Be Aware and Flexible

Written by Debora Valentini Ginting (016201200026)

Culture is one of the words that are difficult to be explained. It has so many interpretations depending on how people distinguish the word of “culture” itself. However, received generally that culture is about us that is why “We are our culture”. That quote seems cannot be separated from the attitude and behavior. Yet, it is not as simple as it is seen many people merely perceive the culture only by what they might see. In the fact it is more than that way. Let’s see a picture that offers us about how and what actually the culture is.

Picture beside may tell that the culture is like the iceberg. This term had already been used by some people before. Thereby, culture as a whole is divided into two “sections”, they are observable and unobservable. Conclude that culture can not be interpreted and seen solely by naked eye. Due to the elements contained in the culture itself is very complex makes it is hard to describe it as a whole. The understood cultures we see are only small part of the culture when compared with parts that can only be seen if we really take part in it and make observations about the culture itself. That is the reason why we can not judge something just by its look because we never know what is behind it. Know deeply first before you are dare to judge..!!!

Knowing that the culture is ourselves means that when we are in the new place we are facing the new people which is implying we will face new cultures. It is encouraging us to do the term of “adjustment” or adaptation. There is a “W” curve portrays the process of the adjustment in the new place. Here it is..!

The curve is enlightening that we are keeping our own culture, nevertheless when we are in the new place the first time we might not receive the differences. The pace in this one is the culture shock when the situation seems so different and you can not stand for it. Temporary time goes by it is likely people may adjust themselves and get used to mingle and even absorb the new culture. Then, they go back to their origin place and culture. It can be the new one for them and they need to re-adjust themselves. It puts in the picture that the culture is everywhere and dynamic, therefore we have to be aware about that. Be aware, keep moving and be flexible..!!