Sociology

In a world that is composed of numerous and various countries, it is inevitable that different cultures would emerge out of the billions of people that inhabited this planet. Despite the fact that cultural differences are regarded as a common occurrence in the society, it cannot be prevented that disagreements or conflicts might occur among various groups of people.  Cultural differences is even regarded as one of the major reasons of the disagreements among people and even countries that even result to violent confrontation. Being the case, it is important that cultural differences is properly address and one of the most effective way of doing so is by means of understanding the culture of other people which are different from what an individual has. In relation to this, being a good traveler also entails that an individual should know the proper way in adjusting and dealing with groups of people that have different cultural backgrounds. As a result, my classroom experience as well as my participation in developing a society that gives utmost importance in safeguarding a groups values have instill upon me many learning that substantially help me in interacting with different groups of people.

In becoming a successful traveler around the world, I have learned that there are various ways in order to see how I am different from people of other cultures. Cultural differences can be perceived in two ways, specifically the obvious and subtle cultural differences. Obvious cultural differences are those that I can immediately observe in other people such as the food that they eat and the clothes that they wear. On the other hand, subtle cultural differences also known as shared interpretations pertains to the beliefs, values, norms, and social practices of a group of people. In relation to this, a groups collective assumptions of correct judgments, proper behavior and other commonly shared beliefs are also regarded as cultural patterns. I learned that a good traveler should be able to interpret the cultural patters of specific groups of people in the context on how these people perceived it because these cultural patterns are regarded as symbols that can be misinterpreted by an outsider. This could be exemplified in our classroom experience wherein we discuss the culture of a group that has a very patriarchal society wherein the role of the women is limited in the household. An outsider with a different culture could perceive this as an injustice to women but looking at it in the context of this groups culture, such kind of practices is actually a way by which women honor their family (Lustig  Koester, 2003).

In relation to this, I also realize that a traveler also has its respective obligations. In order to become a successful traveler, it is my responsibility to become knowledgeable and well-verse with the different cultures of various groups of people. Establishing good lines of communication with people that have different cultures entails that a traveler should know their culture in order to properly interact with them.

Five Patterns
In the globalized society cultures tend to be intertwined. Thus, provided that the American culture is often discussed and experience many individuals had learned to practice the American lifestyle. In the book provided, there are five patterns in society which are given attention. Thus, in this section the various patterns which is presented in the book shall be highlighted in order to fully present cases the aspects and significant factors in the current the society.

One of the most common types of cultural practice that is applied by many is the time orientation. In the book provided, different types of examples are given in comparison with the Americans. Hence, different cultures are much inclined to being strict on their time. One example is in terms of business and work where in everyone is required to go on time and address deadlines on time. Typically, other cultures do not value time and are often relax in finishing their work.

Other forms are the world orientation which is important to consider. In the context of the American culture there is the view point of good vs. evil. In the course of the activities of United States for the past years such as the Iraq War, it is very evident that the course of their action is based on the good or bad people. Therefore the country had shown its values towards entities who abusing the people and the country (Lustig  Koester, 2003).

In addition to this self orientation is also a significant part of the American culture. Provided that United States is one of the most powerful states in the world, most Americans see themselves as superior than other cultures. Given that the United States is successful and progressive, the comparison of the Americans with other races often results for them to be much developed and refined. On the other hand, other races become inferior of the Americans those results to discrimination (Stewart  Bennett, 1991).

Furthermore, other aspects are the yearning of other societies to be similar to Americans in a sense that they want to be one. Given that Americans are often viewed as a superior country more people are interested in having the American dream thus seeing the United States as the basis of their lives. Hence, the life style of other countries becomes similar in a sense that language, actions, interests and the likes are very much alike (Stewart  Bennett, 1991).

Conclusion
In conclusion, different cultures affect every one of us. Through our interaction with other individuals and our own personal beliefs, we create various types of perspectives and actions. Given that America is one of the well known countries in the world and is currently the basis of media and entertainment. Due to this United States becomes the sole source of trends and lifestyles of different cultures. Hence, upon seeing the situation of different cultures in this class, I view that cultures change and develop through time depending on the available influence in the environment.