Journal 49
10-14-10
Class with Russians - first class all week.
American Club - about sex
Long story short: Americans *talk* a lot about it, and almost seem to get some kind of pleasure from talking about it, when we are with a group of friends -- but we can't stand to *see* it. E.g. - We collectively frown on public displays of affection (if we see two people making out in public); we won't allow nudity in our advertisements or in basic network shows; etc.
Essentially, concerning the, "Why are Russians/Europeans so comfortable with being nude (on a beach/at a Sauna), while Americans are not?" question, I said:
"Americans are never taught to separate their bodies from sex and sexuality -- if we're nude, or in a state of undress, it *must* be sexual. Russians, for instance, may be completely comfortable being nude in a Banya (like a Sauna) -- because for them, there is no sexuality associated with the action. It's something healthy. But an American in that situation, would balk at being naked [in public], because to them, a naked body is automatically associated with sex."
I continued, "A herd mentality may help -- that is, if you have only one, or a few, Americans, in a group of people for whom the action is normal -- they may go along with it, seemingly fine, because they tell themselves, "This is normal for everyone else." But you will probably find that they will still be a little uncomfortable about it."
Practice -
Okay, and not. I'm really getting frustrated -- Still no word from Vitaly -- I have questions and concerns, and they are not getting addressed, because I have no one to ask them of. I'm seriously starting to consider seeing if it's bad etiquette to take lessons with other people while Vitaly is out of town. I can't just keep starting and stopping lessons like this. :(
Tried dancing with Roma (potential partner) again -- he came up and asked if I wanted to try some things again.
He told me Larissa told him not to take a long time to decide [with whom he wanted to dance] -- so he said he would be trying out with the other girls this weekend, and on Monday, he would let me know what he decided.
So, we'll see, I suppose.
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Went Home
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