Common Misconceptions of Ignorant Americans
There are many cultural differences between Mexico and the United
States, especially in the business world. Both expatriates and
businessmen traveling abroad for a meeting need to understand there
are differences in the way things are looked at and handled from one
culture to the next. Uninformed businessmen are at a severe
disadvantage due to nothing but ignorance itself. They simply need to
be open minded and well informed in order to be successful on their
assignment. From myths to time and punctuality, more is different than
one would think.
A few myths and their realities:
"What works here ought to work in Mexico." This myth is far from the
truth. United States techniques, methods and management styles cannot
be transplanted into Mexico and expected to be successful. This is one
of the broadest myths people have and it is also one of the most
incorrect. Mexicans have their own way of doing business and it works
well for them; it is different than what Americans are f...
According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, Mexico has high scores of Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, and Masculinity. We can tell from the scores that Mexico is a hierarchical society that people tend to work and live in orders, which means that there are levels among people and they try to fit into their own positions; people try to avoid unknowns and unwilling to take risks; and gap of values between men and women does exist in Mexico, competition, achievement, and success are emphasized in this society so people want to be the best instead of liking what they do. With low scores of Individualism and Long-term Orientation, Mexico is considered a collectivistic society with a normative culture. It emphasizes loyalty and strong relationships
When we hear discussions or read articles about drug wars, killings, and illegal immigration into the United States, many of us immediately think of Mexico. As a nation, Mexico is a much greater country than these commonly referred to issues. Mexico is a country with a broad history, deep family culture, and an economy fueled by oil and tourism. The United States Department of State (USDS) offers a broad range of information on countries outside the US, including Mexico. I found a wealth of information about Mexico through the USDS Background Note provided on their website located at www.state.gov. I will outline for you the key information found in this report, and others, related to the Mexican economy, culture, and more.
Mexico is a Latin American country just south of the USA. Mexico is a country that has tremendous influence on the USA. This is mostly due to the fact that it is so close. Another reason is that a large number of Mexicans live in the USA, both legally and illegally. Many Mexicans come to the USA to find work and send money back to their family still living in Mexico. Because of this close relationship Mexican culture has made a great impact on the USA. In this brief paper about Mexico I will discuss its history, geography, cultural contribution to the USA, a few items about the negative side of the country, and end with a few concluding remarks.
United States and Mexico has a lot of differences and similarities between the two cultures. United States is different from Mexico because in Mexico the epidemics of obesity in adults are growing at a faster rate and has surpassed the United States. In Mexico the health condition rates are 32.8% compare to United States 31.8% of people who are overweight. One of the biggest problems with Mexico’s obesity rates comes from their “traditional high calorie foods that are fatty and fried.” (Grillo, I. 2009, August 29). Mexico consumes more “Coca Cola products than anywhere else in world. There are a total of 635 eight ounces a bottle per person each year.” (Grillo, I. 2009, August 29). Most citizens in Mexico said that “in many villages...
There are a variety of common courtesies that Americans should observe when in Mexico. Some of the important issues of cultural etiquette are described herein. When in Mexico Americans should refrain from calling themselves “Americans.” Mexicans consider themselves Americans too since the whole continent is called America. Another part of Mexican culture that may be shocking to American’s traveling there is the way machismo is verbalized by male members of Mexican society. Making sexual or derogatory remarks at women is a typical part of the culture and should not be seen as harassment. Wearing a wedding band and mentioning children usually will stop these types of comments. Attempting to speak Spanish even if your Spanish is not good is appreciated. When speaking in English slang and idioms should be avoided. Using broken English does not aid communication and can be seen as offensive. Many Mexicans speak English but many more read English. If possible, a written copy of what you are saying should be provided. Mexicans do not often say no because it is considered impolite. Consequently, it is important that you recognize this and look for other clues as to what the real answer is. If a Mexican says maybe it is a good indicator that the answer is definitely no. Asking for a yes or no response to a specific question repeatedly is tolerated but you must be patient because it will take a while before the real answer comes out. People stand much closer to each other in Mexico.
America was widely known as a “melting pot” of sorts for many generations. The country earned its title by accepting immigrants of various cultures and molding, or melting, them into the American lifestyle. However, the “melting pot” idea of America is starting to dissipate. According to a Newsweek Poll on the public, “only 20 percent still think America is a melting pot” (Morganthau and Wolfberg, par.4). As more Americans push away immigrants and create stereotypes against said immigrants, America continues to lose its title as a “melting pot.” There is ethnic friction in America and people have begun to have a hard time assimilating (Morganthau and Wolfberg, par.18). .America is beginning to place a negative outlook on its culture. Authors Jack Shaheen, Richard Rodriguez, Peter Marin and Zora Neale Hurtson all shape American culture in a detrimental way.
As you can see, Mexico is a big jumbled mass of culture and problems. Although many want to solve Mexico’s issues, the funding isn’t there and the conflicts continue. Many traditions and culture happen in everyday life that is very symbolic to people in Mexico. ("Mexico and Central America." The Ford Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014). Crime and war is at an all-time high but Mexico continues to push for the top in all things to become the best country that they can be.
Imagine that you are of Arab decent you being screened more thoroughly than others at the airport. The only way the airport staff can identify that you are of Arab decent is based on your family name, Najjar. The airport staff constantly takes extra measures to confirm that you are not a terrorist. Stereotypes have existed in American culture for centuries. Early in American history stereotypes of Negroes and Mexicans predominately associate them with lower-class attributes (Campbell, 1967).
The world of today is a relatively primitive one, even with every advancement that humanity has accomplished we remain primitive in this aspect. There has been progress, even as slow in comparison to that of todays, it is progress.The ignorances and other human flaws are still very existent within every society, regardless of the boundaries between them be it geographical or cultural. Stereotypes and misconceptions exist in the modern society. Stereotypes arise when there is a single radical group who are accepted as the representation of their apparent subculture. Then the ignorant and misinformed take these “representatives’” behavior as a generalization of the entire group. While the less common misconception is made by some incomprehensible anomaly where an entire assumption is based around a single social group, that has never even proved to be true. There is a stereotype that is attached with the College educated community, they are believed to be almost guaranteed success. The fact that they have a degree in their respective field has built a stereotype of the “successful ones.”
There is so much controversy about immigration in the United States. There are many perspectives about how Immigration is seen by White Americans. Some are more extreme than others. Even though the Unites States was founded by diversity and on the inclusion of immigrants, stereotypes presented by society drives White Americans to go to the extreme of deporting immigrants. The stereotypes that propel this idea of deportation are immigrants on welfare, crime done by immigrants, and how immigrants affect jobs. These stereotypes can be promoted from many different parts of society ranging from media outlets to the upper government of the United States.
I have been in this country for almost three months now. One of the biggest challenges is getting along peacefully with the native population. To Americans one of the most important things is to make sure that no one gets insulted or hurt and that everyone is heard. Some would go to the extent of not revealing their true opinion, in order to avoid confrontation. In some group discussion decisions, if reached at all, are made after making long, tedious conversation about the topic at hand. While there are some merits to this kind of behavior, other aspects of interpersonal aspects are lost, such as frankness and being open to one another. Sitting among other international students enhances these observations by listening to the so-called “outsiders” talk amongst themselves. On one occasion a fellow student tried to explain something to his friend from another foreign country that he had different opinions from him on a certain subject, talking and describing the matter and “beating around the bush” as they say, when all of a sudden the listener said,” Just say what you think – don’t be an American.” I was amazed that someone noticed or thought the same way I did.
“Red is a positive color in Denmark, but represents witchcraft and death in many African countries,” (Understand and heed, 1991, p.1). Simple understandings, such as this one, can make the difference in a business’ success or failure in a foreign country. Various countries have different customs and beliefs that need to be accustomed to when business are to be successful. American businesses especially have difficulties with this concept. “At times in the past, Americans have not had a good track record of being sensitive to cultural distinctions,” (Understand and heed, 1991, p.3). Perhaps this is because America is made up of so many different cultures that American people have become so used to easily adjusting to each other’s differences that they forget that other cultures are not as flexible. Today, more American’s are becoming more sensitive to the differences of other cultures. This sensitivity and understanding has come with a price, after a long string of business failures. It is not until a business fails miserably in another country that they see the adjustments that should have been made in order for their success to be a possibility. With an understanding and sensitivity to the customs and beliefs of other cultures, it is possible for successful businesses that have originated in western cultures to also be successful in foreign countries as well.
at least I know I'm free." Freedom is the founding pillar of the American self-
Doing business in Mexico really is different. To some degree this relates to different laws and regulations or different responses to the business climate, but to a substantial degree, the culture of Mexico impacts tremendously on how you conduct business relationships and, more importantly, whether you succeed.
This paper intends to provide the necessary details such as customs, etiquette, mannerism, and culture of doing business in Mexico