Michelle CP#5

Date: February 14, 2017
Time: Noon
Location: Dirac Starbucks
Topic discussed: Disagreeing and Gifts

Lesson Learned:

I learned that Korean and American cultures are quite different in their opinions on disagreements. In America, disagreeing with one another is a common experience. Often, stating one's difference in opinion is even supported, as it can broaden others' perspectives. In an academic setting, debates are also viewed as a means of interacting with the subject being taught. Overall, disagreements can be had without offending one another's personal sensibilities. Politics and religion are the only exceptions to this rule because people have a hard time remaining objective.

Unlike American culture, Koreans are not prone to this type of discourse. Disagreements and debates are considered personal attacks. In the academic setting, students are not encouraged to question the opinion of an authority figure either. If one does disagree with their instructor, they do so with respect and indirectly with the support of many facts. My conversation partner mentioned that there is an idiom that states one must disagree with a "heavy mouth". This comment states that a person should not talk until they know what they are talking about.

Although our cultures are very different, I can see positive aspects for each side. The American incorporation of debates, and celebration of independent thought allows for individuals to fine-tune their higher order thinking skills at an early age. However, requiring that individuals are knowledgeable before speaking, ensures that people think before they speak. In my opinion, neither culture is perfect. By combining each others values, we may have better conversations rooted in fact.