“From Foreign to Familiar” Discussion

[Jaylen]

I think that in a general sense, western societies are cold and Eastern societies are hot. North America, Australia, Japan, and Western Europe would all be considered cold in my opinion. Whereas East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, India, etc. would be considered Hot.

I wonder to myself what is the better between the two types. I think that the benefit of a cold culture is people are successful and efficient, and therefore their societies modernize faster. Yet, in the midst of the cold the relational side of life is put on the back burner, and in some ways- although more “successful”- cold cultures are a lot more depressed overall.
Whereas Hot cultures are rich with joy, they are content and view life as something to enjoy rather than conquer. The downside of this is their societal structure is weak and they deal with more wars, poverty, sickness, etc. But the upside is they are way happier than cold cultures.

It’s interesting because I feel like on pen and paper cold cultures are better because they’ve “improved” more in society. Yet in my heart, I feel like the world would be a better place if everyone held stronger to the values of hot cultures. Although we might not be as modernized, rich, successful, comfortable, etc… we would be happier because we take life as a gift to be enjoyed. Each day should be absorbed peacefully rather than taken by storm! Yet at the same time, things have to get done to further the kingdom, and we need to be proactive about that.
I think that somewhere in the middle, there is a perfect “warm” culture that finds its foundations in enjoying each day as a gift from God and does not hold tightly to the plans of tomorrow. BUT, still girds up its lions and gets things done with diligence and a hardworking attitude; giving all Glory to God!

[Daycee]

I love these topics! When you make a new friend from another country, start thinking about how they relate to the world and watch what influences how they make decisions.

[Emma Hodges]

– In cold cultures efficiency is thought to be a higher priority then relationships with other people.

– How there is a difference in where your identity comes from in both hot and cold cultures. People in hot cultures often relate to their groups, whereas people in cold cultures often see themselves as independent from their groups.

– People in hot culture contexts know that they are automatically involved in social gatherings whereas people in cold culture contexts may expect an invitation instead.

I think I relate to both a hot and cold culture context in different ways. In the ways I think about time and identity things, I would relate more with a cold culture. I like to be efficient and appreciate efficiency in others and sometimes have a hard time associating myself with a group. But in close relationships with others, I think I relate more to hot culture contexts.

[Taliya]

1. In hot cultures, time is lenient (which I would get frustrated at in my cold culture) but the reason for it is based in honour, people wouldn’t start an event without everyone present.

2. In hot cultures, it’s not desirable to be left to oneself but in cold cultures having time for yourself is good, almost a goal to achieve. This makes me a little nervous to be in a hot culture because I defiantly have a social battery limit and I don’t want to be rude and isolate myself if we have plans with a group or a guest over, but I also know I will need time to myself to rejuvenate.

3. Hot cultures are very group orientated and the responsibility is shared by a group. In cold cultures its very individualistic so people are left to fend for themselves and if they mess up, they’re expected to deal with it themselves unless they ask for help.

I grew up in a cold culture but there are definitely aspect of hot cultures that I am drawn to. Hugh and I host often and care a lot about our relationships. There are also some values held by cold cultures that I recognize are required of me here but I’m uncomfortable with like speaking directly and prioritizing efficiency. It will still be a huge shift to move into a hot culture but I hope that with understanding behind behaviours will come an easier acceptance and adoption of those behaviours.