The other day I was talking to someone in the States about gifts that people give and receive for Chuseok. One of the gifts I mentioned that took her by surprise was SPAM. Another gift I have seen foreigners surprised by is common toiletries. In the States SPAM is considered low quality meat that most people avoid, and a gift of toiletries might be taken as a sign that the receiver has not been bathing or brushing his teeth enough.
In Korea, however, SPAM complements several common stews and stir-fries well. It isn't cheap either. The grooming products are practical and meant as kind of a "I hope you are well and taking care of yourself."
What might seem peculiar on first glance is actually thoughtful and useful if the giver's heart and context is understood. I enjoy talking with friends about differences like this across cultures. Learning how other people think and act is interesting and can open our minds to see things differently. How great would it be if whenever we saw something "strange" we took the time to find out what is really going on? In terms of peace, that would be a step in the right direction.
What might seem peculiar on first glance is actually thoughtful and useful if the giver's heart and context is understood. I enjoy talking with friends about differences like this across cultures. Learning how other people think and act is interesting and can open our minds to see things differently. How great would it be if whenever we saw something "strange" we took the time to find out what is really going on? In terms of peace, that would be a step in the right direction.
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