Fear across cultures

Warmer: that's different

On my first trip to China, there were many moments that made me think, "That's different."

Firstly, many people wore face masks. Secondly, it was quite common to see people leaving chicken bones on restaurant tables and even the floor. Thirdly, it was very common in the evening to see people, especially older people, doing stretching exercises together in public squares in the evening.

Think of some of your own THAT'S DIFFERENT moments from your time in other countries. Then share your ideas with a partner.

Now take a look at this infographic from 2014.

What might explain these concerns?

Do you think anything would change if the same research was done today?

We're now going to check out some common fears in ...

the USA

China

Pakistan

Nigeria

How much do you know about each country's culture?

What do you think some of their top fears might be?

Now read the texts. Keep in mind that you'll be summarising the texts for your partner afterwards.

Student A: USA and Pakistan

Student B: China and Nigeria

USA

In the United States, fears tend to reflect individual anxieties as well as larger societal issues. Some of the most common fears are:

Fear of Public Speaking (Glossophobia): Public speaking consistently ranks as one of the top fears in the U.S. Many Americans experience anxiety about being judged or embarrassed while speaking in front of others.

Fear of Crime or Violence: Concerns about personal safety, particularly related to violent crime, mass shootings, and terrorism, have increased in the U.S., especially in urban areas and in the wake of widely reported incidents.

Fear of Natural Disasters: Given the frequency of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires in parts of the U.S., many Americans express fears related to natural disasters and environmental catastrophes.

Fear of Failure: In the highly competitive environment of the U.S., fear of failure, particularly in the professional and academic realms, is a significant concern. This fear is often tied to social status, financial security, and self-worth.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, fears are shaped by a combination of cultural values, social norms, economic challenges, and security concerns.

Fear of Terrorism and Violence: Terrorism and sectarian violence are major concerns in Pakistan. The country has faced decades of insurgency, bombings, and attacks from militant Islamist groups.

Fear of Political Corruption and Instability: Pakistan’s long history of political turmoil and corruption has led to deep-rooted fears about governance and stability.

Fear of Religious Extremism and Sectarian Conflict: Religious tensions and extremism are significant sources of fear in Pakistan. Sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims, as well as discrimination against religious minorities like Christians and Hindus, contribute to an atmosphere of fear.

Fear of Divine Judgment or Sin (Islamic Beliefs): For many Pakistanis, religious beliefs rooted in Islam shape personal fears, including the fear of divine judgment or committing sins.

Fear of Health Issues and Lack of Healthcare: Health concerns are widespread in Pakistan, particularly due to the limited access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas. Diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and hepatitis are common, and the healthcare system is often under-resourced.

China

In China, fears are shaped by rapid modernization, social expectations, and political pressures. The most common fears include:

Fear of Academic Failure: In China’s highly competitive education system, fear of failure in school, particularly during the "Gaokao" (college entrance exam), is a significant concern for both students and parents.

Fear of Financial Instability: Many Chinese fear financial insecurity, especially with the rising cost of living in cities and the pressures of supporting families. This fear is particularly pronounced due to the importance of saving money and securing long-term economic stability.

Fear of Government Surveillance or Repression: Political fears, particularly related to free speech, dissent, or government surveillance, are common, especially in light of strict government control over the media and personal freedoms.

Fear of Aging Parents’ Care (Filial Piety): With China’s aging population, there is a cultural expectation to care for elderly parents. Many Chinese citizens worry about their ability to provide for their parents’ needs, both financially and physically.

Fear of Environmental Issues: Rapid industrialization has led to significant environmental degradation, and many Chinese express fears about pollution, water contamination, and the long-term health impacts of poor air quality.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, fears are influenced by economic challenges, security concerns, and health issues. The top common fears are:

Fear of Kidnapping or Violence: Due to the presence of insurgent groups like Boko Haram in the northeast and widespread kidnapping for ransom, fear of abduction and violence is a major concern across the country.

Fear of Economic Instability: With high unemployment rates, inflation, and a fluctuating economy, many Nigerians fear financial hardship and struggle with the uncertainty of their economic future.

Fear of Illness or Disease: Health-related fears, particularly of diseases like malaria, HIV, and more recently, COVID-19, are common. Access to healthcare can be limited in many regions, amplifying these fears.

Fear of Corruption: Corruption within government and law enforcement is a prevalent concern for many Nigerians, who often fear that their rights may not be protected or that they could be exploited by officials.

Fear of Supernatural Forces: Belief in witchcraft and supernatural forces still plays a significant role in Nigerian culture, particularly in rural areas. Many Nigerians fear curses, spirits, or other mystical influences on their lives.

Now quickly summarise what you've read for your partner.

No commentary at this stage.

Discussion:

Did the text mention any of your ideas?

Were you surprised by any of the fears?

Which of them was the most expected?

If a similar text were done about your country, what do you think would be included in the list?

Parents often use fear as a tool to control their children's behaviour.

This often includes invoking particular evil spirits.

But again, this differs across cultures.

The Boogeyman (UK)

The "Bogeyman" is one of the most well-known fear-inducing creatures in the UK and beyond. Although descriptions of the Bogeyman vary, it is generally depicted as a mysterious figure who hides in dark places like closets or under beds, waiting to capture naughty children. Parents often warn their children that if they misbehave, the Bogeyman will come for them.

El Coco (Spain / Latin Am)

In Spain and many Latin American countries, El Coco (or "El Cucuy") is a monster used to scare children into behaving. El Coco is often described as a shadowy figure or bogeyman who kidnaps disobedient children and takes them away in a sack. Parents often warn their children, "If you don't behave, El Coco will come and get you."

Krampus (Germany)

In Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, demonic figure who accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season. While Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus is said to punish naughty children by beating them with sticks or even dragging them away to his lair. The Krampus tradition remains strong in Austria, Germany, and other Central European countries, where Krampus parades are still held.

Teke Teke (Japan)

In Japanese urban legend, Teke Teke is the ghost of a woman who was cut in half by a train. Her upper body drags itself along using her hands or elbows, making a distinctive "teke teke" sound as she moves. She is said to chase after children and slice them in half if she catches them. Teke Teke stories are often told to scare children into staying away from dangerous areas like train tracks.

Pishtaco (Peru)

In Andean folklore, particularly in Peru, the Pishtaco is a mythical figure described as a white man or outsider who preys on Indigenous people, particularly children. He is said to kill his victims and steal their body fat for profit. The fear of Pishtaco is tied to a deep-rooted suspicion of outsiders, and parents use this figure to scare children into staying safe and close to home.

Adze (Ghana)

In Ewe folklore of Ghana and Togo, the Adze is a shape-shifting vampire-like creature that can turn into a firefly and enter homes to feed on the blood of children while they sleep. Parents tell children to behave and stay indoors at night to avoid being targeted by the Adze, who prefers naughty children. The creature is also associated with witchcraft and misfortune.

Discussion

Which of these beings is the creepiest?

Do any of theme seem a bit silly?

Does your country's folklore have any similar being(s)? What does it look like? What are its traits? Did your parents try to control your behaviour by invoking this being?

Why do you think such beings are so common across cultures?

Do such beings enrich children's imaginations, or is it unethical to manipulate children's trust in adults by feeding them such nonsense?

Sometimes fears get a little out of hand and start affecting too many aspects of our lives.

If this happens, what options do we have?

Now check out the text below.

Does it mention any of your ideas?

Dealing with fears across countries

In the west, people have a variety of options to face their fears, including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), exposure therapy, art therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Many of these kinds of therapies are available all over the world, but some cultures have some unique approaches to dealing with fears.

In Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," is a practice that involves immersing oneself in nature to reduce stress and anxiety. This method encourages individuals to connect with nature, promoting relaxation and a sense of peace, which can help alleviate fears and anxieties.

In Peru and other parts of the Amazon Basin, ayahuasca—a psychoactive brew made from indigenous plants—is used in ceremonial settings to facilitate healing and personal insight.

And in many indigenous cultures, shamanic healing is used to address fears, anxiety, and other psychological issues. Shamans, or spiritual healers, may conduct rituals, such as chanting, drumming, and dance, to help individuals confront and overcome their fears.

Discussion

What do you think CBT, exposure therapy, art therapy and animal-assisted therapy involves?

Which of the novel approaches would you like to try?

In many countries, there is a stigma about talking about one's fears, especially for men, since fear is a sign of weakness. Do you think this is true in some parts of Russia, or among the older generations?