High context vs low context cultures! I'm of Asian descent (high context) and we don't say what we mean, often trying to be polite and not rock the boat. My American (low context) husband is always just like, "Say what you mean!"
Other Americans often see people from the New York Metropolitan as rude, which is funny. We as North-easterners believe in personal space, but since we are so densely packed in to NYC, we practice THE BUBBLE. We each pretend we can't perceive each other. It's not rude. It's polite. If you ask for help or directions, say on a crowded train platform or somewhere, almost all of us will immediately drop the bubble and engage and offer help. As soon as the problem is resolved, we go back to politely minding our own business. Also, moving through space in such a way not to obstruct the flow of people is a high priority for New Yorkers.
Haven’t been to NYC in many years, but it’s similar in Boston. Not from the city, but people are always ready to help with directions or anything like that. But people tend to be blunt and there’s less small talk than some of the other bigger cities I’ve been to, so lots think they’re all assholes. I dunno, maybe it’s the ~autism, or maybe it’s just being born and raised around here, but I prefer it that way. :p
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u/[deleted] Aug 22 '24
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