manners
They Still Say Hello Over There
I think this week, of all weeks, is a week for grace. It’s a week to watch an inane video of One American mocking Canadians and to realize, No one person fully represents any people group. Shepherd Smith’s views of Canadians may be highly visible, but they don’t represent the attitude of (all) Americans toward (all) … Continue reading
Dear Western Bride of a South Asian Groom, Part I
A dear friend asked me recently for advice as she prepares to wed her South Asian Man. What advice could I give? I am a semi-competent wife, failing to love and listen and learn quite often. I am biased, confused and process things in categories that make sense to me (but maybe not to others). … Continue reading
Part-Irish
I’m not very good at being Irish. In fact, I’m not too sure what it means to really be Irish. I do know that the Irish people in my life are spirited, hilarious and some of them have super cool accents, so there is that. I’ve done quite a study of Being Indian, and my … Continue reading
Culture Shock Canada!
The sky is low and grey. Snowflakes drift lazily, framed by the library window. A lecture floats through my earbuds, vying for my attention. As I click through dozens of photos brightly painted houses, shrieking children, lush palms and steaming chapatis pull me out of the dull Ontario winter and into memories. Culture shock is a … Continue reading
Many Villages: Acculturation or Assimilation?
This past semester I took a course on Cross-cultural counselling. Part of the coursework is a weekly journal reflecting on anything I’ve learned, thought about, or found challenging from the course material. I decided to post parts of these reflections in a weekly series called “Many Villages”. In South Philly there are two Cheesesteak joints … Continue reading
