I don't understand

[rougedragon]

I have noticed not only in myself, but the other Monash Uni students, that when we arrived, we were all happy and positive, but we've gradually turned cynical and upset. And I was discussing it with them today and they all agreed with me; that we'd turned into sour grapes

Comments

[roccondilrinon]

It's simple to understand. It's a culture of liars; hide your true feelings or be shunned. America is also a culture of liars. That said, although I wasn't there for nearly as long, I didn't encounter anything like this problem.

I'm a firm believer in assimilation if you're going to live in a culture for a length of time - so long as there's no moral issue involved. Trouble is, there is a moral issue here - both in terms of lying (including hiding the truth) being wrong unless necessary for greater good, and also in terms of the emotional trouble you're all going through. It's not in their culture to care if you're upset: if you're upset, you're weak. If you show feelings, you're lacking in self-control. It's a very (immature) masculine viewpoint really; it is still a relatively sexist society.

It's not the whole culture you're having trouble assimilating with, is it? Just the parts about presenting an emotionless front to the world and preferring pleasing to helping or asserting. You're getting into the artsy side aren't you, and the history, and the language.

Soundtrack: Pink Floyd - The Trial.

("Caught red-handed
Showing feelings
Of an almost human nature -
This will not do!")

[rougedragon]

i agree with assimilation for long periods (ie; immigration) as well, but for what I'm doing, I don't.

I don't know what I'm into anymore.

But yes, I think I am liking the artsy side and the history and language.I just hate the culture of every day society because it is the opposite of what I believe in and what I am.

[rougedragon]

oh, but i do also believe in assisting and working with cultural differences as well. not just "BANG! be like us now!"

[foxindocs]

"It's a very (immature) masculine viewpoint really..."

you know, i hadn't thought of it that way before, but you're right you know. it's very much the way 10 year old boys in western society interact with eachother.