Perceptions

One of Peace Corps' three goals is to promote/help Americans better understand other people and cultures. So far, I feel this blog has primarily encompassed my everyday life here so far, but I also strive to share some of the key differences and similarities that exist between Filipino and American cultures so that others can recognize and understand them from someone who has experienced both. Perceptions are commonly formed based upon media, word of mouth, etc., but having firsthand experience gives me the opportunity to clarify and explain for others’ benefit. During my first two months here, one in particular sticks out because they have already happened here twice: natural disasters. The southwest monsoon hit us about a month ago (see previous posts) and an earthquake rolled through Eastern Samar last week. As mentioned earlier, I was partially affected by the monsoon (loss of power due to a nearby landslide), while the earthquake wasn’t felt in my part of the country. Although they can be extremely dangerous and displace many of the environments they come in contact with, it is important to remember that natural disasters occur everywhere in the world and our “bubbles” often influence our perceptions of the outside world. Understanding that many differences may actually be similarities (for example, a typhoon is the same thing as a hurricane except it occurs in a different part of the ocean) is an important facet in life on many scales and levels.