Some cultural norms I have notice so far…
Picking your nose in public: Remember how much fun it was to pick ur nose when you were a kid? But every time someone got made and reprimanded you? We call it a phase in America, but here in Kenya is normal thing to do even when your 30, 40, 90. This isn’t a inappropriate thing to do here like it is in America. You can actually dig away and after your done? Flick it. They also don’t believe in tissue to blow their nose, instead they just block one nostril and blow. I think after 2 yrs, I might succumb just once…. Not to the blowing your nose without a tissue but picking my nose in public and then flicking it. Now that I think about it, I wonder how often people might have flicked and it has landed on someone else?…..
Picking your teeth after a meal while still at the dinner table. I’m actually starting to like this cultural norm. Instead of waiting till you get home to pluck the annoying piece of food stuck in your tooth, you can just pick up a tooth pick that is already on the table and pick away. It’s almost what is expected after a meal. If you are with guests, you offer them a tooth pick and have a tooth pick party.
Visiting neighbors while they are sick: Ok this is something I might have a hard time dealing with. I just think the person who is sick might want some privacy. I mean I would. Instead, people come knocking almost very 3 hours. What if you have a headache? Would you really want someone knocking very loudly on your door? Maybe it’s just them making sure the person hasn’t died. I remember one time, I was feeling under the weather and I stayed in my house. The next day, I got so many questions about my where abouts. When I told them I wasn’t feeling up to par, I got reprimanded because I hadn’t texted anyone.
And the last one I have noticed and there actually might be a good reason behind this one- The villagers at my site, including the teachers seem adverse to change. I think it is partly due to I am the one promoting change, them feeling like it’s a waste of time due to a corrupt government, and also having traditions that have been the same for centuries. However, I feel like the younger generation is also trying to change this. Once children reach adulthood, a lot of them move to the bigger cities where they attend universities or get a job. It’s the larger cities that have more open ideas and are fighting for change.
Something’s I hope to change within the 2 yrs Im here...
1. Discipline practices. Although canning has been outlawed, the teachers are slow to change their ways. They are adamant it is the ONLY way to discipline the children. If they don’t, the children will run wild. E children are Kenyans, they expect it, so of course we would hate to disappoint them. Granted, I have noticed some of the teachers who don’t practice it, instead they pinch the children, making the children afraid to be touched. In our school we have prefects or head students who take the place of the teacher when the teacher is gone. I notice they carry very large sticks, imitating the teachers. A couple of these students are in my class 8. I have tried to start with them. I have told them I don’t like beating and America doesn’t beat. Im hoping their fascination with America might help.
2. Staff meetings- Since I have already explained how a staff meeting usually plays out, I won’t repeat it now. I have asked one of teachers if the other teachers would be willing to let me try offer a few suggestions to help the staff meetings run more smoothly. I didn’t get a definite answer. I might start with the head master or the deputy had master. Maybe if it came from them and not the new muzungu, it might be received better.
I know some of things might not change and 2 yrs seem so short, but I’m willing to try. I’ll let you know how it goes.
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