Post for Oct 1

I found myself thinking sociologically when my french teacher was explaining a few french customs to our class. She told us how the French enjoy to people watch at cafes and take their time when they ate and that they also do not shower every day. Immediately after each little fact she told us there were a number of students who obnoxiously made comments regarding the French's way of life. I thought this event was also similar to the one in sociology class and we were talking about Japanese culture.

Following the several remarks about the "weird," "creepy," and "gross" French people, I knew they were ethnocentric remarks. During 3rd period today (30 Sept 10), Dr. Murphy was interviewed and he said that we should walk a mile in each other's shoes before judging them. I think this suggestion or words of advice would apply to most any ethnocentric remark. Due to the fact that we grew up in America, we know how to behave in our culture because it's our way of life. We did not grow up in France or Japan and are therefore not entitled to disssss their culture.

I am not, however, saying we should dis our own culture either!