Culture Shock

Culture shock. The phrase itself sounds so harsh, so negative. When i think of the experience I had here I would more equate it with an awakening as supposed to a shock.


At first glance one would be quick to characterize all Caribbean countries as being the same, you might be familiar with the old "seen one, you've seen them all" expression. I must say in this case it could not be further from the truth. Please keep in mind that this is based on my experience in Toronto and Barbados, this is not inclusive of the entire population or Toronto or Canada and is certainly not a reflection on the entire population of Barbados. The organization I am working with is based on social and cultural development and so many of the families and people, associated with Pinelands, that I come in close contact with share similar warm familial characteristics.


When i think of 'Culture Shock" i think about the things that immediately popped out in my head as being different from Toronto. Ill give you a few examples of some of the culturally different aspects of my trip that were different for me. Take the children for example. You wont meet many children in Toronto who immediately greet you with a 'Good morning' or 'Good evening' every time they see you but a greeting like that is customary and is expected of the children here in Barbados. Not only are they courteous and respectful but they are also incredibly well put together (outfits cuter than mine lol). The young girls have their hair braided in a new style every few days and are always sharply attired lol. Its amazing to see the effects that a proactive community centre could have on a group of people. The support given to these children is beyond impressive and it seems as though the whole community truly does raise these children. Ive noticed that the children aren't afraid of 'strangers' the way they seem to be in north America. My first kindergarten lesson, right after say no to drugs, was don't talk to strangers but here everyone looks out for kids so much that strangers arnt seen as a threat. The difference is we come from a more individualistic culture while life here is more community based. Its interesting when you travel you realize for the first time that we are indeed all so different and the things we often take the most for granted are usually the things that make our lives the richest.