Cultural Interview
Part 1:
I met Sanja Resic through a mutual friend one night. She is 27 years old. She is currently
attending St. Petersburg College. She moved here 11 years ago. She comes from Bosnia a country of war
where there was no future for them. So her parents decided to move there family. They moved from
Bosnia to Italy, Italy to Germany, and from Germany to the United States. Sanja and her family moved
here through some organization that she didn’t really know much about.
Part 2:
Dress differs between both ages and gender because the younger generation may wear clothes
that are a bit more provocative or risqué, while the older generation may wear clothes that are a bit
more conservative. Across genders, males may wear clothes that can be considered "plain", while
female wardrobe is more colorful and acentric. This is similar to the United States because the younger
generation where more provocative and shorter clothing.
In Bosnia purses and jewelry are always considered acceptable accessories to wear. In the U.S.
there are many different accessories worn here but the two most common ones are purses and jewelry.
At one point girls were geared more towards "care taker" careers - teachers, nurses, even stay
at home moms, and boys were geared towards "tough" careers - politicians, physical laborers, even
office jobs. In recent years there has been a strong change and gender equality has gotten more
attention, so the careers are now blurring as well. Of course, there are still "traditional" male and female
roles (example, construction work is predominantly male) but other jobs are more equal now. This is
similar to the U.S. because in the past woman were expected to have the same “care taker” type jobs
but now we have equal opportunity. Even with equal opportunity we still have jobs such as construction
workers that are predominately male.
Discussion of religion is public. Knowing which religion someone practices, or the extent of
religious beliefs often remains private. For example, how many times a week someone goes to church or
prays are often not discussed in public circles?
Children always respect their elders, and discipline for not doing so is generally much stricter
than in the United States.
All children are expected to finish high school, and most are expected to complete college as
well. This is similar to the U.S. because you are required to go to school till at least high school.
Boys and girls can interact at an early age. I found it interesting that Scouts is not separated into
boys and girls rather just Scouts. Compared to here in the U.S. we have boy scouts and girl scouts.
Most adults have a minimum education of high school, so parents helping children with
homework is common. Most households also have a computer so internet is always accessible. Libraries
are also common source of help with school. Libraries and computers are some of the same resources
we have here in the U.S. to help children with homework.
Office jobs are careers that are very acceptable. Teachers are seen as a noble profession, but
much like in the United States, teachers are paid poorly. Working at a store or a boutique is also a good
job for someone to have.
Everyone is encouraged to complete at least a high school diploma. Office jobs, teachers, school
psychologist, and counselors generally seek someone with a college degree. This is different than the
U.S. because in order to have a teaching job, school psychologist, or a counselor you have to have at
least a four year college degree.
Families are close nit together and generally problems get solved with the help of family
members, not individually.
There aren't a lot of juniors, or Seconds, Thirds, etc. but it is not uncommon for a child to be
named after a grandparent.
Children address their elders by Mr. or Mrs., parents are never addressed by their first name,
always by mom and dad, and even adults address those older than them with a Mr. or a Mrs. unless the
older individual insists that they go to first name basis. This is different than the U.S. because adults
often address someone older than them as their first name rather than Mr. or Mrs.
If both parents are working and grandparents are available, then the grandparents will take care
of kids while parents work. If grandparents are not available, children go to kindergarten. If one of the
parents is not working (generally mom) she will take care of the kids. This is different than U.S. because
if both parents are working the child is often sent to daycare the grandparents aren’t often held
responsible for watching the child.
If children get in trouble in school, parents are always called in. For social events, children never
go alone and seldom go with another adult other than their parents. This is similar to U.S. because often
times if a child gets in trouble at school a parent will get a note or phone call home. If the behavior
continues the parent will be asked to come in and meet with the teacher or principle. The difference is
in the U.S. parents will often times allow their children to go to an event such as a movie or a school
football game with the parent of a friend.
Food is generally influenced by the Turkish cuisine, but Italian and American cuisine has seen an
increase in the recent years.
Hugs, kisses, handshakes, and facial expressions are non-verbal expressions that are commonly
used. This is just like in the U.S. because often times when you first see someone you greet someone
with a hug, kiss, or a handshake.
It is a monogamous culture, and the male is generally the one that initiates courting. Although
many years ago in the U.S. men where the only ones who would do the courting now a days it is not out
of the ordinary for a woman too.
Sanja told me that they have strong family ties, and that problems usually get solved by the
entire family, and not by individuals. This is similar for some families in the U.S. but is not necessarily the
common thing. Some families are very close and will help solve any problems that may happen to one of
the family members where other families will leave it up to that person to solve the problem.
In Bosnia males are seen as more dominant, but females are gaining more independence. I think
this is similar to the U.S. because even though males and females are supposed to be considered equal
males are still sometimes considered more dominant.
The predominant religion in Bosnia is Muslim, Orthodox, and Catholic. A quote Sanja said to me
when asking her about religion "Love your own religion, and respect others" is the mantra to go by.
Females are seen as those that groom and primp often; however male hygiene is very much a
standard as well. In the U.S. females are the ones who are often going to the spa and getting their hair
and nails done.
Public health is provided to all and medicine is easily accessible.
Part 3:
One thing that surprised me from this interview is that there is no boy or girl scouts there is just
scouts were girls and boys attend together. I also found it interesting that teachers are considered an
important job but are also poorly paid like here in the U.S. this surprised me because I have always
heard that teachers are paid better other places. I enjoyed doing this interview because I was able to
learn this about Sanja that I wouldn’t necessarily have asked if I hadn’t had to do this interview. I also
found it interesting that Orthodox and Catholic were two dominant religions in Bosnia. I also found the
quote "Love your own religion, and respect others". I found this interesting because it tells me they
believe to be respectful of everyone’s religion. In my opinion knowing this information will help me
better understand her opinion on some discussions that we may have. This is important for me as a
teacher in the classroom because it is important to know your children’s background to better
understand what might be going on in their home. By knowing their beliefs and background you’re able
to know if things might be a little crazy at home at a certain time of the year because of a holiday or
religious practice.