Cultural Differences

Sometimes I go on the train and differences in upbringing can become incredibly apparent. There are the people who jostle with abandon and not bother to apologize for the manhandling, and there are those who tell their children to apologize for merely bumping my backpack. One certainly sounds crass and callous while the other's pleasantly polite. The two examples of humanity came from different walks of life, with different cultures. One came from a background where parents teach their children to rush to board a train and secure their seats, whereas the other came from a more sanguine culture where it's proper to respect others. Likewise, I've observed individuals who recognize that it is impolite to stare and will soften a fascinated look with a smile, while there are others who would stare and look guiltily away when noticed only to surreptitiously administer the stare when the notice has passed. Those of the more genteel upbringing would undoubtedly find it unusual that any decent folk would behave in that manner. However, what fascinates me is how the other specimen has been cultivated in an environment where such conduct is (implicitly perhaps) perfectly acceptable. Cultural standards sure do differ greatly.