Thato and Kelli

            We, Thato and Kelli, were paired together to reflect upon cultural moments and differences in our respective cultures. Thato is from a village in the northern region of Botswana but studies international tourism management in Gaborone. Kelli grew up in small-town Nebraska but now lives in Lincoln and studies broadcasting, advertising/public relations, and global studies. When discussing our cultures, we recognized many differences. Thato pointed out the difference in the way our cultures view animals and pets. When visiting Lincoln High School to talk to students, Thato asked a student why she had a dog with her. The student explained to Thato that she has diabetes, and the dog licks her hand when she has had too much sugar. How this dog was equal to a companion and almost human helper to the student amazed Thato. In Botswana, dogs are just dogs and are supposed to stay outside. In America, we often view dogs and other pets as part of the family and treat them with great care.

            We noticed another cultural difference in the interactions between women bringing men home to meet her parents. Almost every important man in Kelli’s life has been to her house and met her parents, whether that relationship was friendship or romantic. In a state like Nebraska, it is very common for family interaction and relationships to be valued. When Kelli brings friends home to meet her parents, she does not think about whether those relationships will last forever. She simply enjoys when her family meet her friends or romantic interests. Thato explained that her parents are very strict and that she would not take a man home to meet them unless she was sure he was the one to marry. Thato said that she has never taken a man home to meet her parents before. While this may look different based on the families in both cultures, this difference was interesting to both Thato and Kelli.

            Thato and Kelli share an agricultural background in their families. Thato’s father enjoys farming, and Kelli’s father is a leader in agriculture in the United States. Thato explained that farmers in Botswana use tractors and other technology, and the government even pays those with tractors to plow all the fields around your area. This government assistance has helped the growth of agriculture in Botswana. Kelli addressed the growing use of advanced technology in agriculture in Nebraska and the United States that provides more efficient production.

            While there are many cultural differences between Botswana and Nebraska, we share common values in education, leadership, and friendship. It was a joy to share our cultures with one another.