Being a Flutherite - What some people are going through right now, can this be compared with a culture shock faced by immigrants?
Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings – for example of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, or confusion – felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not.
As a European who has lived in the United States in the past for a longer period of time, I know the feeling of a real culture shock. Moving from wis.dm to Fluther is different. I’m aware that some rules are different and there are subtle cultural differences, but I wouldn’t relate this to being a shock. Some of the emotions are probably related to missing something that was so dear to many people. The warm welcome we’ve received will help us get adjusted.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
13 Answers
Good Q, even if it WAS a Y/N question! Yes, I think so. And we’re expected to conform to their rules…as it should be. Unlike real immigrants to America who expects America to change for them…..
@DutchCat – I think refraining from the Y/N format will be the most difficult part. But we are really lucky to have found a new home full of nice people. The alternatives are Facebook or Myspace and the like. But this more about personal profiles and less about good debates. I once tried Yahoo Answers and wasn’t convinced.
That’s the analogy that keeps running through my head, too. There’s bound to be a little element of “nativism” here, a subconscious sense of ownership and territoriality. That seems pretty hard-wired into the human psyche, I’m afraid, but it’s also what eventually forges strong bonds of community.
@mattbrowne I think you’re questions will do well here, Matt.
The term “culture shock” is a hyperbolized term, but in it’s basic meaning, I find it appropriate.
Great question @mattbrowne
In the series “Lost” an airplane crashes on an uncharted island. The survivors are from all over the world. At first the survivors would each keep to themselves but they quickly met new friends and worked together and formed life long bonds.
I am certain that this will be the case as I am already finding potential friends in many of the new Flutherites. I would like to think that in a few days we will all have found that meeting one another has enhanced all our lives despite our origins.
@Dog Matt always asks the most awesome questions…until he gets into numbers games!! Then I find myself slamming doors and stuff. :)
@Dog That is a lovely sentiment and I also hope for the same. :)
@Dog – Great analogy! I already like this uncharted island and its inhabitants. I see great opportunities like in real-life multi-cultural environments. If you look at places of innovations highly talented immigrants play an important role. Look at Silicon Valley. If it were purely American or Californian… Yes, meeting one another will enhance our lives despite our origins. Allow the people to express their doubts or opinions about features or rules. We can disagree and debate, but we should always do it in a polite way.
@DutchCat – No numbers for the next 2 weeks? Deal?
@mattbrowne :) That’ll work I start my new job tomorrow…..I’ll be thinkin about you guys….
@DutchCat – Tell me about your first day, when you’re back at Fluther.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
