Look at the picture I'm holding for five seconds, then describe what you saw in one sentence. You just took the Michigan Fish Test. Two University of Michigan professors gave the instructions above to two groups: American and Japanese. Do you want to guess the results? The Americans, in general, remarked on the main objects, describing the picture something like "three fish swimming and a frog." The Japanese generally remarked about the whole scene and described "an underwater setting from a lake or pond." Well, did you see more like an American or Japanese? Neither view is better, of course, and in fact, each has advantages. I'm sure you're not particularly surprised to hear that culture impacts your perception, but do you know HOW and WHY? For insight, let's investigate the Fish Test a bit further. Western cultures generally emphasize freedom, individualism, and independence. They value analytical thinking that emphasizes the individual elements rather than the larger context. "Three fish swimming and a frog." East Asians' cultures generally emphasize unity, collaboration, and interdependence. They value holistic thinking that emphasizes the larger context over individual objects. "An underwater setting from a lake or pond." What cultures have shaped you and which have you shaped? For the last 3 decades I've lived in a mostly female household, which consists of 6 females (5 daughters and myself) and 1 lone dad (poor guy). I know this has impacted the way I see myself and the world, but I also wonder how it will impact my girls. Finally, I've posted these thoughts on culture at the start of Black History Month, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history.
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