by Louisa Dembul

Created on: September 01, 2010   Last Updated: January 16, 2012

Most of us live in multi cultural surroundings these days. Culture can bind us together, but it can also be a cause of division. How does our own culture affect the way we view others? What steps can we take to minimize problems?

Once my friend, who is of Greek origin, went to Sweden on business.He was sent by the head-office in the US, to introduce a new computer program to their filial in Sweden.This newly created soft-ware would cut production cost in half, speed up the time from planning to production with 30 percent, as well as making the finished product look better. After presenting this program to the managers and directors at a special meeting, he waited for their feed-back. At first it was quiet. Then, the general manager said:-"Hm, this looks good.'"in a low, flat voice."Hm, I agree" said another. My friend couldn't believe his ears, he was in shock. Later on when he recounted this to me he said: "My mother uses expression such as 'Fabulous! Marvelous! Divine!'  And that's just to describe her break-fast. These people were presented with a multi billion dollar program, and all they can say is 'Hm, Very good.' I don't understand it!"

What was the problem? Culture. What is an acceptable way of expressing elation and joy in one country, is not the same in another. Those Swedes were thrilled, they thought it was a fantastic computer program. They just had a different way of showing it, a much different way.

Another example: I remember my mother always telling me to look at her when she was talking to me. Especially if it was something important, or serious. It was (and still is for many of us) a way of showing that we are paying attention in a respectful way. Now, my friend from Nigeria told me that she never allows her children to look at her when she's talking. "I want them to respect me", she says. Who is right? Both. That's the beauty of culture, there is no such thing as right and wrong, good or bad culture (as long as it doesn't violate human rights, of course). Each person is entitled to an opinion, a culture, a way of life that is good for him or her.

Of course, one has to take into consideration people living in the vicinity. This sometimes causes clashes in the Western world, when immigrants refuse to conform to local customs. But we all have to be flexible. It is true, a person has to adjust to the country where he chooses to live, even if he had to leave his country involuntarily, like refugees. On the other hand, when

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