My parents lived in Ukraine for most of their lives. From what they've told me, in comparison with America, people were much less social as they walked past each other in the streets. After leaving Ukraine, they found themselves dealing with the same dilemma I'm dealing with right now. In America, it's much more common for strangers to acknowledge each other in the streets. But at least for me, the questions are numerous. Should we say anything, or just manage a small nod? And where is the right place to look as people go from being two hundred feet in front of you to right in front of your face?
Being somebody who still associates himself with Russian culture (to an extent, obviously), situations like these can be quite puzzling. It seems as if these interactions are most common in America, and although I can definitely see the upsides to such a friendly and social society, it definitely causes for some very awkward situations. Had you been on my walk, you'd understand.
What do you think? As somebody passes by you in the street, where should you look? And lastly, are these interactions unique to Americans?
I experience this all the time. You're definitely not alone, David. I typically smile at someone when I pass them, and if they're elderly I like to say hello. I think that the interactions we have when we're walking around in our own neighborhoods are different then when you're in an unfamiliar place. I fell more comfortable on my home turf that anywhere else. I'm not sure if these interactions are strictly an American thing because every country has its own culture, and some countries are friendlier than others. In my opinion, it all comes down to personal choice.
ReplyDeleteI think this sort of small social interaction is present in any society, not just in America, but the differences between how they are treated are very interesting. I don't want to overly simplify the situation, but I think the way small things like passing strangers on the sidewalk can give people insights on the culture as a whole, and that your general attitude is reflected by everyday actions. I know you don't have personal experience in Russia, but do you know if that is true for this situation? is Russian culture more "cold"?
ReplyDeleteEven though it may come across that Americans are all more friendly and outspoken when they see strangers in public, I think we all experience this. In fact, I've actually taken out my iPod while walking my dog for fear of generating an awkward situation with an oncoming person.
ReplyDeleteI try to look at the person as I pass them to see what they are doing. Sometimes I offer a small, friendly smile. But the point is that people do feel uncomfortable when it is just two of them on a street. I know that in a big city like Chicago where there are many people on the street, you don't acknowledge any of them because why pick out one particular person out of 100 to say hi to? It would be really weird.
Perhaps the possible gut reaction to say hi or nod to someone you don't know as you pass them is a part of the suburban American idea of community. In a small, suburban town, maybe people like to be friendly and develop a connection to others they are around. I'm not sure, however, if this holds true for everyone in their suburban communities or if this is strictly American although it could be, I'm just not sure what it's like in other countries besides Ukraine now.