Rodney and Elise are American students studying abroad in Italy. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. When Rodney’s host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. This is an example of:

 Options:

a. culture shock b. imperialism c. ethnocentrism d. xenocentrism

The Correct Answer Is:

a. culture shock

Correct Answer Explanation: a. culture shock

Rodney’s reaction to the greeting in Italy reflects a classic case of culture shock (option a). Culture shock occurs when individuals encounter unfamiliar customs, behaviors, or social norms that differ significantly from what they’re accustomed to in their own culture.

It’s a common experience for people who find themselves in a new cultural environment, especially when they are not expecting certain behaviors or traditions.

Rodney’s response of pulling back in surprise is a clear indication of his discomfort or astonishment at the difference in greeting customs between his home culture and the one he’s experiencing in Italy.

This reaction is typical of someone going through culture shock, where the unexpected encounter with different social practices can momentarily disorient or surprise an individual.

Let’s break down why the other options are not the correct answer:

b. Imperialism:

This term refers to a political and economic system where a powerful country extends its control over other regions or countries, often through colonization or military force. In Rodney’s scenario, his reaction to the greeting in Italy isn’t about exerting control or dominance over the Italian culture.

Instead, it’s a personal response to encountering a different social custom, without any intention of imposing his own cultural norms onto the Italian culture or vice versa. There’s no element of political or power-driven motives in Rodney’s surprise at the greeting.

c. Ethnocentrism:

Ethnocentrism involves judging other cultures based on the standards and values of one’s own culture. While Rodney might initially feel surprised or taken aback by the greeting in Italy due to its difference from his own cultural norms, this reaction doesn’t necessarily suggest that he views his own culture as inherently superior.

His reaction is more rooted in the unexpectedness of the custom rather than an immediate judgment of it being inferior. He might need time to understand and adapt to this new cultural practice rather than dismissing it outright as inferior.

d. Xenocentrism:

This term refers to an excessive admiration or preference for other cultures over one’s own. In Rodney’s case, his reaction to the greeting in Italy doesn’t suggest that he sees the Italian culture as inherently superior to his own American culture.

His surprise or discomfort is a natural response to encountering a new and unfamiliar social practice, rather than an expression of admiration or preference for the Italian custom over his own cultural practices.

In essence, while these terms imperialism, ethnocentrism, and xenocentrism highlight different attitudes or behaviors towards different cultures, none of them adequately capture Rodney’s immediate surprise and discomfort at encountering a new and unfamiliar cultural practice, which aligns more closely with the concept of culture shock.

His reaction reflects the common experience of feeling disoriented or surprised when faced with customs or behaviors vastly different from what he’s accustomed to in his own culture.

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