedy, this is what she says:

Those who only cite offensive stereotypes are missing the spirit of the show (or perhaps they’ve never actually watched it). What I love most about Outsourced is that the humor ultimately comes from a place of affection.

Outsourced has the potential to celebrate our cultural quirks, to build bridges between communities and perhaps, most important, to prove that there is a viable alternative to the ‘one brown face in a white ensemble’ model of ‘diversity.’

We couldn’t agree more.

Sean

RW3 CultureWizard

The impossible-to-imagine three-pronged catastrophe hitting Japan right now is almost too much to take in. Yet, we do try to take it in; to make sense of it, and in some ways we share this global disaster on a human level. I lived in Japan; I have always lived in earthquake country and I’ve witnessed powerful quake damage in Los Angeles and San Francisco several times. It is scary as your home moves around you and the ground underneath you has tantrums of varying degrees throughout the days that follow. Add a devastating tsunami and the post traumatic stress of shared recollections of radiation and it really is too much to conceive.

Yet, watching the televised images of Japanese reacting to the disaster reminds me again how different cultures are as they express their grief, fear and trauma. In an unprecedented event, Emperor Akihito gave a televised speech in which he comforted his people and applauded their ability to remain calm and respectful of each other.

Emperor Akihito's Speech

We are very interested in hearing your thoughts on what has happened and would especially value any accounts from individuals who have been in Japan or have heard stories from people in Japan. How would you react to the “keep calm and carry on” theme that many officials in Japan have exuded over the past few days? How is the stoic facade the Japanese have maintained connected to Japanese culture?

Click here to read a personal account of what’s happened from an intercultural consultant based in Tokyo, Japan.

Below are links to related articles:
Bangkok Post: “Stoic calm in the face of utter calamity“
Japan Times: A round-up of updates
Washington Post: “Emperor Akihito gives message of comfort in televised address“
Korea Herald: “Former ‘comfort women’ pray for Japan“

As we’re closely watching tragic events unfold in Japan, we wanted to share news we’ve received from a Tokyo-based expatriate who is close to us. We’ve left the account anonymous.

March 14: Things are too crazy right now. I’m still in Hong Kong and not sure what my flight schedule will be. There are power cuts in various areas. Many strong aftershocks, limited food supplies (as seen in the image from a Tokyo market below) and serious worries about radiation now. If it rains, there may be radiation particles hitting Tokyo tomorrow. People are trying to stay inside. My partner is now getting worried and he’s usually very laid back.

Issei Kato/Reuters

March 15: I’m still in HK. Not advisable to head back to Tokyo yet…all of my projects in Tokyo are getting postponed. Expats are leaving for the US, Europe, and some going closer to Taiwan. The international schools are closed for the next two weeks. People are pretty worried. There was just another strong earthquake in Tokyo about 30 minutes ago.

March 16: I keep hearing so many stories from my family and friends. The situation keeps getting worse – more earthquakes (a strong one just an hour ago) and serious radiation worries. Food and supplies are getting more and more difficult to find in Tokyo. Some expats are flying out of Japan.

One US couple I know took a flight to Taipei this morning and will stay there until things become more stable in Japan. Other expats are leaving too, to the US, Europe, and Asia. Some are still working and staying put for now. Some Japanese wives and their children are heading to the much safer Osaka area while their husbands stay working in Tokyo. My partner’s office is running with half staff and rotation shifts like many companies are doing right now. Some people in smaller companies are working from home. Not all transportation is back to normal yet, especially in the Tokyo suburbs. There may be power cuts, but that hasn’t happened in central Tokyo yet. Nobody knows what will happen next. People say Tokyo is quiet and calm, more silent than usual.

If you have any first-hand experiences to relate, or any comments you’d like to make, please do so in the comment area below. Our thoughts our with everyone in Japan.

At first glance, I must admit, I was appalled by what I was about to read: the idea that McDonald’s, throughout Hong Kong, had gotten into the near $1.4 billion a year wedding game according to the New York Times (there are also McWeddings in mainland China). The slow foodie in me, the environmentalist, the lover of tradition…all cringed. Good Heavens, just what the world needs, unhealthy, fast-food weddings, complete with saturated fat, sodium and Styrofoam!

But then, after digging deeper, all my eco-ethnic-epicurean snobbery went out the window. The typical Chinese wedding – especially for the working class and the impoverished, is a pressure-laden and often financially crippling ordeal. According to the article, the average Hong Kong couple spends $29,200 on their wedding, a taxing sum given that the average monthly income in HK is only about $2,250. And then there are the traditions, viewed as so burdensome by many young Chinese that their wedding becomes a joyless, perfunctory, familial and societal obligation that leaves them with a hefty debt and little in the way of fond memories.

Enter McDonald’s! Who would have thought fast food would be the great social equalizer – for weddings!? (Actually, that’s exactly what the fast food companies are thinking.) For just under $1,300, a McWedding (a term coined by McDonald’s) includes food, drink and cake for 50 people, and, more interestingly, provides a service that falls so outside the cultural norm that it sidesteps many of the familial and societal pressures and obligations that swaddle a young couple with debt and resentment.

So culture maven, what think you? How does this further change the youth culture in China? Is this a solution to a problem, or, given the unhealthy nature and environmental impact of fast food, just creating a new problem altogether? Does it eschew the issue that for many cultures, the expensive, pressure-inducing modern wedding needs to be entirely re-examined?

Adam

RW3 CultureWizard

Harold and Lakshmi, our intercultural colleagues, continue their conversation. Click below and be prepared for a surprise. In case you missed it, click here to watch Episode 1.

 When you think about culture, think about us!