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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.

Respecting Cultural Traditions and Taboos

by Meredith Mullins on March 9, 2020

Travelers can learn much from the Buddhism of Myanmar
© Meredith Mullins

A Traveler’s View of the Buddhism of Myanmar

Not long ago, a crowd of tourists stood mid-street, jostling to claim the best photographic position as more than 1000 monks walked reverently in their procession for food and alms.

This exceptional experience takes place every morning at the Myanmar Mahagandayon Monastery, just south of Mandalay, as the monks prepare to receive their second (and final) meal of the day, which they must eat before noon. The maroon-robed devotees are humble. Their purpose pure.

Sweet Dreams of Ice Cream and Primal Rhythms

by Meredith Mullins on July 18, 2016

Ingoma Nshya Drummers in Rwanda, breaking cultural barriers. (Image © Lex Fletcher.)

The unifying power of music
© Lex Fletcher

Conquering Cultural Barriers in Rwanda

An open-air truck bumps along the rutted streets of Butare, Rwanda. The beaming woman in the back broadcasts through a crackling microphone.

Hello. Hello. You are about to experience something new.

 Do you want to have a good life?

 Do you want your children to grow up healthy?

 Sweet dreams. The answer to your prayers.

 Ice cream.

 If you’re old, it will make you young again.

 Come and see the dreams of women.

 Ice cream.

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