Idiosyncrasies Final Uploaded Webview

IDIOSYNCRASIES A mode of behavior or a way of thought From both sides



 The Americas

IDIOSYNCRASIES A mode of behavior or a way of thought

The Americas

contents from both sides

Introduction: . About Idiosyncrasies

2

. AH!

3

. Adjustments

7

Parallelism: . Geographical Differences

11

. Geographically Unaware

13

. Religion

15

. GDP-Per Capita

17

. Language

19

. Communication

21

. Punctuality

23

. Levels of Respect

25

. Physical Contact

27

. Classroom behavior

29

. Family Dynamics

31

. Food

33

. Holidays

35

. Physical Appearance

37

. Dates

39

. Calendar

41

. Measuring Scales

43

. Loyalty and Trust

45

. Work vs. Play

47

. Hiring Practices

49

. Money

51

Conclusion: . HA!

53

References: . Bibliography

55

About idiosyncrasies from both sides

This book was designed and written by Angela Guzmán in the Fall of 2008 for professor Lindsay French, head of the HPPS department at the Rhode Island School of Design. Idiosyncrasies resulted from my personal need to investigate the interactions between two cultures — recently emigrating Hispanics † and Americans ‡ living in the United States. Being exposed to both cultures, I have seen the misunderstandings and misconceptions that could have been avoided at the crossroads*. Although Hispanics come from 20 countries and America is also extremely diverse in culture, there are nevertheless statistically-based conclusions that could be drawn. This work goes beyond personal experience using re†

Hispanic: A first or second generation immigrant from Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America. First generation applies to either a person who relocates to the US, or the first to become a citizen of the US, in their family lineage.

American: A non-Hispanic citizen of the United States, not limited to Anglo-Saxons, who possesses a sense of American national pride.

‡

The places where American and Hispanic cultures collide head-tohead and where stereotypes meet. *

search to understand the interactions between these two sectors. The book is presented as follows: the twenty-two chapter headings identify key crossroad issues, such as physical contact, work versus play, and family dynamics. The parallelism of the spreads is exploited to present dual experience of both cultures. On the left side you will find what is commonly believed by Americans, and on the opposite page you will find what most Hispanics agree are their cultural practices. The goal is to present tensions which will allow the reader to rethink prejudices.

2|

AH!... SO MUCH CONFUSION.

Americans

hispanics

1

1

|5

Becker, 2004, p.116

6|

adjustments from both sides

When Americans travel abroad, it is said they “in-

Similar to a university setting, people who are ad-

stantly notice strange sights, smells, and sounds

justing to a new country experience a “U-shaped

of their new reality. So varied and intense are the

curve” 3 as they move through the cultural pro-

changes in these unfamiliar surroundings that

cess. This is the case for Hispanics who relocate

their senses are overwhelmed.” 2

to the United States.

sights high expectations

your unique fit

dissatisfaction frustration

increasing understanding

smells

sounds

new reality

depression

2

americans | 7

Becker, 2004, p.115

3

Krieg, 2008

8 | hispanics

What I draw from both sides is a sense of ill-formed notions when it comes to adjusting to a new person or place. Yet, I feel people from either side fail to realize they share a mutual reaction. Here is the only instance where I draw a commonality in order to build the context surrounding the following chapters.

americans | 9

My voice

from both sides

10 | hispanics

GEOGRAPHICAL DIFFERENCES from both sides

Americans think of themselves not only coming

There is an “implied but mistaken assumption

from a particular ethnic heritage, but also of be-

that the only one of the 35 countries of the West-

ing of a geographic region. They come from the

ern Hemisphere qualified to be called America is

East, South, Midwest, and West. This country is

the United States. Many residents of the United

large, so it is important to note the differences

States appropriate for their own exclusive use the

found within it. 4

nationhood label American.” 1 This description is offensive to the half-billion people residing in the other thirty-four nations of the Americas.

east

New England, early economic and cultural center for almost two centuries. Known for their self-reliance, and distinctive accent, particularly in Boston.

south

Famous for “southern hospitality” and a distinctive accent, known as the “southern drawl.” Early Protestants originally settled this region.

midwest

west

Settlers moved here for opportunities and escape religious persecution. It is the “frontier spirit” and had a significant impact in the development of American culture.

Latin American Countries

4

americans | 11

20

Called “America’s cultural crossroads” and “breadbasket.” Settlers mainly from Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

“There is no one size fits all description of latin Americans. Each country has its own striking idiosyncrasies.”5

Miller, 2000

5

Becker, 2004, pp.4, 17

12 | hispanics

Geographically unaware from both sides

Even though the United States is such a big place,

People from the United States can be perceived

some of its residents have little knowledge of the

as “culturally myopic, geographically unsophisti-

rest of the world. They think that “Koreans speak

cated, historically uninformed when dealing with

Chinese” and “Colombia is a city in Mexico.” The

Latin America” 7 for the reasons mentioned on

best thing to do is to share a little “good-nature

the previous page.

information about your own country and your international point of view.”6

bogota is the capital of † Columbia.

6 Burgoyne, 2008 A common but annoying spelling mistake I find everywhere. The correct spelling is Colombia, with an “o”.

7

Becker, 2004, p.5

†

americans | 13

14 | hispanics

Religion from both sides

90% are Roman Catholic

51% are Protestant

8

8

americans | 15

8

Wikipedia, 2008

16 | hispanics

GDP-per from capita both sides

United States $44,000

Argentina: $11,500 Bolivia: $2,600 Brazil: $6,600 Chile: $10,000 Colombia: $6,300 Costa Rica: $9,300 Cuba: $2,300 Dominican Rep: $5,800 Ecuador: $3,100

9

El Salvador: $4,400 Guatemala: $3,700 Honduras:$2,650 Mexico: $9,100 Nicaragua: $2,400 Panama: $5,500 Paraguay: $4,500 Peru: $4,600 Puerto Rico: $12,000 Uruguay: $10,000 Venezuela: $6,200

9

americans | 17

CIA,2008

10

10

Becker,2004, pp.19-27

18 | hispanics

Language from both sides

The United States has no official language. Yet,

Preserving the Spanish language within the fam-

each state has the right to determine which lan-

ily is a common practice in most Hispanic homes.

guage meets the needs of it’s population or its

The conversations between them are usually

local government.

“loud, fast, and adorned with animated gestures and body language to better convey points.” 12

It is interesting to note that Hispanics “consider Americans as sometimes cold and abrupt” when

Americans, on the other hand, “sometimes in-

they speak. 11

terpret the Hispanic’s warmth as insincere and excessive” 13

11

americans | 19

Radlovic, 1956, p.104

12

Clutter, 2008

13

Radlovic, 1956, p.104

20 | hispanics

Communication from both sides

Americans feel it is “pointless” and “premature”

Hispanics are the opposite. Taking up a greater

to invest much time talking. They prefer to reach

number of words to express an idea, they relay

a logical point quickly. 14

heavily on emotional or symbolic content.

logic 14

americans | 21

emotion Becker, 2004, p.129

22 | hispanics

Punctuality from both sides

American professionals take promptness seri-

Hispanics are more relaxed about time and punc-

ously, and the quickest way to lose their respect is

tuality than Americans. “People who are invited

to show up late. If you remember only one thing,

for an 8 AM event may not begin to arrive until

it is this: if you have an appointment, be there on

8:30 or later. Not being on time, in Hispanic com-

time, or even early. 15

munities, is socially acceptable behavior.” 16

R are ly

on

on

time

time

15

americans | 23

Burgoyne, 2008

16

Clutter, 2008

24 | hispanics

Levels of respect from both sides

Rules are meant to be broken if the “deviation can

Hispanics like rules, so they don’t break them

be explained as being best” for the goal. 17 Thus,

as often as Americans. Therefore, children are

children are encouraged to develop their own

taught to be obedient to their parents, have good

freewill by treating their parents as equals.

manners, and respect for authority and elders.

However, Latin Americans acknowledge the creativity value of the U.S. freewill embedded during childhood; “they also view the drugs, promiscuity, and materialism that plague U.S. adult society as its unhealthy behavioral extensions.” 18 17

americans | 25

Becker, 2004, p.120

18

Becker, 2004, p.118

26 | hispanics

Physical contact from both sides

Handshakes are appropriate between males and

For Hispanics, it is like performing a small ritual

females of any age. There is more contact be-

when they interact with others. They handshake

tween friends, and women tend to touch more

as they greet or leave. A “hug and light kiss on

than men. Sometimes female friends hug or kiss

the cheek between women and men” is very

on the cheek. But with men, physical contact

common. They are formal when they speak as

drops significantly. You also do not see many

their language has different uses for the pronoun

couples walking with arms around each other’s

you (usted vs. tu); usted is a polite use and the tu

shoulders. Strangers do not touch each other,

command is used between familiar people. They

and if it happens by accident people typically say

also use “titles of respect before people’s first

“excuse me” or “sorry” no matter whose fault it

names.” 20 These titles are Don or Doña.

is. The actual physical distance between Hispanics In general, Americans “keep a distance of about

is much closer when they hold a conversation, if

three feet from strangers and colleagues, even

you are to compare it to other cultures. Some go

during conversations or standing in line.” 19 If you

as far as to say that “communication is a contact

enter their space, they usually become uncom-

sport in Latin America.” 21

fortable and tend to back away from you. The key is to know when it’s time to stop moving closer.

19

Burgoyne, 2008

20 21

americans | 27

Clutter, 2008

Becker, 2004, p.128

28 | hispanics

Classroom behavior from both sides

In an American classroom, students are supposed

But on the flip side, many Hispanics are taught

to ask questions and give feedback as a way to

to listen attentively to the teacher and make little

show their participation. This behavior indicates

to no response. Because this is the complete op-

that the student is engaged, paying attention, and

posite of the standards in the US, many students

interested in the material discussed in class. 22

appear to be disengaged and not interested in learning. Some people point out that “the things that have defined your academic success in your home culture may or may not ensure your success in the US. So, watch your American classmates, and mirror their general behavior.” 23

22

americans | 29

Krieg, 2008

23

Krieg, 2008

30 | hispanics

Family dynamics from both sides

Probably one-hundred years ago, family dynam-

Typically, the father is the head of the family in

ics were similar to those in Latin America. How-

Latin America and he is “deferred to for many of

ever, in contemporary terms family is defined in a

the important decisions.” 25 The mother is usu-

broader sense than that of the nuclear family of

ally responsible for the home, although this may

long ago. Family is “almost any grouping of two

be changing. One of the striking differences be-

or more people domiciled together. These fam-

tween Americans and Hispanics is their ways of

ily groupings include single-parent households,

interacting with the other members of their fam-

blended families made up of stepparents and

ily, included the extended relatives. Individual His-

stepchildren or adoptive parents and their chil-

panics “aid other members of the family experi-

dren, and couples cohabiting outside wedlock,

encing financial problems, unemployment, poor

including gay couples.” 24

health conditions, and other life issues.” 26

Single parent families are growing, making up

One other note to point out, and one that I have

over a quarter of America. Over the “course of

witnessed cause some eyebrow raising when

a generation, the number of children per family

these groups interact with one another is that

has declined by half.” 24

for Hispanics, “staying with a relative or friend of a relative is common when traveling to another town or city (vacation, business, medical reasons),” 26 while for Americans this may be too

“Today the U.S. is a society Without a clear unitary set Of family ideals and values.” 24

24

americans | 31

Mintz, 1988

hectic and too close of an interaction.

25

Gannon, 2004, p.100

26

Clutter, 2008

32 | hispanics

Food

from both sides

Americans love soft drinks, and they are quickly

Coffee compliments most meals in Latin Amer-

becoming their “favorite breakfast beverage.”

ica — even children drink it. They take their time

Heavier meals, like “specialty sandwiches and

preparing meals, and for the most part, their

burritos are fast growing items” too. This shows

day is broken up in the following ways: break-

the rapidly growing need to eat out for all three

fast, lunch, a small rest period called a “Siesta”,

meals. Americans are spending “forty-nine cents

followed by a small informal meal known as the

of every food dollar on food eaten outside the

“merienda”, and ending with dinner and some-

home.” 27 Although Americans enjoy coffee during

times a “sobremesa”. They do much talking after

work hours, it is no after-dinner ritual.

the main meals. When you offer more food to Hispanics, they “tend to accept only after it is offered a second or third time.” 28 So do not assume





they did not enjoy your food because they reject it at first.

sodas

coffee 27

americans | 33

Lambert, 2004

28

Becker, 2004, p.147

34 | hispanics

Holidays from both sides

American holidays are as follows:

Many countries in Central and South America enjoy more holidays than their neighbors up north.

1. Martin Luther King Day

For instance, in Colombia there are 17 national

2. Presidents’ Day

holidays, and between “the Monday preceding a

3. Valentine’s Day

Tuesday holiday or the Friday following a Thurs-

4. Easter

day holiday you will find “puentes” (bridges) for a

5. Memorial Day

long weekend break.” 30

6. Independence Day 7. Labor Day

Colombian holidays are as follows:

8. Columbus Day 9. Halloween

1. New Year’s Day

10. Veterans Day

2. Epiphany

11. Thanksgiving Day

3. Saint Joseph’s Day

12. Christmas Day

4. Good Friday

29

5. Labor Day 6. Ascension of Jesus 7. Corpus Christi 8. Sacred Heart 9. Saint Pedro and Saint Pablo’s Day 10. Independence Day 11. Battle of Boyacá 12. Assumption of Mary 13. Columbus Day 14. All Saints’ Day 15. Independence of Cartagena 16. La Inmaculada Concepción 17. Christmas Day 31

29

Wikipedia, 2008

30 31

americans | 35

Becker, 2004, p.19

Wikipedia, 2008

36 | hispanics

Physical appearance from both sides

You may say that Americans value looks and ap-

For Hispanics, it seems like they value looks and

pearances a lot. But generally, they tend to dress

appearance at a larger scale because of the im-

casually when attending social gatherings that

portance in “sense of honor, dignity, and pride.” 33

are more or less commonly practiced. One ex-

Formal attire is commonly worn by Hispanics to

ample where the level of celebration is the same,

churches, parties, social gatherings, and work.

but looks vary is the American “Sweet Sixteen” Quinceañera is also a celebration for girls becom-

and the highly anticipated Hispanic “Quinces”.

ing women. However, it is composed primarily of The Sweet Sixteen is a festive celebration for girls

family and close friends to elaborately arranged

as they enter womanhood. They tend not to be as

balls. A reception is held in the home or a ban-

formally organized. 32

quet hall and the festivities include food and music, and in most cases, a choreographed waltz or dance performed by the Quinceañera and her court. 34

32

americans | 37

Ellis-Christensen, 2003–08

33

Clutter, 2008

34

Ellis-Christensen, 2003–08

38 | hispanics

Dates

from both sides

Month / day / year

12/8/09 December 8, 2009

americans | 39

Day / month / year

12/8/09 August 12, 2009

40 | hispanics

Calendar from both sides

Hispanics start their calendar with Monday.

Americans start their calendars with Sunday.

S

americans | 41

M

T

W

T

F

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

42 | hispanics

Measuring from scales both sides

customary SYSTEM

yr/mi oz/lb ˚F/a americans | 43

international system

m/km ml/kg ˚C/hg 44 | hispanics

Loyalty andfromtrust both sides

Americans “lack loyalty to employers, groups,

Hispanics would say “I need to trust you, before

communities, coworkers, relatives, and spous-

we can do business.” For them, loyalty precedes

es.” 35 But on the flip side, rules come before loy-

rules. 36

alty.

rules loyalty 35

americans | 45

Becker, 2004, p.122

rules loyalty 36

Becker, 2004, p.78

46 | hispanics

Work vs. Play from both sides

US managers are seen as problem solvers. They

Latin American managers are seen as an experts.

roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to

By rolling up their sleeves, their superiors may

resolve an immediate problem on the factory

question their social pedigree and worry their be-

floor. It would be admired by their peers, but at

havior could set a bad precedent, and in return

the same time the managers are able to keep

their subordinates may loose respect for them. 38

their superior status.

37

“Latin Americans are Lazy and unproductive” 38 But in reality, Hispanics “work when it is time to work. When it is time to play, they play. Knowing how to manage by the Hispanic clock is key to raising productivity.” 35 The issue is not that they are “incapable of producing at globally competitive levels” bur rather “it is to intelligently manage their proven impressive potential for production.” 38

37

americans | 47

Becker, 2004, p.117

38

Becker, 2004, pp.61, 80, 117

48 | hispanics

Hiring practices from both sides

Employers in the United States rank potential

For Hispanics, it’s all about the applicant’s family

employees on qualifications, professional skills,

background, social class, loyalty to an executive,

achievements, and education. 39

and ability to get along with coworkers. “This blurs the lines between personal and work lives.”40

39

americans | 49

Becker, 2004, p.124

40

Becker, 2004, p.124

50 | hispanics

Money

from both sides

Americans are known for being big donors com-

Hispanics, on the other hand, “have detached at-

pared to the rest of the world. “The two most

titudes that lead to nepotism, tax evasion, litter-

generous groups in America are the rich and the

ing, environmental neglect, reluctance to coop-

working poor. The middle class give the least.”41

erate to achieve a common goal, and tradition of

Yet, their contributions help maintain charities,

public charity and fixing the public poverty that

fix public poverty, and fight environmental ne-

surrounds them.”42

glect. It is also important to note that for Hispanics it is When going to restaurants, hotels, etc it is com-

not common to give tips.

mon to give a percentage back to the person do-



ing a service for you.



tips

yes

no

tips

41

americans | 51

Stossel, 2006

42

Becker, 2004, p.123

52 | hispanics

HA! LET’S SHARE A GOOD LAUGH INSTEAD.

HISPANICS

AMERICANS

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and

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