Thursday, October 20, 2011

Culture Shock


Boy has it been a rough 2 ½ weeks being back in the States.  Not only is my internal (sleeping) clock off kilter, but I am finding some American culture offensive.  For example, I find it absolutely offensive that a practical stranger would go through my cell phone…let alone take photos with my phone.  Now, I am well aware that some would find this funny, but I do not.  I have never in my life had anyone go through my belongings without my permission.  My parents never went through my stuff, and likewise, my parent’s do not go through each other’s purse or wallet.  To have this person go through my phone was an invasion of my privacy.  The only reason why I trusted this person is the sole fact that they are a spouse to one of my professors. 

This same person acted like a child at the restaurant we went to the other night.  Mind you, I have recently returned from India and my prerogative is a bit different to say the least.  While at dinner, this same person was quite rude to the waitress.  Complaining about the pricing is not going to make the waitress give you anything free.  The complaint was over $1.50.  Are you seriously that big of a tightwad?  No one was forcing you to substitute your fries for union rings.  There are bigger problems to worry about than swapping out fries for union rings.  Why make a mountain out of a molehill?  Top make matters worse, another person at our table wanted to point out to the waitress how the presentation of the union rings looked like a male appendage.  REALLY?!?  Did your mother not teach you anything?  I mean come on for the love of everything sacred and holy.  The rudeness and crassness was beyond my level of comfort.  It is one thing to be crass in a private setting, but it is absolutely unacceptable in a public setting.  Combine the crassness with a professor’s wife who is quite difficult would equal this Southern gal mortified.  All I can say is bless their hearts; their momma just didn’t teach them how to behave in public.  Needless to say, I will NEVER go out in public with them again. 

Some people have given me grief for going to India for my internship.  My response to them is grow up.  I will not apologize for being curious about the World and having the desire to explore it from top to bottom.  I have learned so much during my many travels, and I would do it all over again and again.  I have no regrets.  

I guess it is going to take me longer than I thought to adjust back into American society.  Bless my heart!

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