Now we all know that going to another country may bring about some "Culture Shock", and there are lots of cultural differences that are obvious to an American in Spain:
-Siestas (and stores closing during this time)
-NO mixing sweet and salty (oh readily accessible Peanut butter how I miss you!)
-Large 7eleven coffees are non existant
-No eating in any place that is not MADE for eating (your home, a bar/restaurant or park)
-People play staring games on the Metro
-The noise level is noticeably higher
-Everything is closed on sundays
These are all very obvious differences that are quickly learnt by anyone who spends more than a few days here. However, recently I have discovered other differences that I found extremely quirky, things I would have never have learnt about if it weren't for American television being viewed here in Spain.
Example 1: Modern Family
Esteban and I love Modern Family, we always watch it in English with Spanish subtitles. Sometimes I find something hilarious, or simply funny, and I look over and Esteban is NOT laughing. I realize: crud, its cultural! So I have to explain.
The episode was the one in which Cam and Mitch had tickets to the Lady GaGa concert, and were very excited; until Cameron became sick. Mitch was in quite a dilemma, does he go to the concert or not?
While interviewing about the upcoming concert, Mitch says: We had great tickets for Lady Gaga. I was looking forward to this concert for weeks. It's the one gay stereotype I allow myself.
After saying this, Mitch crosses his legs and places his hands over his knee, in a very "flamboyant" manner... suddenly upon realizing his quote and the position he is sitting in (the one gay stereotype...) he spreads his legs awkwardly far apart to look more "masculine"
 |
| gay? straight? or european? |
This, I found funny. But Esteban did not. I had to explain that in our culture, when a man sits with his legs crossed like that, he is considered very feminine, and yes, GAY!
Esteban found this preposterous! Its a comfortable position, it doesn't mean he's gay!
This revelation was made a few weeks ago, but the rerun was on so I was reminded of this hilarious video of soldiers attempting something so simple as a jumping jack!
At the end of the video, host Rob asks co-host Chanel if SHE can do a jumping jack. When she can Rob screams "Look at that! A fully coordinated American citizen!"
Go ahead, ask a Spaniard what a jumping jack is. Show them a jumping jack and ask them if they've seen them before, or have ever been asked to do one. The answer I believe, is NO
I have been doing jumping jacks probably since preschool! It is the most basic warm up of American society. I think I have probably easily done over 3 million jumping jacks in my lifetime.
For the record, Esteban also can do a jumping jack. The number of jumping jacks done in his life is now at about, 2.
A third non media related difference, is shamelessness.
After a long day of walking or if Im tired, Esteban has no shame carrying my purse for me. I insist that he doesn't do it, that he looks silly, but he doesn't care. I thought it was just him.. but lately I have seen lots of men carrying their ladies' purses around! And I must say, I LIKE IT! Go Euromen!
 |
| Look what he's holding! =) |
I will keep my eyes and ears open for more!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment