How I did it: I talked to people or interacted with them in a genuine, non-judgemental manner.  This opened so many doors that I have met people from every continent (except someone born in Antarctica - though I have met people who have been there).

I am not that much of a people person, at least not in the traditional way, but when I am wondering about some question or other, I simply ask the person.  People can tell intuitively if you're acting out of respect or not.

If things seemed to go badly or be akward for a spell due to culturally-based misunderstanding, I was patient with it and didn't just give up.  I tried to be calm about it even if I was really angry/embarassed/etc.  This is well worth it, because sometimes the big picture will work out well even if there are very uncomfortable moments here and there.

I let go of the idea that my way of doing things is constantly right for everyone everywhere.

I shared my culture and my life with these people instead of just asking about theirs.  I'm a white American, so I'm not thought of as having any culture, but that's obviously untrue.  I've introduced people to things that are special to me like my family, local seafood that we eat (I'm from New England), my town, Johnny Cash, and yes:  demolition derbies.

Lessons & tips: 1.  Be yourself.

2.  Don't be afraid.

3.  If you can travel through different communities and social situations with diginity, respect, and pride, you are well on your way to becoming a powerful, independent person.  If you choose to only be comfortable around people that are similar to you, you will live a very limited life.

4.  Travel is a great teacher, but you can meet a variety of people in your regular daily life too.  The area I live in is not considered to be diverse, but it seems to me that I have frequent opportunities to interact with people from many places.  They live and work in my town.

Resources: manners, and everything else your mama taught you

Nov 29, 2008, 04:37PM PST | 1 comment | 1 cheer