New cultures

[SapphireStar]

Im sure everyone wants to embrace at least 1 new culture in their life. But can it offend people?


Just today I was shopping in China town buying some lovely bits and pieces, like Instant Miso Soup, cakes, insense and more chop sticks. In some shops they were wonderful and so happy to help me look for a product. Even some of the young locals had a smile on their faces and nodded at me with a smile.
However, in one of the local supermarkets there were 2 women who just snarled at me. And they were the workers in the shop. I smiled, but got nothing back. Except a snarl and a dirty look. I was shocked. Maybe they were having a bad day, but maybe I had offended them by going into their store and purchasing their items? Im not saying they were racist, but they perhaps thought I shouldnt be there.

Its happened before in Bradford. Me and my ex were made unwelcome in some shops and some of the people there were so racist to us. Even when we were working there we still got a lot of verbal, almost physical abuse from them.

I believe it is okay to enjoy another culture and people should be happy that others are fasinated by them and want to embrace that culture. I was told online once I was a freak and wannabe cause I admitted I was a "Japan fan". I was called and slated by certain form members (not here of coruse!) and was told to get over the fact I wasnt born in Japan and Im not Japanese. But that doesnt mean I shouldnt take an interest and love that culture.


Does anyone here love a culture so much that they embrace it as their own almost? Have you ever felt like you were a wannabe for just liking a culture??

 

[Scarlet]

No, you're a fan of the culture. A wannabe is someone who wants to live in Japan and be just like them. (Like going to bath houses and what not.) That's how I see it.

That's strange. I've never had a problem I went to certain Asian food markets around here. Usually they don't care who you are, and they're generally nice. Even in Chinatown NYC, they don't have a problem at all. They're use to seeing all kinds of people but shouldn't those people who were rude towards you get over themselves? If they have a problem seeing non-Asians enter their store then they should just go back to their county. ;/

Americans tend to report bad costumer service and if it's valid, usually something is done. I'm not sure if Britain is the same way or else I would file a report against them.

Don't let it bother you, they're just douchebags. If they want to drive away costumers and business so let them.

 

[Fusilli]

Eh, I can imagine what you mean. Though I think it's kind of ridiculous that people have the nerve to come to our country and be racist towards us. As Cerri said, if they have such a problem with us they should go back to their own country. >_>

I definitely fall into some kind of fandom category when it comes to French culture though, I'm nearly obsessed with it! I listen to French music a lot, watch French films, read French books.. I even collect berets. o.o I didn't plan it all that way though, they were just individual interests which all happened to be related to France. As in, I don't like wearing berets JUST because their French, I like them anyway and they just happen to be associated with France.

I love learning the language too, I think it sounds lovely and want to get better at it so I can spend some time living in France in the future. Again, I didn't start learning French because I love France though.. I originally learnt it because I enjoy foreign languages and also it was the only subject in that column which interested me. >_> My interest in France just grew after I started learning it, because I started reading things and listening to music in French to get better at the language.

I don't know whether I'd be considered a 'wannabe' or something like you said... To be honest I don't really care, these are my interests.

 

[Ness]

I think that it's actually quite commendable that you're trying to delve deeper into the other cultures that make up this world. Too many people nowadays get so wrapped up in their own culture that they often feel like it's the only acceptable culture. Americans get a bad rap for this...but they aren't the only ones.

For example, take the people who mistreated you. They considered it offensive (for some reason) that you were "invading" their way of life. This sort of attitude will also vary, depending on the culture in question, but that doesn't make it right. Everybody should not only investigate other cultures, but allow others to do the same to theirs.