Q&A about “Cultural Shock.”

Q & A with Ruth Blackburn

1. Can you introduce yourself? What’s your name? Hometown? Major?

My name is Ruth Blackburn. I am a junior from Birmingham, Alabama. My major is Foods and Nutrition with an Art minor.

2. When people mention Asia or Asian, what is your first thought?

I think of the cultural differences between Asia and America. My best friend went to China for 6 weeks and I think of the stories of squatty potties and riding bikes all around the cities. I once read that middle-aged men in Asia are at a very high risk of suicide because of pressure to succeed and do well in the workplace.

3. What makes you most proud to be an American?

The kindness that people show to each other even when they are strangers and do not know each other.

4. What do you think about “Culture Shock”?

I have never been affected by culture shock very much when I go to different countries. I think I am very easy going so the differences between countries do not shock me or bother me that much and it takes a lot of effort for me to pick out the differences and things that bother me or that I like better about one country.

5. Do you have any experience with “Culture Shock”? Can you tell the story?

When I studied abroad in London last semester, there seems to be an unspoken rule that you do not talk to people who you do not know. Especially on the Underground transportation system when you are riding, people do not talk to each other at all. I actually liked this because often times I do not like making small talk or talking to people that I do not know. We always talked about how if we had the Underground system in America, it would be so much louder because everyone talks to people that they do not know.

Q & A with Alexis Hawsey

1. My name is Alexis Hawsey. I am from Hueytown, Alabama. I am majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Advertising.
2. When people mention Asia or Asian, my first thought is about how different the culture, food, and languages are from what I experience in my daily life. I probably also think about movies that I have seen that were based in Asia, or even about certain artists that I know of who are from Asia.
3. I think, as an American, I am proud of how much diversity exists within the country. With people and dialects and landscapes, there’s a lot to encounter.
4. I definitely think that culture shock exists and is a big thing for people who may be visiting other countries for the first time. There is not much you can do to prepare for a culture shock.
5. I have not experienced a culture shock because I have never been outside of the United States, or even very far outside of the Southern United States. I think from watching different shows or developing an interest in an artist from outside of the United States, you can feel a little bit of a culture shock because you are seeing how someone from a different part of the world lives, but I do not have any personal experiences.

Q & A with La’Nissi Brown.

1. My name is La’Nissi and I am from Birmingham, Alabama. My major is Journalism and Mass Communication.
2. When people mention Asia or Asian, I thought it is beautifully made by God. Woven into God’s masterpiece plan.
3. The religious freedom that I have as a follower of Jesus/I don’t have to be concerned heavily about someone trying to kill me for my love for him.
4. Culture Shock is having to adjust to an environment. I believe that this is something that happens for many people when going through life changes.
5. I do not have any experience with “Culture Shock.”