Cultural differences are real. These can constitute grounds for frisson, friction and conflict, injuring societies in the process.

To illustrate the point, consider a hypothetical: two cultures, A and B, are different like chalk and cheese.

Culture B is western, while culture A is non-western.

Th common emotional denominator is anger, its role, function and acceptance or the converse in both.

In culture A, anger is normalized. There is no ‘taboo’ in expressing it. In fact, it is viewed either as bravery and as a psycho-emotional tool of control or management.

In western cultures, broadly and relatively speaking, anger is viewed as reflection of underlying emotional and psych issues. It is held an instance of aggression where even tonality of voice maybe considered as bullying and intimidation (say at the workplace, warranting sanction and censure).

On the face of it, this appears to be a minor cultural difference. But when culture A and B meet in close encounters, it can lead to both estrangement and mutual puzzlement. (The example of angle here is for illustrative purposes. I do not intend to rationalize or psycho-analyze it, say, for instance, as emotional catharsis. Neither do I want to defend it when provoking a person to anger is then held against him or her.)

If an ostensibly ‘minor’ issue like anger can lead to estrangement and bewilderment, other issues can cascade into conflict that has wider and deeper........

© Kashmir Observer