Experience 1: Fashion and Cultural Perceptions
Q1 Describe: During my semester in France, I noticed a trend in the fashion. I was warned by my french friend and on sites to dress better than I do in the states. They said not to dress in sweats, sweatpants, leggings, workout clothes etc. however I saw many Frencg people dressing in this manner – similar to Americans.
Q2 Personal Thoughts: I found this interesting and contradictory. I was upset I did not bring as much comfortable outfits over with me as nicer outfits. France to me always had an air of high fashion, caring about outfits to be perfect, and always looking put other, naturally. However there were people my age who dressed like Americans, and I was the one who was dressed the nicest on a normal day. I couldnt help but wonder why this was so.
Q3 Cultural Reflection: In the shoes of a French person, I can imagine that these clothes can eb seen fashionable because celebrities in the States are doing this. There is lots of western influences and trends that blend into different cultures that soon become common occurrences or social norms.
Q4 Deepen Understanding: This helped me understand to embrace my roots as well as adapt to the new culture as well. I should have been comfortable to bring things I was happy and normal wearing and learn how how the french style it or make sure it looks nicer as they do. There is an elegance to the French fashion through out history – and it applies to all of this as well
Experience 2: Environmental Consciousness and Lifestyle Choices
Q1 Describe: A cultural aspect I noticed in France was the commitment in most of the community for sustainability. People sorted their waste, preferred walking or public transportation, and thought of the collective.
Q2 Personal Thoughts: When looking at Hofstede dimension, Individualism is actually higher in France than in the Sates. I found this deeply interesting, but this also resonated with me of how much they care for the environment. They also seem to have initiatives from the government which might be influencing their choices more than themselves.
Q3 Cultural Reflection: From a french perspective, these habits are probaby rooted in their culture and government. Also these hoftsede dimensions might apply more to those at work than in a French person’s day to day life. They are helping and sharing resources for future generations, which in a sense effects them, since it is their family and world.
Q4 Deepen Understanding: I think this helps understand thei daily life and how much they think about each of their actions. Understanding and appreciating these values would help make a sustainable world anywhere. I want to be more mindful now of my environmental impact in the world than normal and take some of these same actions as I became accustomed to in France. I find this is a big movement in some countries around the world and reminds me to have a mindset of observation where i go to notice these details about each culture.