East vs. West

The battle of the coasts. Before I launch into a discussion about cultural differences, I hope everyone bears in mind that stereotypes are gross generalizations which have a basis in fact or they wouldn't have become a stereotype. However, no convention of this type is true across the board. There are always layers, derivations, and definite exceptions. The United States is big; we can't deny the "regions" within it. I have a friend who was born and raised on the east coast. In fact, she lives there to this day. When she heard I was moving to "her" side of the country (my term not hers!), she found the concept difficult to imagine. For her, it was easy and enjoyable to visit the west coast but she didn't think she could ever make the switch. And this comes from a woman who has lived in The Netherlands, Hungary, Greece and Albania to name a few places!

On the other hand, since it was Florida in particular, I reasoned the differences would be minimized. I never saw Florida as fully east coast, nor did I consider it part of the deep south. It was neutral in my mind and rather nondescript. Silly me!

The west coast has it's own stereotype, I know. California takes that image even further. Although I have to say that the typical image of California applies more generally to southern California - image obsession, plastic, tanned, and liberal. There is no doubt that I am a product of the west coast environs (Washington in specific), where the living is laid back, recycling is nearly an addiction, and coffee is king!! :-) Granted the coffee is needed to keep the chill off and give a little spark to another dreary day. (However, for me it'a a comfort drink wherever I am.) I would also say that although we are friendly, we are not a warm group of people. Northern climates don't lean in this direction - there are layers to us just like our sweaters and coats!

Now, on this (the east) side perceptions are a little different. I'm still learning about this area so my thinking could change in the future. At the moment, I see "the south" here in customer service - warm and personable, and going to church is a commonplace part of life. As far as "the east" goes, people are more pushy and passionate. Lastly, the driving is just schizophrenic. Either they are beyond aggressive or mighty pokey. Perhaps the "pokeyness" brings out frustration and therefore aggression.

Tomorrow it will be a month since my arrival. Let's face it - I'm a newbie!

OK, Let's Talk about It...

Let's face it, we all have impressions or stereotypes of certain vocations. Sometimes I don't even realize I have them until I'm face with an apparent contradiction.

Now...the missionary stereotype, I have been a missionary and I've heard the spontaneous gasp followed by the hand covering mouth because I said something "unmissionary" like. (Unfortunately, I can't remember the specifics anymore.) Or, there was the surprised, raised eyebrow look when I accepted a glass of wine. Of course, if they thought I shouldn't have any wine then why offer it!? Even though I'm no longer in that field, if someone learns of my background it seems (at times) that there are still certain expectations. Nothing is said but... Honestly, I hope that I do not conform to the stereotype in any way, shape or form. In the past, when a missionary I secretly enjoyed it if I shot holes in someone's picture of a REAL missionary.

So what do I think is the picture of missionary? Well, a little crazy, if the truth be told! (Missionaries are all about telling the truth, you know!!)  Or, at least weird like a geek but in a "spiritual" way, holier than thou, maybe even snooty in that regard. Lastly, they're not very real - no one you could easily relate to. Perhaps that's a little on the mean side, but at least someone who is a bit odd. After all, who does that kind of thing? And you can't talk to them about real life stuff!

If my impressions are wrong, I'm very open to hearing about it!

I think I'm quite real. My language isn't perfect, in fact, some words seem very appropriate at times! I'm not that into churches - not that I think they are bad either, but they aren't always the best answer. I want a sense of community or family in my life, people who will support and challenge me regarding my thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, many churches don't really have that kind of everyday community life. Thankfully, I don't have an "aura" of spirituality about me, but hopefully people think I'm nice! It's the little things in life. I love what Alejandro said in the Mask of Zorro, "I'm in search of the miraculous in everyday life." So I get out and live life!  I love it, but wish my knees were more inclined to the adventure of it!!