As a native New Yorker living in an ever-increasingly global society, I find it important to appreciate--and respect--different cultures. Undoubtedly, ignorance to other cultures can lead to huge missteps--both personally and professionally. For anyone working internationally, it is imperative to know in which country the "thumbs up" gesture is perceived as extremely rude and in which country the "OK" gesture is unacceptable. But, beyond the lists of "do's" and "don'ts", it is equally important to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures.
I am going to share with you my experience of the most extreme culture shock I've endured: my trip to Tehran. The streets of Tehran starkly contrast to those of New York; they couldn't be much different. Of course, the main elements were the same: paved roads, bustling taxi cabs, sky scrapers. Upon a closer look, however, the differences couldn't be clearer.
The barrage of advertisements you would likely find on the side of a New York highway were replaced by religious and state propaganda. Instead of traffic cops and crossing guards stationed near schools and busy intersections, military soldiers--in full gear, guns loaded and all---guarded each street corner. And of course, Iran is an Islamic state, so the place of women in practically nonexistent (women have a much higher role in private settings; many are considered the head of their households). Furthermore, a stroll through a residential street in Tehran couldn't be further than that of a residential street in New York. Private homes in Tehran are surrounded on all sides by 10 to 15 feet high walls. The main purpose of these walls is not security, as one may guess. Instead, these walls mainly provide privacy. Most Iranians are very secular (in private), and only act very religious in public out of fear of persecution.Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this slight glimpse into Persian culture and, more importantly, understand that having a deeper understanding of other cultures is key.
