Cultural differences?

Question

Any thoughts on big cultural differences that have been most striking to you between the US and Latin countries? Will be traveling to Central America soon and was interested to hear everyone's thoughts. It will be for a humanitarian trip, rather than tourism, so we will be a lot more exposed to culture, I think.

Answer 1

Personal space. That was a big culture shock for me. When I moved here, I got off the plane and met the captain of my team (I was a college athlete). As I got close to her to kiss her, as Latinamericans do commonly, she moved back and extended her hand. I felt bad at first, but after, I realized that the sense of personal space is different here.

• oh yes!! we kiss everybody for any ocassion... that's very different!! - Benz Mar 12, 2010
• That was 12 years ago... My friends have learned by now ;) - LuisaGomezBa Mar 12, 2010
• That was 12 years ago... My friends have learned by now ;) - LuisaGomezBa Mar 12, 2010

Answer 2

The whole culture is built around Catholic guilt...lol Americans today don't have many morals, so, guilt is not a big part of our culture. In the latin countries, guilt is used many different ways to get ones way.

Answer 3

You might want to take a quick look at Ned Crouch's excellent book "Mexicans and Americans: Cracking the Cultural Code". I know the title is an indication that the book is about Mexicans, and it is specifically, but a lot of the things that Dr. Crouch discusses are valid in a general sort of way for the Hispanic approach to life (I know it's not a one-size-fits-all, but sometimes generalities can be useful.)

While the book is aimed specifically at people who do business in Mexico, the generalities are valid for anyone.