Perceptions, Cultural and other wise need to be understood!

Human Sociology can be a funny thing at time or maybe even all the time. Now I was raised in a certain way or maybe I let my self to be impregnate in a certain way, that in my case would be of course my Family wish where of German stock and my surrounding wish was primarily North West African with a touch of French in there. Maybe due to the Colonial power leaving it’s mark on North West Africa and not letting go. Even though all those Countries where independent or about to as I was Born in Cameroon. France tried to hold on and maintain its power and control over North West Africa. As I travelled the World and lived in many Countries, I realisedthere was no absolute right nor wrong in any culture or religion, yet there are always the little things, which are better with in one place or worth for that matter. Of course, there are also the unknown that cannot really be defined and could be of benefit or contribute to the demise of a civilisation; only time will be able to tell us! Now the point being that I was tough and accepted those principals making some of them my own and realise now that I am in Japan learning to adopted a new culture to my repertoire that some of what is normal for me and perceived in a certain way can be perceived in exactly the opposite way some where else. The Japanese bow to every one and for every thing and that is there way to greet and show respect where as I was always tot to stand up strait, look the next person strait into there eyes and to speak up so all can hear me; for there shall be no secrets. I was also tough to shake hands firmly and with determination not showing any weakness nor fear something that here would be offensive and brutal. I still hear my Grand Fathers words; you shall not bow before any one nor any thing. You are free and cannot let others enslave you better it is to die than to be a slave! Now I do bow and show my respect asbest as I can, how ever it is not easy for me to do and somehow maybe a good lesson to be learned. There are no absolutes and every gesture and every word has several meanings, depending where and when it is used!