Rodney and Elise are U.S. students studying abroad in Italy. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss
them on both cheeks. When Rodney’s host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. This is an example of: culture shock
imperialism
ethnocentrism
xenocentrism
Culture shock occurs when an individual experiences disorientation, confusion, anxiety, and similar emotions when encountering a cultural practice, belief, etc that is different from the ones held in his or her culture. This commonly happens when people migrate or visit a new country or a different society; additionally, culture shock is considered as part of the process of adapting to a new culture. Culture shock can be seen in Rodney's case as he is visiting a new country (Italy) and encounters a cultural practice that is too different from the ones in his country which is that men kiss on both cheeks, situation that causes disorientation and confusion in Rodney as in his country kisses between men are not common and have a romantic connotation. This implies Rodney is encountering a different culture and this causes culture shock.
