Cultural Differences
Cultural Differences
Dorri Mollon
May 3, 2010
Cultural Differences Differences between cultures are wide-ranging and there are also many differences among cultures that are geographically close. The noticeable differences are from the uniqueness of specific cultures or of an individual influenced from belonging to his or her family culture. Families have tremendously strong connections for an individual to remain within and follow the customs of the culture he or she has been raised.
Cultural Identity and Bias Families have a strong influence, no matter which culture, on the individuals belonging to the immediate family unit including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In the Greek culture, life is centered on the family unit. The father is the head of the house and has final word of any decisions made. Although it has been said that “the man is the head but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants” (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, 2002). Marrying a Greek man, having Greek children, and living a Greek life is what is expected of young Greek women. The thought of marrying a non-Greek is unfathomable and not easily accepted within the structure of most Greek families. The father would have to decide on accepting this change and the young woman would have a difficult time being accepted within her own family for making this sort of decision. Most Greek families work for the family businesses. Hiring outside of the family is unacceptable as the Greek family is enormous and consists of enough members to fill any vacant position. As the father is the hierarchy, decisions are made by him and when the head of the house makes a decision it is final. Change is very hard to accept, which is why going outside of the Greek culture is a hard change to make. Religion and learning the cultural ways from the old world is imperative to the Greek family members, carrying on tradition is highly important and expected from all
Dorri Mollon
May 3, 2010
Cultural Differences Differences between cultures are wide-ranging and there are also many differences among cultures that are geographically close. The noticeable differences are from the uniqueness of specific cultures or of an individual influenced from belonging to his or her family culture. Families have tremendously strong connections for an individual to remain within and follow the customs of the culture he or she has been raised.
Cultural Identity and Bias Families have a strong influence, no matter which culture, on the individuals belonging to the immediate family unit including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In the Greek culture, life is centered on the family unit. The father is the head of the house and has final word of any decisions made. Although it has been said that “the man is the head but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants” (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, 2002). Marrying a Greek man, having Greek children, and living a Greek life is what is expected of young Greek women. The thought of marrying a non-Greek is unfathomable and not easily accepted within the structure of most Greek families. The father would have to decide on accepting this change and the young woman would have a difficult time being accepted within her own family for making this sort of decision. Most Greek families work for the family businesses. Hiring outside of the family is unacceptable as the Greek family is enormous and consists of enough members to fill any vacant position. As the father is the hierarchy, decisions are made by him and when the head of the house makes a decision it is final. Change is very hard to accept, which is why going outside of the Greek culture is a hard change to make. Religion and learning the cultural ways from the old world is imperative to the Greek family members, carrying on tradition is highly important and expected from all
References: Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002). Director, Joel Zwick; Writer, Nia Vardalos, Gold Circle Films. Lustig, M.W. & Koester, J. (2006). Intercultural competence: interpersonal communication across cultures (5th ed.). Pearson/Allyn & Bacon