Cultural shocks and Cultural awareness?please explain them.
Let me tell you an example. In November 2005, I visited Shanghai. At the ticket counter of the local subway, I was the first one and about 1 ft away from the window. A young girl of about 20 cut me off and stood in front of me. Literally, my body was touching hers 100% for a good 45 seconds. She didn't react at all.
It was a big cultural shock to me since everyone in North America would line up and would not assume someone would do that. The other shock was the social distance. I am an old and ugly man, but the young and pretty girl would not mind the intimate physical contact just to cut me off.
The cultural awareness for me was in China because of the crowdedness, such a short social distance is a no big deal. Also, cutting somebody off in a line is social survival skills.
I become aware of and I learn in order to survive in China, I have to cut people off.
Hope my experience is helpful.