Week seven’s two presentations focused on American experiences from two different
cultural perspectives. Mahito, a Japanese, and Orlando, a Puerto Rican, shared their
observations about their cultures and about how their culture responded to life in the
United States. Mahito noted that those of the Japanese cultural background are often
depressed, fatalistic, and distant in family relationships. He also noted that education and
career were of supreme importance. He commented on the distant relationships of
Japanese fathers to their children because they were obsessed with career (Garzon with
Mahito Presentation, 2010). Uncharacteristic of Japanese culture that values “nonegocentric conception of self” over autonomy, Mahito appreciated the assertiveness of
American students in general, and women in particular (McGoldrick, Giordano & GarciaPreto, 2005, p. 342).
Orlando discussed his perspective on life as a Puerto Rican in the United States. He
described an emotional, relational, fun-loving, celebratory people who enjoyed the
company of other people. He also discussed a subtle sarcasm expressed toward him as a
Latino male. He particularly disliked the assumption that all Latinos are Mexicans and
bemoaned the ignorance of many that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and
its citizens enjoy the full rights of all American citizens (Garzon with Orlando
Presentation, 2010). One text sited this as a general concern among Puerto Ricans
(McGoldrick, Giordano & Garcia-Preto,. 2005).
The major similarity between the two interviewees was the desire for higher education
and the opportunities life in the United States affords. Both men were very observant and
articulate in their expression about their native cultures, but Tahito voiced negative traits
of his Japanese culture while Orlando spoke of positive traits of his Hispanic culture.
Both men had a firm grasp of the English language. Neither Orlando nor Mahito felt
intense racism. Orlando expressed concern about a subtle sarcasm he felt about his
Hispanic heritage, while Tahito expressed no sensitivity to racism.
The major difference between the two men was their approach to being interviewed.
Orlando was very outgoing, talkative, and casual in his responses. He was quick to
discuss his personal feelings. Tahito, on the other hand, was very formal and stiff in his
responses.
References
Garzon, F.with Mahito. (2010). Presentation: An Asian Experience. Liberty University.
Garzon, F.with Orlando. (2010). Presentation: A Hispanic Experience. Liberty
University.
McGoldrick, M., Giordano, J., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2005).Ethnicity and family therapy.
New York: Guilford Press