Culture is defined as as “the beliefs, customs, arts of particular society” it’s no secret that every society has its own culture and traditions. Many people may see their actions and traditions as strange but it is still unique to them. Arab beliefs are often perceived as “unique and [is] often mysterious to Westerners.” (2006) Arabs and Americans are a group of individuals that are united by their culture.
When looking at Arab or Yemeni values and beliefs, one must know that Islam is a great influence to culture. Arab culture in general is the product of Islam. Arab and Islamic beliefs shape an individual and their roles in their societies. The United States of America is influenced by Western culture. Americans believe in everyone being equal and freedom of choice.
In the Yemeni culture in particular, family is the center of everything. Yemeni families have strong …show more content…
Marriage is very sacred to them. Arranged marriages are very common and marrying someone from the same social class background is very important. When selecting a partner paying attention to family reputation is very important. Men and women do not socialize with one another in the same room. Dating is forbidden. Yemeni women must dress modestly. They wear a long traditional dress called abaya and a headscarf. Many women believe this creates a sense of dignity and modesty. Yemeni men wear robes, headdress and a Janbiya which it symbolizes and recognized them mostly for special occasions or when going to the mosque. Otherwise they wear blue jeans, T-shirts or suits. On the other hand, American men and women socialize with one another. Since men and women date, they decide if they will be friends or more than friends and get married. Depending on what region Americans live, they wear different clothing from dresses, skirts, blue jeans, flannel shirts and cowboy boots to business suits and designer