More Alike Than Different
2010.01.02. 22:22
I, similar to my exchange partner, have often been asked about the differences between Hungary and the United States and am quite reticent to provide an answer not only due to the fact that I have been in this country for a relatively short period of time but also because of the inherent dangers of generalizations. I resist formulating opinions based on scant evidence, incomplete observations or dubious presuppositions which is what I may very well be guilty of should I agree to such requests.
Should the interrogation persist, however, I may reluctantly offer such minutiae as the lack of similarities between the English language and Hungarian, discuss the plethora of soups and meat dishes or reflect upon the apparent lack of confrontational and aggressive behavior. Students sit at tables rather than individual desks. Teachers enter the classroom after the late bell. Customers place their money on a tray rather than handing it directly to the cashier. Individuals bring their own bags or baskets when shopping. Be sure to move to the back of the bus after boarding, signal before exiting a circle, sit in your assigned seat at the movie theater. The problem with these observations is that they provide little more than anecdotal tidbits and fail to develop a deeper understanding of Hungary and its people.
The longer I remain in this country the firmer I hold to my initial conviction that we, as humans, are much more alike than different. This realization may disappoint those who desire their country, town, neighborhood or themselves to be distinct, special, one of a kind. While I admit that we are all designed with unique characteristics, I suggest that, if examining humankind through an impartial lens, one would perceive a far greater number of similarities than differences. We may eat different dishes but all enjoy the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Our tastes in music may not be identical but we share a common rhythm of life. Our art may differ but we all use it to communicate similar messages. Our religions are diverse but they carry such unifying principles as faith, hope and love. We all desire to love and be loved, expect to enjoy health, prosperity and the freedom to realize our life’s purpose. We share common talents and flaws, become happy and sad, rude, polite, lazy, industrious, honest, greedy, loyal and unfaithful.
If you insist to ask me about the differences between Hungary and the United States, I will reluctantly acquiesce and provide you with a few appealing anecdotes. But I will continue to hold fast to my conviction that, in matters of critical importance, our differences fade quickly away and we are left with only significant similarities.
“All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.”
- Swami Vivekananda
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A hozzászólások a vonatkozó jogszabályok értelmében felhasználói tartalomnak minősülnek, értük a szolgáltatás technikai üzemeltetője semmilyen felelősséget nem vállal, azokat nem ellenőrzi. Kifogás esetén forduljon a blog szerkesztőjéhez. Részletek a Felhasználási feltételekben és az adatvédelmi tájékoztatóban.
Waver · http://waves.blog.hu 2010.01.11. 02:17:59
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!