#9 Geography

Where are you from?

Growing up in Greenville, Texas I was introduced to so many different geographical differences. Greenville was a town with high income businesses such as banks, oil, and real estate. The town also had very rural areas that thrived on ranching, car racing, and cow roping. The two different geographical cultures were brought together at one middle school and one high school. When I went to middle school I was so shocked at how different my peers were while living in the same town! My impressions of the "country folk," as my grandfather called them, was one of low income, tight wrangler jeans, long stringy hair, and poor grammar. This impression stuck with me through all my years in school. It is amazing how one town can have some many geographical differences based on the street name you live on.

Our "surface and hidden" behavior exercise was very entertaining, but more than that very real life! It is very true that different regions greet people in so many different ways. Imma made some wonderful points about how just shopping in Dallas is so very different than in Spain. One must learn the body language to understand how to react or reply. When you travel you must observe and evaluate the "natives" to understand what is acceptable. When teaching I must truly understand my students and where they come from to understand their reactions and responses to me. I grew up saying, "excuse me" when I didn't hear someone, but most of my students say, "HUH?" This gets under my skin, but if they are not taught what is expected I can not be upset with their reactions. What is polite to one region may be considered rude to another. I have recognized that in the South men still open doors, help you carry bags etc; but when traveling in the North I have not seen chivalry to still be around. Some women do not like men to open doors etc., but I feel that it is still important.

In our nation today there are so many different geographic regions, cultures, and expectations we must be sensitive to others first and understand where they come from before we pass judgement. It does matter where you came from, but you must be able to adapt to the places you visit, live, or encounter.