As a native Italian living abroad, I have observed cultural differences for a while. Ever since I moved to this intrepid and optimistic land, I have learned something new every day, both about America and about myself. And as time goes by, I have not stopped marveling upon the circumstances of being immersed in a culture that is not my native one. In the process, I discovered that I have retained this desire to remain curious and interested in anything new and different. This long journey has been my personal fountain of youth. The inner vitality of newness is one of the strongest forces that make people dream and leads them to foreign shores. Foreign traditions, which appear odd at first, reveal after closer observation distinguished traits of a different philosophy and approach to life. Diversity, so at risk nowadays, both in our biosphere and in the ethnic and political arenas, is fundamental element of survival of our civilization. Diversity should be able to teach us respect for other people’s perspectives, choices and inclinations.
 I propose today that we visit the customs of our countries with the regard and the sense of awe children have when they are brought before something they have never seen before. Curiosity may save us from the isolation of our cultural cocoons – those private, inner worlds where we all retreat when things look way unfamiliar. Furthermore, I propose that you take some of the bold affirmations in this article with sense of humor. Laughter is always at shortage, and I find that coffee consumption provides a unique opportunity to catch each other in the act.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
