Adjusting the Compass: One Step into South Asia

Journal Entry: 25 September 2021

In my short time in South Asia, I have noticed a variety of differences from my culture in South Texas. The biggest one and the difference I have been struggling with the most is time relativism and work ethic. In America and in every job position I’ve been in, it is imperative to be early to everything and to do all tasks with a sense of urgency and standard of excellence. I have been struck by the very loose timing of this culture, and the non-committal tendencies of the locals. I was surprised to find how much it affected me negatively and brought me a sense of anxiety, not knowing where my place is or how to function within my engrained functions, my university standards, and the demands of the culture.

The culture is this way because of their prioritization of relationships, while in America we focus on time-sensitive tasks and schedules.

In South Texas, I was raised to think very individually, knowing I had the freedom to become anything I set my mind to and to think critically and take responsibility for my actions and commands given to me. These are not values taught in my new culture, which creates a chasm between me and my new relationships within the business. Instead of dividing and conquering tasks within the café, the workers will try to all work on one task at once. It will be my and my team’s job to teach the workers critical thinking and ownership skills to help the business become more efficient, profitable, and welcoming to serve the community in the next coming weeks. However, teaching critical thinking when it is not ingrained or even a priority of the culture proves to be extremely nuanced and polarizing.

On top of the fact that honking your horn simply means, “hey I’m here!”, they also have an unwritten rule called “nose goes”.

The next and most apparent difference is the traffic! In America, it is your job to follow all the road rules and if you do not, you pay the consequences – very black and white. Here in South Asia… it’s a little greyer, haha. On top of the fact that honking your horn simply means, “hey I’m here!”, they also have an unwritten rule called “nose goes”. In America, we are taught to be hyperaware of all vehicles and signs on the road, we are responsible for everything around us. Here, you are only expected to focus on what is directly in front of you. “Nose goes” then directly translates into “if the front of my vehicle is further than yours, I get to surpass you”, and it’s a smooth process! The first two days I was a little on the edge of my seat making sure we didn't get t-boned. Still, now it is clear that everyone is their own vehicle (even if you’re on foot). No one has road rage or huge insurance battles.

I would describe traffic here as a living organism with its own cohesive communication method.

The fifth difference I noticed is the staring. Everywhere we go, we are hard-core stared at. Yes, this is because we’re majority white…but this is the case everywhere. At restaurants, the waiter or waitress will stand by the table and simply watch as you and your party decide what you will order until you are ready, on the streets and by fruit stands or other booths, they will stare from across the street because I am white and a woman or some other currently yet-to-be determined reason. Even in our business, the workers will not find a task to do but will stop what they are doing and watch us as we sit, or decide what we want to order, and will not engage in conversation…just...watch.

Similarities while coming here to South Asia were surprising! Specifically, in the clothing area, people (usually younger people) dress more Western than I anticipated.

Traditional clothing seems to be reserved for older generations or traditional events.

Another similarity is relationships. Where I come from in Texas, relationships are extremely important, particularly family. Texans will defend and provide for their family (blood or chosen) and protect them at all costs. Relationships in this new culture is similar in this way. Families are close and are expected to take care of one another, some even are chosen to move to a more profitable country to support their family abroad.

The hierarchy is prevalent, but family values seemed very familiar to me when hearing about others’ families and duties.

The third similarity I’ll mention is café culture. Here in our neighborhood, there are four or five cafes in walking distance from our house. Each one has a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere, but it so reminds me of America and the draw towards this type of business and communal space to hang out, have fun, study, or just sit and observe. It is comforting!

Dress is very similar to America for both men and women, with the slight difference and intended modesty for women – most women do not wear shorts, only pants or long skirts. We went on a work retreat at the beginning of this week, and I noticed two of my female coworkers with shorts on for the first time. As mentioned above, there is traditional wear, but it is slowly being phased out of the majority and young culture here in the city. When visiting the mountains this week, we saw many more traditional kurtas on women in the villages.

Behavioral changes I have already begun to adopt is not smiling as we walk down the street, as it is seen as an invitation I do not want to extend, as well as even adapting to having to stare men down until they look away, haha. I don’t get frustrated easily, but the stares have been getting to me this past week.

The most challenging noises I have experienced have been the onslaught of traffic horns and wailing of street dogs being abused or attacked by other dogs. Another challenging sense is the dust on the roads as vehicles come and go – masks are coming in handy!

One challenge that I foresee will be assuming my place in the hierarchy in the workplace.

Becoming close friends with those I will be working with is a good thing, however I will oversee managing them and guiding them during work hours. My boss advised us on creating clear boundaries between work and non-work and that we should be careful, otherwise our coworkers will not respect us enough to take heed of our instructions as their superior leader in the café.