Just say "empanadas"

On one hand, it's rather sad that the world seems to have such low expectations for Americans when it comes to our knowledge of cultures other than our on. On the other hand, it works out wonderfully well for those of us who are at all interested in or willing to learn about such things outside of our own box.


I love the reactions I get when I've clearly exceeded someone's expectations, be it from knowledge of geography and current events, religion, language, or food. The young Ghanaians I joined on the canopy walk through Kakum National Park impressed by my few phrases of Twi, including "please," "thank you," "I'm going," "I'm coming," "I'll be right back," and, for the sake of the older woman who lived with and worked for my host family, "Please, I can do it myself." That last one always got a kick out of Ghanaians, as did my responding to declarations of love with "meda ase" (thank you). Uruguayans discussing the World Cup and Diego Forlan (ignoring the un-sportsmanlike Luis Suarez, whose handball ruined Ghana's run), sending a young Mexican custodian into a fit of laughter when I finally and sneakily owned up to the fact that I understood the Spanish ranting of his coworker on the elevator one day, gaining bonus points with an older Indian woman for my ability to roughly sing part of the theme song of "Kal Ho Naa Ho," points with a friend for vague familiarity with Eid al-Fitr, and points with a fellow student for raving about the deliciousness of some popular Salvadoran food.

This last one is what brought to my attention how little it takes sometimes to improve your standing with others via an interest in their culture - mere mention of atol de elote, platanos fritos, empanadas, and pupusas, with a tiny smattering of Spanish and vague familiarity with Salvadoran geography, and I feel as though I've progressed leaps and bounds, far exceeding expectations. ...Of course, then I couldn't help but guess at the level of expectations set, considering the notoriety of Americans (especially white Americans) when it comes to knowledge and appreciation of other cultures, validated or not. Far too many books, references, jokes, and stereotypes about the culturally ignorant American, no? Kind of bittersweet that it's made it that much easier for those of us who do exhibit any sort of interest to thereby exceed these expectations, isn't it?


Regardless, I can't help but love the reactions, inspired by low expectations though they may be. Not only do we get to enjoy learning about and experiencing (never forget the culinary/gastronomic potential!) something outside of our own cultural box, but we get the huge bonus of pulling in the interest of someone else... which will likely lead to further experiencing, like bhangra parties and delicious feasts. I love how excited other people - even strangers - get when they realize you've displayed any level of interest in their background and culture, how happy and proud it makes them when you demonstrate appreciation.


...Really, all I can think to say to wrap this up - and in anticipation of ongoing cultural feasting (literal and figurative) - hails from the toast of my friend Omid, non-Muslim though I am: Bismillah! Salud, cheers, etc.