My Cross-Cultural Observation Specimen

I witnessed the most interesting blend of cultures while I was in Game. Heading to the checkout with my laundry washing powder and chocolate bar, the lady who was walking the same direction became my cross cultural observation specimen. I was tempted to pull out a notebook and take notes but that could have been taken as rude or just plain weird. I’m already enough of an oddity.

She was dressed in designer jeans and nice blouse with a kanga tied around the top half of her jeans. Her newborn was strapped to her hop by a kanga sling characteristic of Tanzanian women, a diaper bag on her shoulder and carrying packages of diapers in her hands. This image I a bit confusing.

What I saw I interpreted like this: This is a woman in Tanzania’s emerging affluent middle class. She is combining her modern dress with traditional dress. Even though she chooses to use disposable diapers instead of a cloth diaper, she keeps with her culture in using the kanga to carry the baby. She chooses to carry a diaper bag for the baby’s things, something I’ve never seen other Tanzanian women do. Is it a symbol of affluence or convenience? I don’t know the contents of said bag so it is hard to comment.

I wonder how many more there are like her - women who are still tied to their upbringing yet have the ability to do something different. Does she have disagreements with her mother or mother-in-law about the way she cares for her baby because her choices differ from theirs? What does her husband say about her choices? Does he care if the child is raised with a more Western mindset or traditional? It seems fair to conclude that they are more likely than not to have more conveniences in their home and are able to afford better medical care. How did her pregnancy and delivery compare to other women in Tanzania? Does she breastfeed exclusively or did she decide for the pricy option of formula? I have more questions than I could ever ask. I’m just left to wonder and take mental notes until I can discreetly pull out my notebook.

The similarities I see are: She cares for her baby like any mother would. She keeps touching its cheek and adjusting its little hat. This baby looks happy and well care for. It’s cooing and looking content. Mom is with family who also periodically looks at and makes faces at the baby. They seem to want to be involved in the little one’s life.

Babies are babies everywhere. In reading my Developmental Psychology text, I’ve had a chance to explore parenting from a cultural perspective. It’s true that the culture in which this child is raised will more than likely make him/her more social and relationally oriented and generally more reserved. Universally, this baby will go through a phase of role playing to learn about the world and have to learn the dangers of stairs. It is seems so ordinary to see a baby yet it’s a wonder to watch them grow. This mom has the responsibility of guiding this child through life to figure out who he/she is in relationship to the world and his/her immediate family. It is up to this child’s parents like all parents to help their children shape their mindset and find their place in society regardless of the culture they come from.