Understanding Cultural Norms: American vs Caribbean

This article delves into the fascinating nuances of cultural norms between Americans and the Caribbean. We explore how various behaviors and items are perceived in different cultural contexts, from staying with family during visits to the evolving attitudes towards personal grooming.

American vs. Caribbean: Staying with Family

In the Caribbean, family is the cornerstone of social life. When visiting any city or town, West Indians often make arrangements to stay with a relative rather than opting for a hotel. This practice, though widely accepted in Caribbean culture, is sometimes misconstrued by Americans. In the US, this might suggest a financial inability to afford a hotel room. However, in the Caribbean, staying with family reflects a strong sense of community and close familial bonds.

Evolution of Beauty Standards

West Indian women's beauty standards have undergone a significant transformation over the decades. In the 1980s, it was quite common for women to barely put on any makeup unless it was for special occasions. This observation is intriguing and highlights the changes in society that affect beauty practices. Today, many women in the Caribbean are embracing makeup as a form of self-expression and confidence-building, akin to what is being seen in other parts of the world.

Living Arrangements and Independence

Traditionally, living at home and returning to parents' houses is a familiar pattern in the Caribbean. Even after getting married, adults often continue to reside with their parents until marriage. This arrangement, though common, is an exception in the American context. In the US, living at home is generally associated with young people still in school or those who are financially dependent on their parents. The cultural and familial ties in the Caribbean are more flexible and less tied to socioeconomic status.

What Is Trashy and What Is Classy?

In certain contexts, certain behaviors or items may be seen as trashy, while in others, they are considered classy. Here are some examples:

Trashy Items and Behaviors

Spam the meat kind: Although this canned meat is considered a gourmet delicacy in some markets, in the Caribbean, it is often seen as an everyday, not-so-fancy choice. Bidet: The presence of a bidet beside the toilet is considered basic and necessary hygiene in the Caribbean, whereas in some parts of the US, it might be seen as a feature lacking in simplicity. Gourmet White Wurst with Lager Beer: A liter-sized Stein of lager paired with greasy white wurst is a dish that is casual and homey in the Caribbean, but may be perceived as less refined. Horse Meat: A thick, succulent filet of horse meat might be considered a delicacy in some parts of the world but is generally not to acceptable tastes in both the US and the Caribbean. Naked under Lederhosen or Kilt: An undressed look under traditional German attire, like Lederhosen, might be seen as extremely daring or not respectful in the Caribbean. Public Beach Swimsuits: In Europe, especially in public beach areas, putting on swimsuits can vary from mundane to highly personalized, depending on the region's norms.

These examples may seem trivial but they reflect a deeper cultural understanding of what is considered tasteful or not.

Exploring Other Culture-Specific Behaviors

West Indians have a particularly refined taste for tea, especially in its hot form. This preference is not widely observed in the US, where iced tea often reigns supreme. Meanwhile, the prevalence of litter is a stark contrast between the two regions. In the Caribbean, cleanliness is a societal norm, making their urban environments relatively free of litter. On the other hand, the US, particularly in some urban areas, still struggles with waste management.

Litter and Environmental Concerns

In the Caribbean, despite the economic realities, there is a strong emphasis on environmental cleanliness. However, urban areas in the US often struggle with litter, particularly in public spaces like parks and neighborhoods. This realization can lead to a sense of shame or frustration for individuals who care about the environment. The litter issue, however, is not universal and varies significantly across regions within both countries.