How My time in My Morocco Revealed to me the Individualism of North American Society
Working on a thesis is often an isolating experience. As a Master’s student, I am spending countless hours at the library, and more of my Friday and Saturday nights are being given to several cups of coffee and trying to get through yet another suggested book than are being spent socializing. I realize that I’m in a much more isolated position currently than the majority of people.
Yet this has given me a new perspective. Perhaps this, paired with my recent experience in Morocco has made me become more aware of certain aspects of North American society that I didn’t think about before. One thing I have become much more aware of, is just how individualistic and isolating North American society can be. This is a stark contrast to what I observed in Morocco.
While recently riding the Vancouver subway, I was taken by two things. One, was that most of the people on the subway were traveling alone, were staring intently into the screens of their iphones, listening to music, and were actively avoiding eye contact and proximity to other passengers. Even as I observed this behavior, I found myself reflexively doing most of the same things; avoiding eye contact, donning a slightly contemptuous expression, and scrolling through my iphone.
The second thing I noticed on the Vancouver subway, was who gave up their seats for entering passengers who were pregnant, disabled or elderly. Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with more than 52% claiming their Native language as one other than English or French, and 51% of Vancouver residents are non-Caucasian. Essentially, Vancouver presents an excellent opportunity to observe the Canadian multi-cultural experiment and cultural differences. I noticed, that most of those who gave up their seats for the disadvantaged passengers were not of North American origin. I even saw one group of young men (who I guess to be of South East Asian origin) jump up in unison when an elderly pair of women entered the subway car. The men were obviously having a passionate conversation and were talking animatedly when they abruptly stopped talking and jumped out of their seats-just as automatically as many other passengers averted their eyes from each other.
Another day, I was riding a bus with a fellow graduate student who recently arrived from the Middle East. An adorable little girl sat immediately in front of us (presumably with her father) as we were sharing a chocolate bar. Both of us couldn’t help but smile and remark at how cute she was. He asked me if it would be ok for him to offer her some chocolate. I replied that this probably wasn’t a good idea, and would be viewed as suspicious behavior. My friend, was confused and disappointed. But eager for local advice on how to integrate into Canadian society-heeded my suggestion.
A few days ago, the attendant at my local grocery store (who I have interacted with dozens of times), asked me if I was a student, and if so, what was I studying? I found myself surprised that she had taken an interest in me, enough to strike up a conversation. Generally, such interactions are facilitated as quickly and impersonally as possible.
During these experiences, and several others I have had since returning home, I have found myself marveling at just how isolating and individualistic my own society is. I can go about my daily business for several days; grocery shopping, studying, working in the library, and riding the bus without muttering a single word to anyone. In Morocco, I probably would have had at least half a dozen conversations, jokes, and even kisses before noon. What’s more, it would have been a serious effort for me not to have these experiences in the run of a day. Where here, I’d probably have to do at least a few days of coordinating to be able to gather some friends together, as they’re just as busy working, studying and pursuing their individual goals as I am.
Above all, this society prizes efficiency, organization and productivity. If you don’t make these prized ideals an integral part of who you are in North America, it is unlikely you will succeed. I’m not trying to say anything negative about anybody embodying these principles. We are all products of our upbringing, and the processes of socialization we have undergone. Sometimes though, I wish North American society prized ideals that are more natural to humans than robots.
