Chapter 6 Response

This chapter dealt with uncertainty and ambiguity throughout different cultures. I found it interesting that some cultures were described as being more anxious and expressive than others. I also thought it was noteworthy that they mentioned that internal stress can lead to cardiovascular disease and heart attack. To me, this really fit with American culture--obviously, some of that has to do with the unhealthy eating and recreational habits of Americans, but this also makes sense because as members of an individualist culture, we are always striving to do better and to compete against others, which causes more stress and could then lead to cardiovascular disease. The correlation between a strong uncertainty avoidance and faster driving was also interesting, because these people seem to be certain of themselves and maybe also feel that they are invincible.

Here in the US, we have a low uncertainty avoidance index and a willingness to experience unfamiliar risks as long as we can see visible and positive results. I also thought it was interesting that wealthier countries were less corrupt because everyone has a better chance for equal rights and perhaps equality of jobs, whereas in poorer countries people are forced to work outside of the law to gain any footing.