One of the biggest cultural differences that I have struggled with while in Greece is the normality of staring and being stared at. Having been raised in the States, I have the understanding that staring at people is considered rude or disrespectful. However, since being in Greece, I have realized what a common practice this is. Although I will still feel uncomfortable when being stared at, I have come to understand this difference.
While on a school trip to the island of Crete, I had the chance to speak with a local Cretan man about this social practice. He asked me the same question as this prompt, about what is culturally different in the United States. In his opinion, it is strange that we do not stare at each other. He wondered why we wouldn’t want to look at interesting things that were happening to people around us. This made me laugh but also reflect on why this is a thing in the States. When the man asked me why it is considered disrespectful, I could not come up with a good reason. This made me realize how many cultural norms that I have internalized and never questioned. I wonder how I will feel about this when I do go back to the States.
Because staring has been an adjustment for many of my friends, we have discussed this with each other before. One of the aspects we have talked about is looking away when making eye contact with someone. The level of discomfort that goes along with staring at someone while they stare at you is still something that we can’t always figure out how to navigate. Although I am still getting used to this, I have a better understanding of it now.