Since moving to France, and being the Anthropologist that I am, I often find myself in social situations where I can't help but people watch and find similarities and differences in the culture as it compares to America. I have a unique opportunity in that not only do I interact with the French I am also often in the company of British ex-pats. Before I go any further I must say that everyone I have met so far has been wonderful and I am very thankful for their friendship and patience.
A week and half ago the school put on a Fete de Mere program. Mother's Day here was the following Sunday. I have attended many school programs and I couldn't help but recognize the many similarities between this small French program to many of the school programs I attended as a participant and as a member of the audience. There were the same groups of people, the father that was so sure that any noise the young child behind him made was a direct insult to him and his child on stage. The ever proud mother that took pictures of her child both on stage and while waiting his turn. The children ever acted similarly, craning their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of their parents, chatting nervously to their friends.
There are many differences as well. Last Saturday the football club here in Hesingue (I've decided to use the European 'football' instead of the American 'soccer') put on a dinner at the soccer pitch. When we all arrived it was fantastic to see everyone either sitting around eating, drinking wine and talking or out on the pitch kicking the ball around. Em and I both observed that the atmosphere would never be felt in the UK and only ever so often in the states. Children of all ages were playing together or they were sitting with the adults, taking part of the conversation. Another difference I have seen are the eating habits. I absolutely love the way the Europeans eat. There is always a knife and fork and there is no limit to the mixing of foods. When my brother was younger he would throw a fit if his corn was mixed with his salad. Here, there is no regard. I think it is fantastic. People here love food, they love preparing it, eating it and even talking about it. In America I feel like people have the attitude that food is something you consume as quickly as possible so you can move on to something 'more important'.
So here comes the anthropologist in me. When a person travels to a foreign country they immediately see all the differences and retreat into anything that reminds them of where they come from. They don't allow themselves the joy of experiencing new places, people and food. The things is, if they looked around, they would be able to find similarities. There will always be that indignant father or the proud mother. Kids are kids, no matter what language they are speaking. While we all may have different ethnic memories and histories, I believe humanity, at its core is the same. We allow ourselves selective vision when it comes to different cultures, we only see the differences. People need to allow themselves the time to experience and enjoy all that is in this world. As we truely discover the new and unusual in this world we grow as a human being. If we let the new work in our lives, I believe we will better know oursleves.
No comments:
Post a Comment