Cultures in Perspective

By Patrick Chong

Much has been said and debated about Eastern and Western cultures

and values. Western value system, to make a generalization, advances the notion of the economic man, individualism and liberal values. Eastern culture is generally portrays to represent collectivism, traditions and conservatism. Whatever the differences, let it be said that each has developed in its own way. What seemingly appears as difference may well hide similarities.

Take the Western hand-shake for example. The significance of the hand-shake to show your counterpart that you’ve come in peace and the open hand-shake shows you are unarmed. In similar significance, the Chinese will hold up both hands together in a cupped fashion demonstrating the same unarmed manner in which the guest is greeted.

The Japanese, although not quite the same gestures as demonstrated above, bow to their guests. The bow demonstrates trust in the guest to the extent that the guest would not take advantage of the host's weakened position to be beheaded. The ancient samurai would never bow to anyone, friend or foe, except to his lord and master to whom he owes total royalty and for whom he would die for.

Another example; it has been said that the Vikings celebrate a victory by holding up the skull of his slain enemy which is filled with alcohol and a shout of “Skol!” In the East, where drinking is a socio-cultural norm, both guests and host will raise their cups of alcoholic beverage to celebrate the occasion. Although the former is of more macabre nature than the latter, they both share the same celebratory significance. Universally in practically every culture, people hug each other to express love, friendship and fraternal warmth.

One exception may be the Eskimos who demonstare similar sentiments by rubbing each other’s nose with his or her own nose. Perhaps their cold climate has something to do with it. Covered from head to toes in warm clothing, the only expose body part is their faces. Maybe that’s why they rub noses!