Introduction
Changing coordinates does not only mean a change in position but also a culture change; quite similar to drinking flaming hot tea directly followed by eating freezing ice cream. Travelling could be the best way to test that feeling. People travel carrying all their cultural backgrounds to their destinations. Some choose to give up on their own culture for the sake of adopting the new one. Others choose to stick to theirs, refusing any kind of change. A third team, however, prefers blending both, creating a mixture with a new flavour.
Culture shocks:
As for people adapting to cultural changes, the phrase “culture shocks” remains meaningless. Continuously repeated now and then, the “culture shock” phrase gains its logical existence. Nevertheless, a closer look reveals the exaggeration lurking behind those resounding words. Differences, other than those of place, could lead to that so-called “culture shock”. Residents of the same place could be of different cultures as a result of different traditions or personal beliefs. It is not necessarily related to the place.
Culture clocks:
Despite being the most reasoning creatures ever, human beings fail to follow the pattern of other species all over the globe. Birds, for instance, have been able to coexist for centuries despite their major diversities. Disputes may occur occasionally. Nevertheless, all these disagreements can be settled smoothly to bring peace to all. Animal Kingdom has a lot of lessons to teach.
Hence, there is no need to insist on calling it “a culture shock”. Human beings were meant to get to know each other. Most people are still able to take differences and handle them rationally. Evidence is that thousands of people never stop travelling every day. So, it is time to consider it differently. Time zones spread all over the whole world. People keep interacting and connecting, though. Only a few hours separate you from your fellow humans everywhere. It is just a “culture clock” rather than a “culture shock”.
Conclusion:
Differences do not necessarily lead to shocks and hence rejection. Understanding is always there to bridge the gap between nations. It is just a difference in time and direction.
