Writing a minimum of 3 paragraphs .

Sometimes assume that learning about other cultures is unnecessary if we simply treat others as we would like to be treated.

To test the assumption, assuming we all live in California:

1. When receiving a gift from a friend, should you open it immediately, or wait to open it in private?
2. When grocery shopping, should you touch fruits and vegetables to evaluate their freshness?
3. In a conversation with your instructor or your supervisor at work, should you maintain direct eye contact?

Write down your answers (as stated earlier, in your first paragraph) before reading further. Now let's explore how these questions might be answered in various cultures.

1. In Chile, it is good manners to open a gift immediately and express delight and thanks. But in Japan it is a traditional custom to not open a gift in the giver's presence.
2. In the United States, shoppers typically touch, hold, and even smell fruits and vegetables before buying them. But in northern Europe this is strongly frowned upon.
3. In mainstream North American culture, people are expected to look directly at each other when having a conversation. But a cultural norm for many Native Americans involves keeping one's eyes lowered as a sign of respect when speaking to an instructor or supervisor.

(Paragraph 2) Why is it important to be sensitive to other cultures?

(Paragraph 3) Please write a short paragraph where your perception of someone was changed once you got to know them.