Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

Globalization has indeed encouraged migration of people from different culture to different parts of the world since few decades ago. This has also led to the emerging of different subcultures in different societies and nations now. A practice or ritual that was practiced by the people from the same culture, may change in its meaning that it brings to or the way it is conducted by the people in its group now.

When I was travelling in Hong Kong with my family a few years back, we actually noticed some cultural differences between us and the people of Hong Kong, although we are of the same race and practice almost similar culture.

I could remember vividly how their perception of time is totally different from that of ours. I always thought that probably getting not-so-on-time is a Chinese culture, but my perception has totally changed when I observed how the people of Hong Kong rushed to their destinations even when they were having a retail session during leisure time and how wisely they had used their time when they were waiting for public transport.

On the other hand, I noticed that they were also generally more suspicious towards strangers. When I was taking photograph or video when I was walking along the street, a few of them actually looked at me as if I was shooting them, and one had approached me and asked whether I was taking a photograph of him.

I understood that these cultural differences might have existed due to their competitive environment and hectic lifestyle. From this experience, I have learned that cultural differences may be due to other factors like environment and educational system, rather than just the race itself. I believed cultural differences could be overcome when both parties try to understand each other and the reason behind their actions, thoughts and behavior.