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OIC’s Greatest Hits: Different Eyes on the World

by Your friends at OIC on May 3, 2021

5 Everyday Ways That Cultures Show Their Differences

People in every culture celebrate, greet each other, share stories and good food together, fall in love, honor their ancestors, play music and sports, name babies, and more. But the customs—the do’s and taboos—surrounding these universal activities are a remarkable reveal into how varied and ingenious different cultures can be.

Culture reveals itself even in mundane ways from what communities show on their road signs to how people cook their onions or describe a downpour.  At OIC, we say no one way is the “correct” way. And here, in our latest collection of “Greatest Hits,” our bloggers prove it with their observations and insights on everyday cultural differences. May they inspire you to look at the world with new eyes.

OIC’s Greatest Hits: Bridging Cultures

by Your friends at OIC on April 26, 2021

5 Insights on Connecting Across Cultures

Cultures leave unique marks on the world and collectively offer unparalleled richness and variety. While cultural heritage is acquired by birth and influenced by those closest to you as you grow up, people who later cross bridges into other cultures find their lives enriched by the connections. Their horizon is wider, the respect for people is greater, and life is a more fortunate mix of experiences.  So say the OIC bloggers in their many stories of connecting across cultures.

Looking back on these stories and in appreciation of our bloggers’ insights, we’ve selected five posts for this edition of our “Greatest Hits.” They’re stories that moved our understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and we hope they’ll do the same for you.

Memories of St Patrick’s Day In and Out of Ireland

by Joyce McGreevy on March 15, 2021

Ireland’s blue sky and green meadow in March evoke memories celebrated with cultural authenticity on St Patrick’s Day in Ireland. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Before the pandemic, March was a popular time for travel to Ireland . . .
© Joyce McGreevy

How Real Was My Cultural Authenticity?

What could be more Irish than memories of St Patrick’s Day in Ireland? Picture it: County Limerick, March 17. Sunlight illuminates my boarding school overlooking the banks of the River Shannon. Such cultural authenticity! We’ve the day off from classes. Cue the festivities!

The Dripping of the Green

Ah, but this is 1970s Ireland. St Patrick’s Day is a holy day, not yet a holiday. To “celebrate,” we each pin a clump of sodden shamrocks to the front of our school uniform. At Mass, I watch in dismal fascination as brackish liquid oozes along the wool grain of my personal upholstery.

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