What little detail fascinates you when it comes to the difference between cultures?

Question

I'm from Europe... I've moved to the US recently and I noticed that many people in here have the American flag in their yard, on their door, etc. And it's quite strange for me... as back home in Europe showing a national flag that way would make someone appear nuts or at least too nationalistic... it's almost unconceivable... unless is soccer night...

Have you ever noticed interesting little details like that which make the difference between cultures?

Answer 1

bidets! the fact that no one uses them here but they're practically mandatory in other countries i've been in. when you tell a foreigner used to bidets that you don't use/do anything to clean yourself afterwards over here, they look at you in absolute horror.

Answer 2

Wow! you say chill up, we say chill out.

It always was a rarity to see Australian flags flying anywhere except government buildings, but they are getting more popular in peoples front yards now.

We are supposed to be a multicultural country & in many ways I guess we are, I find it all fascinating when exposed to it.

I think of cooking & food preparation, big family meals with many generations together.

Answer 3

I love the fact that in Texas, people wave the Texas flag, as well as the American flag.

A few weeks ago I went to this big revival and there were people there from all over the world. Some people brought flags of their countries.  But the biggest flag I saw during my week there was a huge Texas flag. Obnoxious, yes, but gotta love it.

Answer 4

Yes , I have ! I love it , Knowledge about culture is one of my most favorite topics, whether its food , cloths, religion, greeting people...Thanks for the Info About the Flag...That's Interesting...We recently had our July 4th (Independence day) that is one reason you see the Flags, Secondly We have men and women in Battle in the Middle east we as Americans show our support for them by displaying The Flag.

It Symbolizes Our freedom and the Men & Women who fight & give there Lives to Protect it...Past & present...

Answer 5

If you happen to visit Goa,  you would immediately be able to tell the religion of the house owner!

Most Hindus have sacred  "Tulsi" (i.e. Basil) plant in their front courtyard and Christians have an idol of Mother Mary holding Jesus.

This is one remarkable thing I noticed on my visit there.  But of course that is in Goan Villages with individual houses not apartments in the City...

Answer 6

I grew up in the US, but I've been told that I eat like a European because I don't switch the fork to my right hand after I've sliced my food but keep it in my left hand when eating (though I'm right-handed). I've noticed that most Americans do make that switch (not doing so is probably something I picked up from my grandparents, who were born in Europe).

Answer 7

in Europe don't they call soccer football? the only reason people put the flag in their yards is because they are proud of our nation.

Answer 8

Yeh spent a Christmas in Capetown and never saw one Christmas tree in a house only a few shops had them, it was as though it didnt exist

Answer 9

I find the fact that "personal space" is different in various cultures is unusual. I would think that it would be universal but I have noticed certain cultures get thisclose to you when they are speaking and if you back up, they just close the gap. I just found it interesting. In Canada, you are supposed to always take your shoes off when you come into someone's house. It is rude not to.

Answer 10

...eating habits as in the type of eating utensils and the way they are used comes to mind