The US ranks only 22nd in gender equality!

Here is an article that presents findings of a study on the gender gap among 135 countries around the world.








Are you surprised the USA only ranks 22nd?

Gender equality has been more of a national focus than usual in the United States over the past few months, thanks to the 2012 presidential election. Republican nominee Mitt Romney recently discussed the "binders full of women" that he tried to hire when he was governor of Massachusetts, and President Barack Obama touched upon the importance of "protecting women's rights" around the world during the third and final presidential debate Monday (10-22-12).

But how does the United States stack up against other countries when it comes to said gender equality? According to the 2012 Global Gender Gap Report, released on October 23rd by the World Economic Forum, we're only 22nd best.

The report ranks 135 countries (which collectively contain over 90 percent of the world's population) based on 14 indicators used to measure the size of a nation's gender gap is in four key areas:

1. Economic participation and opportunity, which includes female labor force participation, wage equality and the percentage of women in high-ranking jobs.
2. Educational attainment, which looks at female literacy and how frequently women are enrolled in higher education.
3. Health and survival, which is measured by comparing female and male life expectancy and mortality rates.
4. Political empowerment, which examines the number of women holding political office as well as the number of female heads of state over the last 50 years.

The report gives each country a score between 0 (total inequality) and 1 (total equality) for each of the 14 indicators, then averages these scores to determine a nation's final score and thus, its ranking.
Last year, the United States ranked 17th, just behind the United Kingdom and just ahead of Canda, with a score of .7412. This year, amid a whole lot of talk about women's rights and gender equality, the U.S. is ranked 22nd with a score of .7373 (its lowest since 2009).

The U.S. did manage to close the economic gender gap further even as its other scores slipped, along with fellow major economic powers, Japan and Germany. Unsurprisingly, several Western European nations (including several Scandinavian nations, which have a well-documented history of valuing social welfare and gender equality) continue to rank at the top of the World Economic Forum's index.

The one thing these rankings make clear is that there is still a whole lot of work to be done when it comes to creating policies that will give men and women equal opportunities for living economically successful, healthy and politically engaged lives.

LOOK: The 25 Best And 25 Worst Countries For Gender Equality.  see link to article here:


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/global-gender-gap-report-2012-best-worst-countries-women_n_2006395.html

Should business always adapt marketing tactics to adhere to local cultural norms?

If a business aspires to succeed in other cultures, isn’t the rule unequivocal that “you must adhere to that culture’s rules and norms?!”.

Here is an article about IKEA producing different ads to conform to Saudi Arabian standards.  In the ad produced for the Saudi market, they remove women in order to comply with the law banning depictions of women who don’t comply with the Islamic dress code.

What do you think of IKEA’s move?

Swedish version of ad

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saudi (airbrushed) version of ad

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the article and reader comments here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/01/ikea-saudi-arabia-catalogue_n_1928635.html

Dont Be The Ugly American Overseas!!!!

7 Signs You're An Ugly American-- By Caroline Morse with additons by me, Karla Scott

‎Here is a great list (published October 2012) of indicators you are the UGLY AMERICAN while travelling abroad.  I read this novel a few years ago and realized these attitudes frustrated me so, they motivated me to launch my intercultural consulting business: Global Ways.

 

What would you add to the authors list?  See my 3 additions at the end.

Bad news, fellow Americans. The rest of the world thinks were terrible travelers. It's so bad, in fact, that the term "Ugly American" has become shorthand for any tourist that sticks out or misbehaves abroad. (Don't blame us, we didn't coin the phrase.) Read on to see if you fit the stereotype.

Attire

White sneakers, a fanny pack, a baseball hat ... and a Canadian-flag patch sewn onto your backpack. This uniform can make a tourist stand out--and not in a good way. Wear what's comfortable, but do make an effort to blend in with what the locals wear, especially when it comes to covering up in more modest countries. We've also seen many Americans utilize the Canadian flag to pretend they're not from the US while traveling. Don't be ashamed of our country -- be an example of what's good about it. Let your behavior and attitude leave a positive impression when you travel instead of pretending to be from somewhere else.

English Only

We're not saying that you have to be fluent in a country's native language in order to visit it--but you should at least make an effort to learn key phrases and words. Knowing how to say things like "Hello" and "Do you speak English?" in the local language can go a long way. American tourists are notorious for just repeating English questions louder when a nonspeaker doesn't understand, so don't do that. Try to use hand gestures, phrasebooks, or even apps to get your point across instead.

Complaining About Portions

To the rest of the world, it's not just Texas where everything's bigger -- it's America. It doesn't help the stereotype when Americans complain about small portion sizes while dining out abroad. Think of smaller portions as a way to sample more dishes or to reevaluate your own eating choices.

Demanding to Know the Price in Dollars

It's fine to do the math in your head or on a calculator, but don't ask a merchant how much their wares are in "real money." Get a rough idea of the conversion rate before you leave and do the mental math instead, or download a currency-converter app for your smartphone. You'll be shopping like a local in no time.

Excessive Patriotism

We can't even count the number of times we've heard a fellow American tourist brag about "how America does it." It's great to discuss cultural differences, but if you're pointing out customs that you think are flawed or not as good as "how we do it here" then you're missing out on the whole idea of travel.

Trying to Recreate America Abroad

You're traveling for a reason--to experience new things! So don't automatically seek out the nearest Starbucks when you're overseas. Sample the local restaurants as well as the cool fast-food chains that we don't have here. Remember that amenities we take for granted (like air-conditioning or Western-style toilets) aren't available everywhere, so be prepared to adjust to a new standard of living temporarily.

Overpacking

Americans have a reputation for being "oversized" abroad, but your luggage doesn't have to be. Overpacking can be a clear indication of an American tourist, so don't struggle up the stairs of your European hotel with a huge suitcase if you don't have to. Downsize to a backpack or small suitcase--if you run out of clothing, you can always go shopping while you're on vacation, and then you'll really look like you belong. Or, do laundry at a Laundromat near your hotel--it's the perfect chance to mingle with locals.

My additions: Make the unfamiliar familiar by learning about the culture in advance.  To enhance your experience overseas, I recommend:

 

Do your homework

Be insatiably curious.  Go to your local bookstore and use the internet to research the other culture’s history, geography, key symbols, tourist attractions, national dishes, popular sports, non verbal communication rules, leaders and celebrity culture.  Study the local map including the mass transit or metro map and the area surrounding your hotel.  You will feel more comfortable exploring and communicating when you have gone the extra mile to learn something about your new culture.  The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect.  Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet.  It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture.  Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English.  Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?

 

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series.  They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there.  They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining.  You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.  

 Read a novel and watch films set in that country

Actually, a novel about a young American living in Paris is what inspired me to study in France my junior year of college.  I highly recommend you indulge in literature that teaches history as well as some contemporary culture. 

For example, before traveling to Viet Nam recently, I read The Quiet American, by Graham Greene, and later I rented the film. While near the Chinese border in northern Viet Nam, I read The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. It’s an intriguing tale of the struggles and prosperity of a rice Farmer living in China during the pre-revolutionary period.  As we rode through the rice fields of Viet Nam, I felt I was a part of the farmer’s world.  Touring around Saigon, I saw all the landmarks that were featured in The Quiet American. 

In short, the literature and films set in that country enhanced my total travel experience.

Learn a few commonly used words and phrases

Rest assured you do not need to enroll in a 3-month immersion class.  Most of the world accommodates English speaking tourists.  In fact, it is the second most spoken language, behind Mandarin, in the world.   Your experience can be greatly enhanced by showing basic respect.  You can accomplish this by learning some common courtesy expressions such as hello; goodbye; thank you; and please and one of my favorites: “Where are the toilets?”  “How much is that ________?” also comes in very handy when bargaining.

You will be amazed by how instantly connected you feel when upon arrival, someone says hello in their language and you can respond in the same language or when they say thank you, you can reply appropriately.

I strongly urge you to refrain from bursting into a conversation leading with English words.  Instead (or what is more respectful is to) always first ask “Do you speak English?”

You can listen to a basic language tape daily before you go that provides language basics including numbers,  useful questions, shopping terms, hotel/taxi/ and airport expressions, and dining phrases.  

 

What Russian Brides and Grooms do on Their Wedding Day

During both of my visits to St Petersburg, Russia, I observed wedding couples celebrating near all the key monuments and buildings including The Bronze Horseman in Senate Square, The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and The Rostral Columns

Here is an article describing this Russian wedding tradition.:

What Russian Brides and Grooms Do on Their Wedding Day

By Susan Breslow Sardone,

Senate Square near Bronze Horseman August 30, 2012

Russian brides and grooms celebrate their wedding day much like romantic couples the world over although they do have certain traditions unique to their country.

 

Russian brides seek out the fanciest dress their budget can afford (usually an elaborate white confection) while Russian grooms arrange for an appointment at a civil office where the ceremony and marriage registration can take place. The cost is approximately 60 Euros.

Traditions Among Russian Brides and Grooms

Before the wedding, it’s tradition for Russian grooms to accomplish a few tasks. For instance, when he comes to pick up his bride, the groom may be handed a napkin with lipstick prints of the bride and her attendants on it. If he can’t pick out his bride’s kiss, he must pay a tribute. Grooms who guess wrong may have to cover a shawl with rubles.

Once the Russian bride and groom exit the civil marriage registration office, it’s time for picture taking to commemorate the occasion. Friends and family members toss flower petals, coins, and sometimes release butterflies to wish the couple good luck.

And before they leave, it’s tradition for the groom to sweep the bride up in his arms and kiss her in front of all assembled.

A City Wedding Tour for Russian Brides and Grooms

It’s also tradition for Russian brides and grooms in St. Petersburg to visit three to five places around the city that hold special meaning for citizens. There they have post-wedding photos snapped.

To transport themselves and their guests to the locations in style, Russian brides and grooms hire a limousine bedecked with gold rings and flowers. Sometimes the couple’s names are painted on a side window. If the couple cannot afford a limo, any car suitably tricked out will do.

For Russian brides and grooms it’s not only a matter of showing up in a specific and often scenic location, it’s also a matter of performing a simple act to symbolically assure a long and happy marriage.

St. Petersburg Wedding Picture Locales

Out of tradition, Russian brides and grooms in St. Petersburg typically pay a visit to three to five of the following places:

· The eternal flame of the heroes of World War II and the Bronze Horseman statue and monument to Peter the Great dominating Senate Square.

· To the sphinx embankment on Peter Vassilevsky Island to pet the 4,000-year-old Egyptian statues and stone griffons for luck.

· To the Rostrum Column, decorated with ship prows and surrounded by an iron-link railing. Side by side, couples pose for photos with their hands fitted inside the links to symbolize their new bond.

· A few steps away, fountains gush in the shadow of the Peter and Paul Cathedral. And it’s tradition for couples to toast with champagne then smash their glasses against a large concrete sphere.

· To the New Hermitage Portico along the city’s Millionaires’ Row, where giant marble Atlanti statues act as columns. Here Russian brides rub the huge marble toes for luck and pose between the statues.

· To emphasize the purity of their love, Russian brides and grooms sometimes simultaneously release white doves beside the waterfront.

· Couples have themselves photographed beside spectacularly beautiful and religiously meaningful structures such as the onion-domed Church of Spilled Blood.

7-country, 12-night Russia & Scandinavia cruise on Aug 24-Sept 5, 2012:

In 15 days, I will take a 7-country, 12-night Russia & Scandinavia cruise. Of note, I took this same cruise on NCL two years ago. I will use the same great tour companies for visits to St Petersburg, Tallinn, and Berlin.

12 nights departing August 24, 2012 on Celebrity's Constellation
ITINERARY
DAY DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART Fri Aug 24 Amsterdam, Holland 4:30pm Sat Aug 25 At Sea Sun Aug 26 Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany 9:30am Midnight Mon Aug 27 At Sea Tue Aug 28 Tallinn, Estonia 10:00am 5:00pm Wed Aug 29 St. Petersburg, Russia 7:00am Thu Aug 30 St. Petersburg, Russia 6:00pm Fri Aug 31 Helsinki, Finland 8:00am 5:00pm Sat Sep 1 Stockholm, Sweden 9:00am 4:00pm Sun Sep 2 At Sea Mon Sep 3 Copenhagen, Denmark 10:00am 6:00pm Tue Sep 4 At Sea Wed Sep 5 Amsterdam, Holland 5:00am

Olympics Boycott

Did you know the USA boycotted the Olympics in our lifetime?

Yes, The USA boycotted the Olympics, hosted by Moscow, in 1980. 

 Do you know why?

 

Answer:

The United States and a number of other countries boycotted  the games because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, though some athletes from some of the boycotting countries participated in the games, under the Olympic Flag.  This prompted the Soviet-led boycott of the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Eighty nations participated in 1980 – the smallest number since 1956.  

As a form of protest against the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, fifteen countries marched in the Opening Ceremony with the Olympic Flag  instead of with their national flags, and the Olympic Flag and Olympic Hymn   were used at Medal Ceremonies when athletes from these countries won medals. Competitors from one country –New Zealand – competed under their association flag, the flag of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association. 

29 of the boycotting nations participated instead in the Liberty Bell Classic (also known as the "Olympic Boycott Games") in Philadelphia in 1980.  

Of note, the 1980 Games were the first to be held in Eastern Europe.

Nadia Elena Comăneci, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal   (and the first female gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event), won two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. 

Can you believe Nadia turned 50 this year?!

 For more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_Summer_Olympics_boycott