Hi CLVH,
Thanks for another interesting question.
1. How would you describe your culture?
First it is important to understand that many cultures co-exist in
Venezuela. For example, various indigenous groups share very little,
culturally, with urban Venezuelans. There are also cultural
differences between those who descend from various immigrant groups
(Asians, for example) and the “typical” Venezuelan who is of mixed
Spanish and Indigenous blood. I will focus on the culture of the
“typical” Venezuelan.
Venezuelan culture tends to be very family oriented. When I say
family I mean extended family. Parents, Grandparents, children,
aunts, uncles and cousins often live in the same household or very
near by. Holidays and social gatherings generally involve the entire
family. This is very positive because it provides a large support
system. There is always someone to babysit and it provides a type of
social security for the elderly because it is every family member’s
duty to take care of the family. Because so many Venezuelans live in
poverty, this support system is also a matter of survival.
The extended family system also means there is very little privacy.
Every member of the family will be involved in each others’ decisions,
love lives, parenting, career choices, etc.
This system is also related to the patronage system in Venezuela.
That is, education, careers, and even the justice system are often
based on who one knows. Getting a job, be it as a janitor or a judge,
is much easier if one’s cousin or aunt is in charge of hiring. This
can have negative consequences as it often leads to corruption, which
is rampant in Venezuela.
In the broadest sense, Venezuelan culture is also about enjoying life
today and worrying about the future tomorrow. For example, businesses
often close for a few hours in the middle of the day so that people
can go home and enjoy a long lunch (the largest meal of the day) with
their families. This is changing in the cities as they move toward
more westernized business practices. Venezuelan culture may not be
the most efficient, but it involves a lot less stress. In the
evenings you can find many people sitting in front of their homes
watching the kids play and talking with family and neighbors.
As is probably true in most cultures, Venezuelans have a strong sense
of history. Children often learn traditional, folkloric dances dating
back to the colonial era and many people know how to play folkloric
music on the cuatro (a four stringed instrument similar to a ukulele).
Music and dance are very important parts of most social gatherings and
someone always has a joke to tell. I think “passion” is an
appropriate term to describe the way many Venezuelans live life; from
political discussions to love Venezuelans enjoy life.
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What principles are most valued by your culture?
As I stated above, family is fundamental. Honor is also very
important. This can be positive if one lives her life in an honorable
way. Children are often taught to uphold the honor of the family. It
can be negative if one feels his honor has been insulted. For
example, if a man makes advances towards another man’s wife, the
husband may feel as if his honor has been challenged and this can lead
to violence.
Venezuelans are also very giving. One is often judged by how much
they give to their families and communities.
Unfortunately, status is also important. Status is often determined
by class and race (as in many cultures) regardless of the quality of
one’s character. For example, wealthier and lighter skinned people
tend to be treated more respectfully.
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If you live in a culture other than your native culture, how does your
native culture differ from the culture around you?
I live in the United States and the most important difference I have
noticed between this culture and Venezuela’s is how each views the
individual. I believe North American culture values individual rights
and privacy much more than in Venezuela, which is more community
oriented.
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Which aspects of your culture do you most identify with? Which
aspects do you least identify with? Why?
I identify most with the family/community aspect of my culture. I
believe we need to take care of one another to the best of our
abilities.
I identify least with the way my culture views women. I do not
believe women should be treated as property or limited to their
traditional roles.
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What are the common misconceptions you believe exist concerning your
culture?
I think many westerners assume that Venezuelans (and other Latin
Americans) are lazy and ignorant because the culture is less efficient
and individualistic than those of the west.
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Why do you believe these misconceptions exist?
I believe these misconceptions arise from lack of contact between
cultures. People often believe their culture is superior if they have
little experience with others. In addition, many products of
Venezuelan culture, such as television programs, play on stereotypes
the only feed misunderstanding. For example, I had a professor who
was surprised to learn that I was Venezuelan because he thought all
Venezuelan women were beautiful. Many people also think that all
Venezuelans are wealthy because the country is a major source of oil.
Unfortunately, most Venezuelans live in poverty.
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What is one principle, truth, or insight you would like others to know
about your culture?
Love life, take care of one another and laugh loudly
I hope this has been helpful. If anything is unclear please feel free
to request a clarification and I will respond as soon as possible.
Saludos,
Gitana |
