Culture Shock....if there was one thing about...

[Herador]

People are usually shocked to see how the family system in Herador works. A family is The parents and child only, anything other than that is simply a relative. And since adoption is as simple as the elder parent taking a test and signing a form to adopt a child from another family (mind the other child must consent, and they are checked in on for 2-3 years) a family is treated less with "western" family values, and more like a community all its own. Needless to say, love doesn't always flow steady in Heradorian families

[Alexlantis]

The discrimination towards non-Allied foreigners, open hatred of Greethah (Greet, slang for Greethahn, is considered a curse word by some), huge military parades on the anniversary of every single important event in Alexlantian history (even a celebration of a peace treaty with a nation), stubborn-as hell populace, and the fact that the largest branch of religion in Alexlantis mixes Christianity and the Alexlantian Revolution to the point where the line between an important General and a saint is blurred into nothingness.

[Parthia Magna]

The number of homosexuals within the government is probably shocking. It is estimated that some 12% of the key advisers to the Shah are homosexuals, some of them transvestites in their spare time.

[Judea Libera]

The highly pious and religious nature of our society, with the occasional stoning and the infamous "bleeding Pharisees", ultra-religious rabbis who sometimes avert their eyes so much to avoid ogling women that they bump into columns and walls. The extreme modesty of our women, and reverence of children for their elders.

Another shock is the overwhelming dominance of Jewish culture, as this is a Jewish state. Karaite and Rabbinical Jews alike are fiercely nationalistic and committed to the Jewish ideals and morals, including social justice, as indicated in the Torah (and in the case of the Rabbinical tradition, the Talmud as well).

The complete absence of any non-kosher food, the trilingualism of the people (Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew, of course), the synagogues everywhere, the silence and inactivity of the Sabbath, and the scenes of poor folk gleaning wheat from farmlands....the fact that no farmer stops them, because the poor have a Mosaic right to glean wheat and the rich are not permitted to pick up anything left behind on the first reaping.

The number of small farms still in the hands of their ancestral owners, as it is forbidden to sell one's inheritance. The agribusinesses have given up on this place. The Law of Moses rules absolutely here.

Also, due to the efforts of the priests and scribes, nearly universal literacy.

Despite certain Mosaic restrictions on certain economic activities, the degree of average prosperity is staggering. The ordinary Judean is a fairly middle-class, not rich, but hardly impoverished fellow.

The scarcity of bachelors is also notable, as men and women are expected to marry young...and often. Polygamy is quite legal here.

If it is common for men to have several wives... unless a lot more women than men are born, that doesn't seem as if it would cause a scarcity of bachelors.

It's more a matter of men dying a lot more than women, and a lot younger than women. The average lifespan for a Judean male is 42. For women? 64. Wars (including the tendency of bored Judean males to serve as auxiliaries for the neighboring Roman Empires), political violence, capital punishment, and other violent circumstances often strike men down before they reach fifty. So, the widows are typically married off again, as a kind of inherent safety net, typically to the younger brothers of their husbands.

[Senihai]

Despite laxed nudity in public laws, its not uncommon for house guests to find their hosts naked.

[Radictistan]

The thing about Radictistanis that probably shocks foreigners the most is their fatalism regarding social problems. Despite the fact that Radictistan has an extremely high violent crime rate, with 61 murders[1] per 100,000 persons according to the most recent data, very few Radictistanis list crime as an issue that is important to them. The reason for this is that Radictistanis don't see crime as something that can be solved or alleviated; it's just a fact of life to them. Any politician who tried to campaign on a "law and order" platform would be laughed at it by everyone.

[1]Radictistani murder statistics should be taken with a grain a salt because the lion's share of the murders occur in unpoliceable slum areas in which it is almost impossible to gather data. The Ministry of Justice claims that the official murder rate is accurate to with five murders per 100,000.

[Purpelia]

Hardcore Child Pornography, on national television during peak hours. We have many weirder things but this one is probably most shocking to barbarians.

[Inutoland]

Supplemental:

Many more Homo sapiens-centric nations are shocked at the presence of H. neanderthalensis and H. floresiensis as equal citizens. No furries/scalies/anthros here, but three varieties of Human. It weirds some people out.

[New Lyrane]

Oh, that's no problem. Everybody is expected to have at least one child so... oh, I see what you mean. How Lyranian babies are made. Well, about 1 in 100 live births are male. As Misthurst noted, males don't grow up right. I suppose that's because Lyranian males only have one X chromosome, but I'm a Liberal Arts major so what do I know. Anyway, males grow up to be cave-hobbits. Short, hairy, not as smart as an average sheepdog. So they are kept in stud-houses. And when you decide you are ready to have a baby, you go to stud. Just like if you were going to breed your dog, except... you know... you do it yourself.

For an explanation with lots of big words, see here.

Wow, I feel bad for the males. Another question, are Lyranian females capable of mating with Human males, since they appear so similar to Human females? Or would genetic differences preclude this?

As far as I understand from my reading, there is no anatomical barrier. If a Lyranian wanted to mate with a Tellurian male, she could. With no ill effects to either her or him. We are not interfertile, though. Thank Yuri!

And you shouldn't feel too bad about our males. They are fed and looked after very well. And the mature ones are paced so they won't overexert themselves.

[The Grand Millian]

Here are some things that other nations might find strange.
1) Legal dueling to the death
2) No gun laws
3) Government ratings or restrictions on TV, Radio, Movies, ect.
4) Legal public nudity (OOC Note: But from this thread this is not to strange)
5) People with petitions to remove government offices.

[Niene]

The huge influence of politics, and the optimist nature of Niene's people despite the cynical way it is conducted.

[Sebastianalandia]

On the one hand, you have extensive social liberalism, with traditional monogamy virtually nonexistent. On the other, culture seems to be stagnant, with classical and socialist music being virtually the only melodies heard, dance routines stuck in sets, various forms of art remaining unchanged for decades; only the theater seems to possess an experimentalist and revolutionary spirit.

[Misthurst]

It seems at times that we are obsessed with money, which we are, to an extent. Most of us are decent folks about it, though. Most of us.

[Dungeyland]

A lot of people visiting the Dangish Empire would be shocked to learn of the tradition of "Effigy Night", the night of the 9th of September, in which the Dangish people burn effigies of political leaders; they'd also be shocked to hear that effigy-burning is non-political, so CMP supporters would burn a CMP leader, and nobody would raise an eyebrow.

[Concordeia]

Wow, I feel bad for the males. Another question, are Lyranian females capable of mating with Human males, since they appear so similar to Human females? Or would genetic differences preclude this?

As far as I understand from my reading, there is no anatomical barrier. If a Lyranian wanted to mate with a Tellurian male, she could. With no ill effects to either her or him. We are not interfertile, though. Thank Yuri!

And you shouldn't feel too bad about our males. They are fed and looked after very well. And the mature ones are paced so they won't overexert themselves.

Actually I felt bad for the males because they are so handicapped compared to their female counterparts. Still, it's good to know that they are treated well.

A few last questions. If I've read what you've said correctly, Lyranian/Tellurian hybrids are possible. What happens if a male is born from such a mating? Would the child turn out like a Lyranian male, a Tellurian male, or somewhere in between?

You mentioned that your society doesn't wear clothing, but preferences aside, they serve as protection against both the elements of nature (rain and cold) and against artificial dangers (working with dangerous chemicals, construction, etc). Plus, clothes (at least for Tellurians) are really only unhygenic if they are worn more than a couple days without washing or bathing. How do your people guard against such hazards without clothing?

Also, I take it that almost romantic relationships and partnerships among Lyranians occur between females, seeing as males lack the intelligence for it?

[New Lyrane]

As far as I understand from my reading, there is no anatomical barrier. If a Lyranian wanted to mate with a Tellurian male, she could. With no ill effects to either her or him. We are not interfertile, though. Thank Yuri!

And you shouldn't feel too bad about our males. They are fed and looked after very well. And the mature ones are paced so they won't overexert themselves.

Actually I felt bad for the males because they are so handicapped compared to their female counterparts. Still, it's good to know that they are treated well.

Ah, I see. But is a dog unhappy because she doesn't have opposable thumbs? Is a donkey unhappy because she can't argue philosophy? If you don't know you're missing something, how can you miss it?

A few last questions. If I've read what you've said correctly, Lyranian/Tellurian hybrids are possible. What happens if a male is born from such a mating? Would the child turn out like a Lyranian male, a Tellurian male, or somewhere in between?

Um, no. Our species are not interfertile. The act of mating is possible, procreation is not.

You mentioned that your society doesn't wear clothing, but preferences aside, they serve as protection against both the elements of nature (rain and cold) and against artificial dangers (working with dangerous chemicals, construction, etc). Plus, clothes (at least for Tellurians) are really only unhygenic if they are worn more than a couple days without washing or bathing. How do your people guard against such hazards without clothing?

Nature is no problem. Most of our population is concentrated in the tropics. And in the colder regions, when it's cold you just eat more. I'm told even office workers eat like lumberjacks in the far north and far south.

And we certainly have protective garments of all sorts for the jobs that require them. Why, I myself had to wear boots all day when I was in the Army. Physicians and nurses wear aprons and masks much of the time. Engine drivers wear goggles and scarves. Blacksmiths, cooks, lab technicians, and many others have various kinds of aprons for work. Deep sea divers and astronauts have their own peculiar garments. But why wear them when you don't have to?

Also, I take it that almost romantic relationships and partnerships among Lyranians occur between females, seeing as males lack the intelligence for it?

Yes of course. A lifelong marriage is considered the ideal, but of course that presupposes both of you are the right partner for each other. So obviously there is also divorce, infidelity, all that bad stuff too. Also some choose to remain single, some remain single against their will. Some flit from one relationship to another, some of those finally settle down.

[The Harrowlands]

....your country that would probably lead to surprise, uncertainly, confusion, or misunderstanding, due to being different from the mainstream of a majority of nations, what would that be?

Our incomprehensible dialect of English. Most Harrovians grow up speaking in their own local dialect, but also have to learn how to speak in 'standard English' so non-Harrovians can understand them.

Also the Witchfinders. Don't speak too highly of sorcery or Catholics or you will find the Witchfinders descending upon you as a suspected WITCH.

[Concordeia]

Actually I felt bad for the males because they are so handicapped compared to their female counterparts. Still, it's good to know that they are treated well.

Ah, I see. But is a dog unhappy because she doesn't have opposable thumbs? Is a donkey unhappy because she can't argue philosophy? If you don't know you're missing something, how can you miss it?

A few last questions. If I've read what you've said correctly, Lyranian/Tellurian hybrids are possible. What happens if a male is born from such a mating? Would the child turn out like a Lyranian male, a Tellurian male, or somewhere in between?

Um, no. Our species are not interfertile. The act of mating is possible, procreation is not.

You mentioned that your society doesn't wear clothing, but preferences aside, they serve as protection against both the elements of nature (rain and cold) and against artificial dangers (working with dangerous chemicals, construction, etc). Plus, clothes (at least for Tellurians) are really only unhygenic if they are worn more than a couple days without washing or bathing. How do your people guard against such hazards without clothing?

Nature is no problem. Most of our population is concentrated in the tropics. And in the colder regions, when it's cold you just eat more. I'm told even office workers eat like lumberjacks in the far north and far south.

And we certainly have protective garments of all sorts for the jobs that require them. Why, I myself had to wear boots all day when I was in the Army. Physicians and nurses wear aprons and masks much of the time. Engine drivers wear goggles and scarves. Blacksmiths, cooks, lab technicians, and many others have various kinds of aprons for work. Deep sea divers and astronauts have their own peculiar garments. But why wear them when you don't have to?

Also, I take it that almost romantic relationships and partnerships among Lyranians occur between females, seeing as males lack the intelligence for it?

Yes of course. A lifelong marriage is considered the ideal, but of course that presupposes both of you are the right partner for each other. So obviously there is also divorce, infidelity, all that bad stuff too. Also some choose to remain single, some remain single against their will. Some flit from one relationship to another, some of those finally settle down.

Fascinating. Thank you for your time; this was an enlightening discussion for me.

[New Mushroom Kingdom]

1) Automobiles are close to non-existance in many communities, the only places where automobile usage is common/remotely common is where the Human population is alot more than the Mushroom (Nicknamed "Toads" by the humans) Population.
2)The only form of public transport is the Warp Pipe network, which is free, and Very very extensive.This network is the Main method of transport for citizens in the NMK.
3)Rarely, when there isnt a Warp Pipe nearby, Citizens who are not poor get on thier Yoshi's and ride them to where they want to go. With a Average Yoshi being arround 750 Mushroom coins.
Before you cry "SLAVERY!", not all the yoshi's in the nation have owners, with many yoshis living in organised Yoshi comunities of treehouses.
the yoshi's that ARE owned, are treated really well. (Side note:The NMK lacks Horses. So thats why Yoshi's are commonly owned.)

[Cameroi]

ted sturgeon once wrote a story called "if all men were brothers, would you let one marry your sister?" it was in an anthology of three novellas called case and the dreamer.
if you can find it, or have read it, well, likewise there is no such concept as statutory.
people from other worlds might be amazed, confused, possibly, even offended, how dispite permiscuity being honored rather then condemed, over population is prevented by fertility being moderated by naturally occuring chemical and biological agents in the air and water, in a totally unbiased mannor.

there are many other aspects of cameroi culture, not just any one thing, that are far removed from the prevailing expectations of the dominant cultures of 20th and 21st century earth.

that there can be so many so small rail like transportation everywhere all the time. that even our cities look like gardens surounded by forests, and that most people live in small villages, neighborhoods that look like small villages, or alone in really remote places.

that half the population are hermits, and the other half live in large multi-adult non-nuclear interest group families.

that there are no facilities for private motor vehicules, other then to park them at our borders, nor mass production nor importation their of, nor of fire arms.

that effective non-leathal means exist and are freely employed to protect individuals and communities.

there are, i could just go on and on. that we are sustainable without being luditic, utopian nor distopian.

that we come in all shapes and sizes, most of us furry and animal looking.

that villages that do things in completely different ways from each other, can be in walking distance of each other, and get along with each other peacably.

[The Galactic Trade Union]

The fact that Aliens control a majority of the Empire and that the cultures tend to remain self-segregated within most cities. Although, that isn't too uncommon within some Empires.

[Lucent Dawn]

The fact that people are nice to foreigners and quite happy, and residents will almost always let travelers stay in the residents' homes for free (there are usually one or two guest bedrooms). This was a practice more common in much of the ancient world but in the modern world it seems unusual. It has always been an essential part of the culture, here, though.
Automobiles are nonexistent, and traveling is usually by ski, sled, sleigh, wagon, boat, etc.
Electricity is not used often, as thousands of years have perfected insulation and cooking techniques. Electricity is devoted to Hospitals and other centers dealing with health and welfare, the Hospitals being extremely modernised technologically-wise compared to the rest of the nation and medical care being relatively strong, and the people are very healthy.
The level of cultural intimacy is astounding. The place is very colorful and the people very down-to-earth. For a northern nation, the culture is very refined and artistic, probably due to ancient location near North-South trade-routes and contact with ancient merchants.
Furthermore, most residents are widely spiritual yet also quite liberal and opposed to extensive organised religion, making them unique compared to societies built around many major religions.

[Galla-]

- Automatic weapons are subsidised by the government, along with ammunition, and practice is heavily encouraged.

- Classes like marksmanship courses, vehicle driving, armourer courses, etc. are mandatory, due to Galla's use of a militia system for national defence, and a relatively small Navy and Marine Corps for everything else.

- Post-secondary education requires, by law, that anyone seeking a Bachelor's (125-130 credit hours) must complete a twelve week Officer Leadership Course at Marine Officer Candidate School Northport during one of their summer vacations. Although in recent years conscientious objectors and pacifists have been waived, this is exceedingly rare.

- Gallan Marines and Naval personnel are allowed to take their rifles home at the end of basic training. At the end of their service period of (usually) eight years, they're allowed to keep them permanently, for no charge.

- Gallan Marines are required to carry a service rifle, on or off duty. This leads to rather strange situations where foreign tourists are waiting for the bus, with a few of the young men waiting are armed with automatic rifles or belt-fed machine guns.

- Gallans hate being compared to the Swiss and Russians.

[New Lyrane]

Fascinating. Thank you for your time; this was an enlightening discussion for me.

You are very welcome. I also have enjoyed this discussion. It gives me great pleasure to be able to set the record straight about my people.

[Saurisisia]

We don't much care for outsiders, but assuming you were fortunate enough to be allowed to visit New Lyrane...

We are all female. As far as you the tourist can tell, anyway. Also, we don't wear clothes. Clothes are unhygienic. We don't really believe in any other personal ornamentation either. Decorating yourself is decadent. Those are probably the major points of difference.

Oh, uh, how... interesting.