When people think of a person from Brazil, they usually think of someone who is naturally friendly, outgoing, and easy to get to know. Brazilians are seen by other cultures as being happy, flexible, and peaceful. Sergio Buarque de Hollanda, an anthropologist who studied the Brazilian culture, likes to say that the Brazilian is the "cordial man".
There are many things that affect culture and human behavior. Most cultures do have stereotypes, like the one of the "Brazilian cordial man". A stereotype, is a first impression or assumption that may or may not be true. It is important to avoid stereotyping other cultures. In any culture, even in Brazil, where most people are seen as friendly, kindness is sometimes arbitrary and shown only to friends and family.
Just a few factors that affect the way a person treats people of different cultures are the family, obstacles in life, their income level, personality, or education. We can learn about another culture by observing how people of the same culture interact with each other and by asking questions about their culture. It is important to learn about the contributions different cultures have made to civilization.
Brazil is a country often seen as hospitable because it receives all nations with open arms. Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro stands with open arms as the symbol of Brazil. In São Paulo, different foreign colonies live side by side in a district called "Liberdade", which means "Liberty". Jews, Arabs, Japanese, Chinese, and Italians live in "Bexiga" district. In another state of the country, Rio Grande do Sul, there is a German colony and an Italian colony. All these nations contribute to Brazilian culture with their habits, customs, languages, and especially with their delicious food. All states in Brazil have this mixture.
The United States in also known for its rich blend of cultures. The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The United States is a country of immigrants who came hoping for a better life. Its cities, towns, and communities are a mix of different cultures. In Brazil, Jews and Arabs who live here are friends. Today, in the once segregated "Deep South" of the United States, people of different races and ethnicity live, work and go to school as friends. These are examples of tolerance and compassion.
Mr. Xuy is an educator who moved to the United States from China. He shares his thoughts about cultural differences when he says, "It is difficult to understand the way some of the things are done in America, such as some of the policies in education. I do miss a lot of the food and activities we do in China, such as Spring Festival. The most difficult part is that you live in a society and culture that you do not feel you are a part of. I have been here for 20 years and I still feel that way."
Make an effort to help someone from another country feel at ease. Learn a few polite expressions in another person's language. Show that you are interested in their food, music, dress, heritage, or customs. All nations have their history, rich in culture, race, religion, traditions and values. The contact of one culture with the other enriches the people.
Culture • Kindness Kids Speak Out • Cultural Differences
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