COMMON MISJUDGEMENTS
Internationals often think that people in the United States are
incapable of deep conversation or thought. Many people are able to think and
talk deeply, they are just reluctant to do so with strangers.
People in the US often think that internationals who speak
rarely or quietly are too shy, too formal, or just dumb.
Arguing may alarm some people. They expect violence or
long-lasting anger to follow such encounters.
Many people are easily embarrassed by sex, religion, and
politics, and may assume that those who mention such topics are rude.
People in the United States have no taboo associated with the
left hand; they touch you or hand you objects with either the left or the right
hand.
People in the US have no negative association with the soles of
the feet or the bottom of the shoes.
A common way to greet children is to pat them on their heads.
People point with their index finger.
Respect for someone is shown by looking her in the face.
Relaxed postures, whether sitting or standing, are very common;
do not think your listener is inattentive because she is relaxed.
People are uncomfortable with silence.
The doors of rooms are usually open unless there is a specific
reason to close them.
Religion
Religion does
not play the same role in the United States as in many countries. There is no
government-supported religion or established church of state. The government is
based on "separation of church and state," and people believe this.
In general, people are quite private about their religious views. Do not talk
about religion until you know someone better.
This does not
mean that people are not religious, and that religion is not a political issue
or an important part of people's lives. Most people in the United States believe
in God, and the majority of people are Christians. Christianity is divided into
Catholicism and Protestantism. Protestantism is also divided into many
churches: Baptist, Methodist, Mormon, Christian Scientist, to name a few. Many
believers reject evolution in favor of creation and some believe any form of
birth control is a sin. You should be aware of different views when discussing
religion. Christianity has many different faiths, and the United States has
many different religions.
All major
world religions are represented on campus. There are many Christian groups, and
some represent a particular nationality. These organizations often have weekly
Bible studies, English lessons, and other activities for their student members.
For more information, check the Arizona Daily Wildcat for meetings.
Tucson has
dozens of churches and places of worship: Protestant, Catholic, Islamic, and
many other religions and denominations. Look in the yellow pages of the phone
book under "Churches" for a list of all the religious organizations
in Tucson.
Someone may
telephone you or come to your house to talk about their religion with you.
These people are salespersons for their beliefs. They often invite new
international students to a "dinner" or "party" in order to
tell the students about their beliefs. Your conversation partner may be part of
a religious group on campus. However, most people are friendly and want to
learn more about you and your country. If you are not interested in discussing
religion with them, simply thank them for their time and excuse yourself. If
they ignore your requests and continue to pressure you, you do not have to be
polite.
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