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Pictures: Cultures reflected by women

Additional Reading Material                          

 Differences between the American and Middle Eastern cultures

By Edyta Tehrani

There are many differences between American, I would say even North American, culture and the cultures of the Middle East.

The most striking one is the difference in approach to relationships. In American culture relationships are rather superficial in comparison to Middle Eastern cultures.

Here the focus is more on the individual, their wants, dreams and choices. People have respect only for those who show them respect. There is no special reverence for parents and elders. People don't seek family's approval in making decisions in their life and while this approach is not all bad because there always must be some room and freedom for individual affairs, it leaves people deprived of strong bonds even with closest family members.

Among Middle Eastern people it is completely opposite situation. Family is the most important of all. They spend a lot of time together, visit each other often, even when someone is away, that person is expected to call almost everyday. They have large get-togethers around food and music. They form deep bonds with each other. Family has much to say in major life decisions of every family member. There is a form of reverence for parents and elders. Children cannot call their parents or any adults by their first name, they call even strangers reverently uncle or auntie and they don't speak to them with raised tone of voice etc. Theirs is very socially rich life and that is why they often feel very lonely in America, if they come without a family.