COMPARISON BETWEEN JAPANESE AND AMERICAN CULTURES Mahatma Gandhi said: "No culture can live if it tries to be exclusive" (Mahatma). Our culture identifies who we are and how we behave in social environments and provides us with a foundation on which to live our lives and raise our families. Every single culture has certain important customs and courtesies. Exposure to the cultures of others can be intimidating and can leave a person confused and unsure of how to fit in (Schaefer 60). Culture shock can make a person feel out of place in an unfamiliar culture (Schaefer 60). Our diverse societies require understanding and acceptance of other cultures. Learning and understanding these cultures before being exposed to them can help reduce culture shock. Our culture is what makes us different, but it may also be what makes us the same. Japanese culture is generally characterized by formal practices and behaviors. The Japanese people are known to be respectful, which is evident in the various customs and courtesies they practice. Two common Japanese customs, greetings and visits, are no exception to this rule. Japanese greetings are very formal. A bow is the most often used traditional greeting. There are bow-specific rules and guidelines that need to be learned at an early age. A sign of respect is shown by bowing lower than the person you are greeting (Japan). Handshakes are generally only used when a Japanese person greets an American or other Westerner and in that situation it is the preferred greeting (Japan). The Japanese use formality when making introductions. The use of titles is very important to this culture. Introductions are made using the last name followed...... in the center of the paper ...... to begin to see overlapping cultures. Cesar Chavez said: “The preservation of one's culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures” (Cesar). We should all strive for this kind of inclusion because we have a lot to learn from each other. WORKS CITED “Quotes by Cesar Chavez.” Better quotes. March 12, 2010. quotes-author-Cesar%20Chavez-page-0.htm>. "Japan." CultureGrams World Edition. 2010. ProQuest. Peirce College Library.March 10, 2010. “Mahatma Gandhi Quotes.” Better quotes. March 12, 2010. quotes-author-Mahatma%20Gandhi-page-5.htm>. Schaefer, Richard T. Sociology. 12th edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. “United States.” CultureGrams World Edition. 2010. ProQuest. Peirce College Library.March 10. 2010 .