Društvo

Through New Eyes

Chris Farmer RSS / 22.06.2013. u 22:45

When they come, how will they look upon us?

Interestingly, after over a decade's presence here in Serbia, I begin to take things for granted which might jar the senses of a visitor to this strange planet. Now that my family from America is coming to visit, I begin to look at things through their eyes. And I wonder at the sight.

I notice things like the extremeness of shortness of short skirts. And short shorts. Although I am not displeased to notice these things on a regular basis, now I see them in terms of the possible contrast with Glendale, Arizona, or Chicago. Maybe it is the same. For their sakes, I hope so.

The predominant white European homogeneity. The invisibility of disabled persons. The falling cornices on the buildings. The superabundance of street cafes. The stark contrast of the old and less-old. The remnants of socialism. The roaming and spontaneous trubaci bands.

Landing the other day at the airport, I also began noticing the signs. We have hundreds of posters, advertisements, and signs written in AE. AE is "Approximate English," where we care enough to translate, but not enough to edit. As I looked at the ads for VIP Mobile and other various examples at the airport, I realized that the message was universally the same. Problematically this message is also incomprehensible.

Habits which have long since been assimilated will now be revisited and reexamined. The occurrence of lunch at anywhere between three and five in the afternoon may have my father's Iowa stomach growling. The provision of rakija at breakfast may also raise an eyebrow.

As a smoker, moreover, I have forgotten that public smoking is pretty much a part of Ancient American History. The fact that Serbia has variously implemented non-smoking laws and bans in public places notwithstanding, you can still smoke in almost any place where there is room enough to touch lighter to cigarette. I predict many watery eyes in the coming days.

Tone of voice is another thing that these new eyes and ears may notice. As I recall from my childhood and experience with my fellow countrymen, we tend not to raise our voices. Displeasure is expressed by inaudible sighs, an imperceptible tightening of the facial muscles, or a plethora of placatory discourse. In Belgrade, however, we express ourselves more loudly. A screaming match, complete with crying and angry shouting, may be the result of an inability to decide whose turn it is to hold the TV remote.

Ordering things in cafes. The round-about language which does not wish to inconvenience the waiter but it really would be very nice to receive a small coffee if it is not too much trouble usually results in your being completely overlooked and ignored. Waiters in America have names pinned to their chests and are falling all over themselves to help you. Waiters in Serbia, if you want to be heard, are called HEY YOU! and BOY!

When you must bark at them, and say, "BRING COFFEE!" it might feel slightly uncivilized to the unaccustomed ear.

It is an uncomfortable irony that I do not notice most of these phenomena except when paying particular attention to them. Having spent the past too-many-years railing against things which bug me about life in the White City, I now find myself on the other side of the counter, offering explanations for what they see and may not understand.

I will spend a lot of next week shrugging my shoulders I think.

Atačmenti



Komentari (26)

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maksa83 maksa83 00:00 23.06.2013

bull

I notice things like the extremeness of shortness of short skirts. And short shorts. Although I am not displeased to notice these things on a regular basis, now I see them in terms of the possible contrast with Glendale, Arizona, or Chicago.

I (pardon my French) call bullshit on this. I came from Chicago 2 days ago and I have never, ever seen a place with more women in very small, short and tight shorts. Even with Chicago breeze sweeping. Some where local, some where American tourists.

P.S. And I don't just mean this place - Tilted Kilt

P.P.S.
Q: Why don't they wear mini skirts in San Francisco?
A: Because their balls would show.
blogovatelj blogovatelj 02:33 23.06.2013

bull # 2

The predominant white European homogeneity.


I (pardon my French) call bullshit on this.
I really apologize that we did not have slavery in our recent history.
Srecko Sekeljic Srecko Sekeljic 04:31 23.06.2013

Re: bull # 2

blogovatelj
The predominant white European homogeneity.


I (pardon my French) call bullshit on this.
I really apologize that we did not have slavery in our recent history.

Actually, there's not a decent country in the world (excluding some failed states) that have been involved in classic slave trade you're referring to in their recent history.

On the other hand, Serbia is predominantly white because it has never been a destination country for immigrants, apart from handful of cases.

And due to the lack of exposure to different cultures and races we've remained blatantly unaware of subtile racial problems which, unfortunately, makes an average Serb oftentimes come across as borderline racist...
rade.radumilo rade.radumilo 09:02 24.06.2013

Re: bull # 2

I really apologize that we did not have slavery in our recent history.


Only a small trouble like this:
When Kingdom of Serbs Croats and Slovens was formed, there was a problem of different law practices in those parts. One of the main problems was this:
By Serbian law, women were not treated as citizens with full citizen rights. Woman in Serbia, like underage children, required a legal guardian: usually the husband, but in case of widows someone of his or hers family. Women could not engage in any legal transaction, therefore could not manage her property or make any decisions without a consent of her male custodian.
The trouble with this was that the laws in Austro-Hungarian empire were more liberal towards women and the resistance towards implementing liberal gender laws was very stiff in Serbia.
tyson tyson 10:02 23.06.2013

Noise Reduction Filter

Tone of voice is another thing that these new eyes and ears may notice. As I recall from my childhood and experience with my fellow countrymen, we tend not to raise our voices.

That's because there's no need to raise voice in Iowa

Whereas in Belgrade, a noisy metropolis (well, sort of), if you don't shout no one will hear you.

If you happen to be in Washington DC these days, go to Ambar restaurant near the Eastern Market, and you'll feel at home. That is, in Serbia





Chris Farmer Chris Farmer 10:15 23.06.2013

Re: Noise Reduction Filter

tyson
[That's because there's no need to raise voice in Iowa

Whereas in Belgrade, a noisy metropolis (well, sort of), if you don't shout no one will hear you.

If you happen to be in Washington DC these days, go to Ambar restaurant near the Eastern Market, and you'll feel at home. That is, in Serbia






tyson
Tone of voice is another thing that these new eyes and ears may notice. As I recall from my childhood and experience with my fellow countrymen, we tend not to raise our voices.

That's because there's no need to raise voice in Iowa




This is entirely possible! :)
zack2jack zack2jack 11:33 23.06.2013

...

The roaming and spontaneous trubaci bands.


..love this one :)

Great article Chris!
tyson tyson 14:16 23.06.2013

Крисе Србине!


Also, for any mesmerized visitors, completely unprepared for cultural differences, TIS* is usualy a good enough substitute for any meaningful explanation.





TIS = This Is Serbia



tito_je_bio_odlican tito_je_bio_odlican 21:35 23.06.2013

What a horrible article

You feel uncivilized when you say BRING COFFEE to a waiter. Well when I visited America I felt uncivilized and dirty that the falling over to help me and the smiles were all contingent on a system (the tipping system) where these people have to kiss asses for a living or starve.

What is the point of this article other than the rehash the same old narrative about Eastern Europe every other two bit Anglo hack was pushing decades ago. A country of manic alcoholics who are not as civilized as the West.

Or alternatively, are you just boosting your ego with tall tales about living in untamed commieland?
srdjan.pajic srdjan.pajic 22:06 23.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

You feel uncivilized when you say BRING COFFEE to a waiter. Well when I visited America I felt uncivilized and dirty that the falling over to help me and the smiles were all contingent on a system (the tipping system) where these people have to kiss asses for a living or starve.


Oh, don't worry next time, they won't starve if you don't tip them for serving you well. They'll just think that you are an uncivilized jerk. And they'll be right.

maksa83 maksa83 04:10 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

Oh, don't worry next time, they won't starve if you don't tip them for serving you well. They'll just think that you are an uncivilized jerk. And they'll be right.

Wrong problem.

The real problem with US is that no matter how you say it and how heavily you tip the guy you will get a cup filled with a liquid that is almost, but not quite, entirely unlike coffee.
Srecko Sekeljic Srecko Sekeljic 12:04 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

The real problem with US is that no matter how you say it and how heavily you tip the guy you will get a cup filled with a liquid that is almost, but not quite, entirely unlike coffee.

On the other hand, after paying for just one drink ("coffee", orange juice, Coke, water), you practically get infinite refills - which is, one must admit, a pretty good local custom.

And yes, tipping system does incentivize employees to provide better service, keep your cup/glass from being empty, and help you start your day with a smile
rade.radumilo rade.radumilo 12:16 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

And yes, tipping system does incentivize employees to provide better service, keep your cup/glass from being empty, and help you start your day with a smile


Traveled the Middle East a bit. There, the tipp (baksheesh) is a matter of good manners. Met a lot of angry Serbs, that complained about that. It had annoyed me so much I've reminded them of an old Serbian proverb: "Jackass went to Vienna, Jackass came back from Vienna..."
maksa83 maksa83 16:01 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

On the other hand, after paying for just one drink ("coffee", orange juice, Coke, water), you practically get infinite refills - which is, one must admit, a pretty good local custom.

There are no refills for decent coffee there (dedicated coffee shops or upscale restaurants), not even for half-decent (Starbucks). Infinite flow of crappy coffee doesn't make the coffee less crappy - just infinitely crappy. The same goes for free-refill sodas filled with corn syrup, which in combination props US to first place when it comes to number-of-really-fat-asses per capita.

One feels as if he's gaining something with free soda refills, but the only thing he's actually gaining is weight.
Srecko Sekeljic Srecko Sekeljic 19:53 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

Infinite flow of crappy coffee doesn't make the coffee less crappy - just infinitely crappy.

Well, yeah, I agree they should include infinite refills of some good espresso brand for the price of one cup.
The same goes for free-refill sodas filled with corn syrup

True that. They should definitely offer free refills of fresh squeezed organic juice.
marco_de.manccini marco_de.manccini 20:09 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

True that. They should definitely offer free refills of fresh squeezed organic juice.

Of course it is impossible to have free refill of good coffee or juice. That's really not the point. The point is, free refill of some crappy substance is still just a free refill of a crappy substance, it should not be counted as something special and be grateful for it when, in fact, you are better off without it.

*

By the way, they started selling corn syrup in grocery stores, gallon jugs are available. It must go really well with pancakes.
Srecko Sekeljic Srecko Sekeljic 21:15 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

Of course it is impossible to have free refill of good coffee or juice. That's really not the point. The point is, free refill of some crappy substance is still just a free refill of a crappy substance, it should not be counted as something special and be grateful for it when, in fact, you are better off without it.

I am ashamed to admit that I actually like filter coffee - as well as good old Balkan coffee, strong espresso shot, or some foamy instant coffee in a big glass. I would appreciate refills of any of those.

But, of course, I do agree that one should avoid corn starch syrup at all costs.
marco_de.manccini marco_de.manccini 21:27 24.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

No need to be ashamed, I do not mind good filter coffee either, but, usually, the free refill filter coffee is not the good kind. Although, I agree, if we ignore the taste, not much harm is done (corn syrup on the other hand ...).
srdjan.pajic srdjan.pajic 21:59 24.06.2013

5 centuries under Ottomans:

Guess which one of these is my coffee maker:

marco_de.manccini marco_de.manccini 23:50 24.06.2013

Re: 5 centuries under Ottomans:

Црни пајићу, ја на послу спремам само филтер (тако ми згодно, а купим добру па и није лоше уопште), а турску само код куће. Морам тако, бојим се да пијем турску на послу, одрукаће ме шпијуни, па ће ми Обама одузети држављанство. А ти, видим, нећеш имати никакве шансе.
srdjan.pajic srdjan.pajic 01:19 25.06.2013

Re: 5 centuries under Ottomans:

marco_de.manccini
Црни пајићу, ја на послу спремам само филтер (тако ми згодно, а купим добру па и није лоше уопште), а турску само код куће. Морам тако, бојим се да пијем турску на послу, одрукаће ме шпијуни, па ће ми Обама одузети држављанство. А ти, видим, нећеш имати никакве шансе.


А, видим да си и ти на опрезу, користиш шифровани алфабет кад се говори о контрабанди. Пусти, није се за зајебавати са тим стварима, видиш како су кренули да хапсе и за сваку ситницу шаљу људе у Гитмо. Али, ако дође до стани-пани, оптужићу ову Јапанку, са којом делим кухињу, да она пије турску кафу, док ја уживам искључиво у патриотској филтер кафи.



blogovatelj blogovatelj 20:44 26.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

And yes, tipping system does incentivize employees to provide better service, keep your cup/glass from being empty, and help you start your day with a smile


How to leave a tip for a shitty waitress/waiter
Srecko Sekeljic Srecko Sekeljic 02:00 27.06.2013

Re: What a horrible article

How to leave a tip for a shitty waitress/waiter

Leave it in your pocket :)
marco_de.manccini marco_de.manccini 05:26 24.06.2013

I am so happy to live in Iowa!

An old man lived on a remote farm somewhere between Iowa and Minnesota. One day a few people came and told the old man that they will make some measurements, and then they will be able to tell him if his house is actually in Minnesota or in Iowa. The old man welcomed them warmly and said that he was always curious about it. After they finished the measurements they told him that they were absolutely certain that his house was in Iowa. The old man responded very positively to the news and kept repeating that he could not be happier. When they asked him why was he so happy he answered "well, no more Minnesota winters!".
rade.radumilo rade.radumilo 09:47 24.06.2013

Funny paths of Life

A friend of mine was in a college in Wisconsin in a small town that had more students than residents. He bought several years old VW Golf to drive around (bright idea), and after few months he had a mechanical problem with it. He went to an only mechanics shop in the town, but a guy that owned it told him that he has no experience with European cars and that he should go to the nearby (65km) town of Bruce, for there was a mechanic there that knew his way around European cars.
So he went to Bruce and there he found a car repairs shop own by mr. Sniđelić. It turned out that mr. Sinđelić came to Bruce Wisconsin some years ago from: Brus, Serbia.
cult cult 18:35 24.06.2013

Hi

I just want to say that it was great description of Halkidiki adventure on your last blog post.

And about short skirts and shorts - it can cause traffic problems sometimes.

Arhiva

   

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