The Arab vs. Western Perspective

The Arab vs. Western perspective ARAB Family – Center of everything. (Father has first and last word.) Friends – Periphery, but courteous to all. Honor – Very Important amongst Arabs. Honor will be protected and defended at all costs. Shame (especially against family) – avoided at all costs, insults and criticism taken very seriously. Time – less rigid. Approach to time is much more relaxed and slower than that in Western cultures. Religion – Central to all things. Society – Family / tribe is most important Government – Most governments are secular, but still emphasize religion. Age and Wisdom honored. Wealth honored. WESTERN Family – Important but not as central to individual. Friends – Core to some, important to most. Honor – Typically not as important. Shame – Typically not as important. Time- Very structured, deadlines must be met. Religion – Varies by individual, very personal, not discussed in polite conversation. Society – Individual rights. Government – Purpose is to protect rights and improve standard of living. Youth and Beauty praised. Wealth honored in both cultures.