Within our own cultures, we are more often aware of the potential consequences if we choose to challenge the existing norms. But when working in another culture, it is always important to realize that there are alternative methods for everything and it is often not our place to do or say a thing even if we believe that what we see is “wrong.” However, there are times when we may see something that we just cannot let pass without doing or saying something. It is in these moments that we have to decide when and how to appropriately challenge the norms without being offensive or disrespectful.

Some small examples:

• I have accepted the fact that no matter what household I visit here in Nicaragua, I will be offered a plate of food whether or not I tell them I just ate five minutes earlier. It doesn’t do much for my waistline, but it is considered rude to decline.
• I have also learned (through a couple bad experiences) to bite my tongue when I see my friends throw their garbage in the street, despite feeling enraged. If the opportunity presents itself, I might do some one-on-one education about the public health hazards and the effect it has on the environment, but in general, I keep my mouth shut.
• One thing I have not learned to accept is the custom that everyone arrives late to meetings, or sometimes not at all. Despite knowing that I will be the first one to arrive and probably the only one for the first half hour of the scheduled gathering, I continue to be punctual and I have even occasionally expressed my irritation when I feel like others have wasted my time. The most I can hope for is to set an example.

The point? Each individual has to do what feels comfortable for himself or herself while keeping in mind the delicacy of being an outsider. I would advise doing lots of observing, evaluating and asking questions of trusted friends before making quick decisions about when to challenge and when not to. Cultural sensitivity is a must and an ethnocentric attitude is never well accepted.