Reference no: EM131153792

Cultural Differences Aren't Just for Foreigners

Cultural differences don't only exist across national boundaries. Important differences exist right here in the United States. We could name several of them, but let's take a look at what Cohen et al. (1996) termed the "Southern Culture of Honor."

These authors were curious about one regional difference. In some Southern and Western regions, merely insulting a man can be punishable by death. As one wag styled it, "In the South, ‘He done needed killin' is a viable defense in a murder trial."

Cohen et al. (1996) conducted four experiments. In one of them, an assistant called a series of male subjects "an a--hole" in a contrived situation that made the insult seem both real and plausible. Most subjects from the North laughed it off ; "Same to you, buddy." Most of those from the South responded with various degrees of anger. In some cases, the experimenters had to intervene to save their assistant getting a black eye.

Cohen et al. explained the results in terms of traditional culture that was brought to this country from the rocky slopes of Scotland, in the 18th century. There, a man's flock (sheep or cattle) was his life. Life was hard. Any threat, either real or perceived, had to be taken care of, and promptly.

Your Course Developer has some experience with this. If you cut another motorist off while driving the Jersey Turnpike, he may honk and flip you a "freeway salute." One doesn't do that in Mississippi. It's too dangerous.

For this TD, read Cohen et al.'s 1996 article. Then discuss its implications. Have you had experiences with other peoples' behavior that would be inexplicable, were it not for some underlying regional or cultural difference? If not the "Southern Culture of Honor," then what? Explain. And remember, strong language isn't permitted.