Culture Shock

Culture Shock

Located in the deep southern part of South America, Yanomamo is filled with a culture vastly different than my own. To prepare for the culture shock, I would study the Yanomamo culture: language, symbols, values, beliefs, norms, folkways and environment. I would also watch videos of the culture and how people behave. Folkways are extremely important to learn; I would want to dress similarly to the Yanomamo so I can be accepted in casual routines such as gardening, visiting, making crafts, or fetching water. I would want to learn about the Yanomamo symbols; painting their bodies and wearing feathers.

By studying the culture, wearing clothing that is acceptable, and responding with acceptable behavior, I will lessen my experience of culture shock and lessen my impact of culture shock on the Yanomamo. Prior to leaving I would consume foods similar to those of the Yanomamo to help my digestive system prepare for the shock of mostly a vegetation diet. Understanding the Yanomamo culture allows room for acceptance and preservation of cultural heritage.

Three years ago my family and I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to visit a friend. We were shocked to witness segregation existing in today’s century. Neighborhoods were segregated into races; Whites lived in one section, Blacks lived in another, and Mexicans living in yet another section. They did not cross over into other neighborhoods but they shopped at the same stores, visited the same restaurants, and attended the same schools. However, many are not friends with people of other races; they do not attend events such as prom together. When the Confederate flag is flown on vehicles, it signals White pride and racial oppression.

References

J. J. Macionis (2006). Society: The Basics (8th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

Yanomami: Shabono to Suburbia (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2011 from http://www1.broward.edu/~hsorkin/Lib-Arts/Projects/Fall2002/Hottinger/index.html