Happy Independence Day! I chose to say it this way on purpose. I've been thinking about what to write for today and decided to use Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions to explain why this day is so important.
Hofstede looked at culture from a few different important dimensions including:
- Individualism/Collectivism
- Power Distance (comfort with inequality)
-Uncertainty Avoidance (risk taking)
On these three dimensions the U.S. is the highest in individualism, low on power distance (we are uncomfortable with inequality) , and are low on uncertainty avoidance therefore we will take risks. Based on these three things is it any wonder that in the U.S. one can go from rags to riches in one's life time?
To relate this to my trip-this week on the overnight train from Italy to Spain I was required to give up my passport and ticket (for what reason I'm not sure). I did receive it, as promised, one hour before the trip ended. For me, I was very uncomfortable giving up my passport. I understand that they may need to check to see who we but why did they need it for 11 hours?
To me, my U.S. passport symbolizes my freedom- to come and go as I please, to pursue my God-given abilities, to be able to speak my mind without repercussions. I have been having the time of my life on this trip but there is no doubt- I love my country and will always be proud to be an American!
Happy 4th to you as well!! Ours started out rainy until approx. 6pm, then the skies cleared up just in time for fireworks...my kids were happy! We as Americans take our freedom for granted and incidents like the one you detail is a HUGE wake up call and constant reminder of how lucky we are. They felt the need to confirm your identity, but they also made sure you would be on that train at your final destination?? I would have had a hard time giving up my passport to freedom for 11 hours...I am impressed with your self-control (not speaking your mind of how you truly felt about it) and your demonstration of Uncertainty Avoidance ~
ReplyDeleteAmen! That would have made me nervous too. Though being "stuck" in Barcelona for a bit couldn't be TOO bad. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a difficult task to keep my big mouth shout- believe me :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th to you as well!! Ours started out rainy until approx. 6pm, then the skies cleared up just in time for fireworks...my kids were happy! We as Americans take our freedom for granted and incidents like the one you detail is a HUGE wake up call and constant reminder of how lucky we are. They felt the need to confirm your identity, but they also made sure you would be on that train at your final destination?? I would have had a hard time giving up my passport to freedom for 11 hours...I am impressed with your self-control (not speaking your mind of how you truly felt about it) and your demonstration of Uncertainty Avoidance ~
ReplyDeleteAmen! That would have made me nervous too. Though being "stuck" in Barcelona for a bit couldn't be TOO bad. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a difficult task to keep my big mouth shout- believe me :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th to you as well!! Ours started out rainy until approx. 6pm, then the skies cleared up just in time for fireworks...my kids were happy! We as Americans take our freedom for granted and incidents like the one you detail is a HUGE wake up call and constant reminder of how lucky we are. They felt the need to confirm your identity, but they also made sure you would be on that train at your final destination?? I would have had a hard time giving up my passport to freedom for 11 hours...I am impressed with your self-control (not speaking your mind of how you truly felt about it) and your demonstration of Uncertainty Avoidance ~
ReplyDeleteAmen! That would have made me nervous too. Though being "stuck" in Barcelona for a bit couldn't be TOO bad. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a difficult task to keep my big mouth shout- believe me :)
ReplyDelete