For this cultural artifact, I read some articles about cultural differences between Israel and the US, discussed my findings with my language partner, and thought about my own experiences abroad and in my home country. One of the things that jumped out at me was how in Israel, prices on things are usually negotiable. Some other countries do this to an extent, especially in Asia, where it isn't uncommon to barter and try to talk down prices, but in Israel, things are negotiable that to me don't seem like they should be. For instance, phone bills through national carriers are often priced way higher than what the companies actually expect you to pay. Even if they are surprised if you don't try and talk down the price, they will happily take your extra money. My friend told me that she has never payed a listed price for a haircut, which I thought was especially funny, considering that I would be terrified of making the barber angry (since she can really mess me up if she wants. In the US and especially in smaller cities and in the South even questioning a listed price for something would be perceived as absurdly rude, unless in a very few specific circumstances, like a craigslist tractor purchase or something.
Another thing I noticed is the relationship with money. I know that some foreigners I have met think that Americans have a slightly weird way of thinking about personal finances, i.e. never speaking about or inquiring after others salaries, always splitting a check. One thing I have never received or given as a present is straight cash, because my parents always told me it was rude. The closest thing I could get is a gift card, which still seems a little bit impersonal. In Israel, the relationship is the exact opposite. At weddings it is considered rude to ask for anything BUT money. Some married couples will have an ATM at the ceremony so people can drop off cash right there. I think it is interesting how both these differences revolve around money, and how there are so many stereotypes, sometimes true and sometimes not in my experience with my family and my friends, regarding Jewish people and money. It reinforces for me the idea that stereotypes are not usually simply untrue, but instead built off of cultural unfamiliarity,
Comments
Hi Chet! It was interesting to read about how bartering is so common (and expected) in Israel. How was your experience bartering in China? Also, I definitely agree that it is mostly considered rude to bargain in the United States for most things, so I cannot believe that something like a phone bill is negotiable in Israel.
This was a very fun post about the differences between Israel and the US. I thought it was really interesting that the prices of Israel is negotiable- compared to the US where the prices are usually set. I also thought it was cool that you talked about your own cultural experiences abroad and compared it with the research you did. Lastly, I think the second paragraph about the perspectives of money was really cool. It’s really funny that people think that American’s perspective of money is thought to be weird.