I loved Professor Ivers' class because indeed many of the things he said are true and common in my culture. He made me laugh to see that these things he points are accepted in other cultures. Throwing a marker or any other object at an older or more senior person is disrespectful. You can do it among your peers, but you shouldn’t do it with your grandparents, with your teachers, with one less boss ... It’s also very rude to yawn in public and if you do, you should cover your mouth and try to prevent others from noticing. Listening to music at full volume is common to see in places of low socio-cultural strata but the middle or upper class doesn’t usually do it, and if it happens you can call the police if that bothers you. But some people don’t mind and enjoy the music of the neighbor's party and even make jokes about it because in general Venezuelans have a very good sense of humor. Particularly, it doesn't bother me. If the music is good it's fine, but if they play “vallenato” or “reggaeton” then I do call the police because I don't like that music ... so it all depends on good or bad taste to play music, hahaha. In general, even in the midst of the crisis, Venezuelans have a very good attitude and are happy without any explanation. So, it’s common to go through the streets or in supermarkets and have background music.
Another the portrayed cultural aspect of my culture is walking with your hands in your
pockets, and if you drag your feet worse, because it gives the appearance of
laziness, of being careless with your appearance. In Venezuela, the appearance
you project to other people is very important. There is a saying that goes:
"First dead than bathed in blood." Just imagine! The concept of
beauty is very important, the appearance you project. You cannot walk with your
hands in your pockets, drag your feet when walking, or go to the pharmacy with
sandals and shorts. If there is something we are proud of, it’s to be the
country with the most titles on beauty pageants, because appearance is very
important. And that importance we give to personal appearance also carries over
to your home. If you invite someone to your house and a cockroach comes out,
you die of shame, and you begin to justify that you don’t usually have that
kind of insect at home. So, in general, Venezuelans are usually very friendly
with their guests, and in some cities like Barquisimeto or Mérida, they are able
to give them the bed where they sleep if necessary so that they are
comfortable.
Punctuality
in Venezuela is a relative matter. In formal places like work or an interview, it is important to arrive early, but if you have a date with a friend, or if
you are invited to a party, it is okay to be late. Arriving early at a party is
ugly ... But it seems that it is a more permissible issue for women, not so
much for men. If a man asks you out, it’s okay to be late, because "good
things are made waiting" and you don't want him to think you're desperate,
and in marriages the bride usually makes the groom waiting at the altar for a long
time. And the civil chief and the priest understand it, it’s normal. Also, it’s
feasible to share a table in a restaurant if there are many people, you ask
permission, you say hello and you even make new friends because Venezuelans
are very friendly in general. But if it's a couple in love, you don't do it
because you don't want to be a "lamp" (a person who interrupts a
romantic moment) between them. In a queue, be it at the bank or anywhere else
it’s almost impossible to be quiet and you talk to people in the queue, and
sometimes you even exchange phone numbers to stay friends. This is how we are.
There are
probably many other differences in manners. Analyzing these customs rooted in
my culture and comparing them with others has been very interesting. I love
living at this age where you can have access to all this type of information.
The internet has allowed us to get closer to know each other better. It's
almost like looking out of your neighbor's window. My dad used to travel a lot
and he always told me “Wherever you go, do what you see." Without a doubt
there was wisdom in his words, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Education cannot be immune to these differences. Respecting differences, whether of race, culture, religion, or even disabilities is not only important in an increasingly globalized world, but also prepares all those who live in the educational environment (teachers and students) to be supportive, to value, and learn from others, to be tolerant and respectful, and to avoid making decisions based on prejudices and stereotypes.
References:
Difference in Manners https://video.byui.edu/media/06+Difference+in+Manners/0_xc0a34gb
Image 1 by luis_molinero from Freepik
Image 2 by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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