Do You See What I See?

Cultures, like people, can see the same thing in completely opposite ways. For example, many Asians view computer operating system “Microsoft Works” as an oxymoron. Americans see, well, um, the same thing. Okay. Bad example. But here are some better ones where Asians (over in Asia) and Americans look at things differently:

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)

American Perception: Gastronomical nirvana wrapped in a blanket of 11 magical herbs and spices.

Asian Perception (specifically the Chinese, as relayed to me by someone from China): They too cherish a bucket of the Colonel’s finger-licking goodness…except for them the least desirable offering is the drumstick (prized by Americans), which is head-scratching coming from a culture that enjoys eating chicken’s feet.

Outback Steakhouse

American Perception: The Bloomin’ Onion.

Asian Perception (specifically the Korean, as told to me by someone who did business for said eatery in Korea): Revered as a fancy-pants restaurant meant for life’s special occasions. Whether you’re trying to impress a business client, or win someone’s heart, Outback Steakhouse is THE bistro of choice for Koreans when The Olive Garden just won’t do.

Costco

American Perception: Crowded. Free food samples. Ten-gallon sized bottles of ketchup and 100-count packages of toilet paper. Elderly people determined to highlight your receipt as you leave.      

Asian Perception: It’s the same thing in Asia except for the types of food sold in bulk. My only suggestion is that if you ever go to a Costco in Japan avoid things like the Kirkland Signature brand of fugu (poisonous blowfish).  

Starbucks

American Perception: Everyone claims to dislike their coffee\business yet they’re on almost every American street corner filled with the likes of business people, soccer moms and art school students modeling anti-corporate t-shirts.

Asian Perception: Very popular in Asia right now where it’s “cool” to like their coffee because of their perceived global-ness. Asian caffeine fiends prefer their coffee to be lighter and sweeter than a typical cup of American Joe. A lot of Starbucks stores in Asia also tend to be more tea-oriented. In due time the Starbucks gift card will soon be the “default” gift in Asia as it is in America.

Making Whoopee

American Perception: The Birds & The Bees are still somewhat of a taboo subject here even though it’s on the minds and computers of Americans everywhere.

Asian Perception (information culled from a recent Time Asia magazine article): Most of Asia is going through a sexual revolution fed by western images beamed in by satellite TV, the internet and globalization. Unlike the naughty Japanese, many Asians used to be too poor or conservative for hanky-panky. Now thanks to newfound economic power and wealth, more and more Asians view going horizontal as being more fun than function. They’re more open and adventurous about what goes on in the bedroom. For better or for worse, however, many Asian females have also discovered the American custom of “faking it”.