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Rant on cultural diversity in academia:
Etiquette in academia is overwhelmingly dictated by UK / white-US / Scandinavian / German cultural norms; mostly due to the overwhelming representation of scientists from these countries.
One thing in common to all those cultures ...
Etiquette in academia is overwhelmingly dictated by UK / white-US / Scandinavian / German cultural norms; mostly due to the overwhelming representation of scientists from these countries.
One thing in common to all those cultures ...
... (perhaps the German being an exception) is the constant need of being positive and show positiveness. All the time.
Example1: Over the top amicability when it is clear two people dislike/hate each other.
Example1: Over the top amicability when it is clear two people dislike/hate each other.
Example2: "This is excellent but.." means, for the most of it, "this is crap and you need to re-do it".
While this is fine, consider that ...
While this is fine, consider that ...
... these norms may cause confusion to those who do not share cultural norms with those listed cultures.
For example, as I started dealing with international collaborators I found myself asking whether they were hypocrites:
For example, as I started dealing with international collaborators I found myself asking whether they were hypocrites:
"How can they show X when they mean the complete opposite? How is this possible?"
While this was just a mere misunderstanding, it did cause some insecurity and angst. After finding out, I started analyzing e-mails and judging myself harshly:
While this was just a mere misunderstanding, it did cause some insecurity and angst. After finding out, I started analyzing e-mails and judging myself harshly:
"My collaborator thinks my proposal is great. Does that mean s/he doesn't think this is excellent and it is only great?"
So, yeah, if you're concerned with diversity, consider cultural differences. In other cultures, and particularly in the Portuguese, being upfront ...
So, yeah, if you're concerned with diversity, consider cultural differences. In other cultures, and particularly in the Portuguese, being upfront ...
... and saying it as it is, is pretty much the way to do things if you care about someone.
Again, particularly in Portugal, being negative is just a way of conversing and, in most times, purging the bad feelings away (e.g. https://www.asiaone.com/travel/country-loves-being-sad) ...
Again, particularly in Portugal, being negative is just a way of conversing and, in most times, purging the bad feelings away (e.g. https://www.asiaone.com/travel/country-loves-being-sad) ...
So please refrain from judging harshly if someone does not behave in the expected cultural norms.
From my experience, this applies heavily to folks from the USA (sorry to point fingers) which generally project their culture on everyone and judge people harshly.
...
From my experience, this applies heavily to folks from the USA (sorry to point fingers) which generally project their culture on everyone and judge people harshly.
...
Please call me out f you disagree.
I'll be interested to hear if other people, particularly LatinXs, Southern/Eastern Europeans, Asian, African folks feel the same way.
I'll be interested to hear if other people, particularly LatinXs, Southern/Eastern Europeans, Asian, African folks feel the same way.
Needless to say, and as it has rightfully been pointed out - this reflects my experiences and I am happy to be called out.
