Some Cultural Similarities
As much as I have travelled this summer, and as many
cultural differences that I have seen, there are just as many
similarities. We are all humans, and we
all need basically the same things – especially food and family. Everywhere I have gone, more so in India, the
family is the basic unit of life. Family
life is the quintessential cornerstone in Indian culture. It is one of the most important parts of my
life too. I was so grateful when I got
off the train in Le Havre to see my grandmother and great-uncle standing there
waiting for me. I knew that even though
I was far away from my home in the US, I still had a place here where I was
welcome. Families are universal. There
are a few other things too that go around the world crossing cultures and other
geographical barriers.
One of the best ways to welcome someone into your house is
over a meal. In my experience, it is the
best way to get to know a culture first hand. I eat almost anything and I love to try new foods. Trying all the different foods was a great
way to explore India. The country is so
diverse; every state has its own specialties and different ways of preparing
essentially the same dish. France, oh
where to begin with French food. Oh, I
know, I love it! I have grown up with
French food and customs, and have been so happy the last week to be eating
amazing food. I love cheese, bread, and
wine – the simple things really. Well, not
quite. France has so many different
cheeses and wines; you can go years of eating a different cheese and wine every
day and still never have the same combination. They are all so unique and each equally amazing with a bouquet or
flavors and smells. I have really missed
eating cheese this summer in India.
I have always had an idea, but I never really thought how
much geography shapes food habits and customs. The north of France is where all the good cheese comes from. Not because they have a super breed of cows
or goats that live here, the great cheese here is credited to the lush green
grass from the perpetual rains. So,
essentially, they have super grass! India doesn’t have many grassy fields, and
with the cow being more of a religious icon, they do not have a large cheese
producing economy. In my opinion, too
bad for them. I feel bad that they are
missing out on this. But, it is not in
the culture, so I cannot say anything bad; just I wish they had the opportunity
to eat great cheeses. I am going to be
sad when it is time to go back to the US, because then I know that I will miss
the French culinary experiences that I am having now. Sure, I can make most of the food, but
without the fresh ingredients, its just not the same. But isn’t French cheese moldy you say? Well, yes, some of it is. And, that moldy cheese, Roquefort, is one of
my new favorites. So, it guess if I
leave some old slices of Kraft American singles open in the back of the fridge
for a while it will have to do… Then I
guess I can splurge on some Camembert and some St. Andre brie once in a while.
America has benefited from having a very diverse landscape
and great transportation within the country. Anything grown anywhere in the country can be sent anywhere else to
eat. I have grown up eating Wisconsin
cheese, Florida orange juice, and Californian grape juice; just to name a few
things. I am sure that years ago this
was not the case, but I am very happy to live in a place and time where I can
have food from all over the place.
Aside from food, one of the newer universal similarities
that I have noticed is radio and radio advertising. It is pretty common whatever station you
listen to - especially morning radio (talk) shows – to hear that really
annoying five minute long intro that really only says the same two things: the
station call letters/ frequency, and a random catchy little jingle that plays
it in different voices and lots of sound effects. I think one of the best examples of what I am
saying is statically displayed in Family Guy by Brian and Stewie Griffin when
they had a morning radio show “Dingo and the
Baby”. Well, the Indian radio market
is, like everything else in India, growing rapidly and greatly influenced by
western culture, and radio broadcasting. For example, the big station in Bangalore was “Radio 1, FM 93.5. The
station for the fatafah generation.“ (FYI, the fatafah generation is a Hindi
term used to describe the “young and fast moving” generation that currently is
working. They want everything very fast and right now.) Now, repeat that for the next five minutes in
different voices and add some sound effects, and viola. You are on your way to
becoming a radio producer. Also, in my
time here in France, I have listened to the radio enough to hear that long
intro to a radio station. It is everywhere! Someone make it stop!
