Interesting Gentleman

I got to meet a very interesting man the other day from Africa.
I really enjoy meeting other people from other countries and finding out what their social structures are like. I am very interested in how their families are different and the same as
American families. You can read this stuff in books but it is so much more interesting from the real people.
Now I may look really ignorant here, but I did not realize that polygamy is common in Africa. Probably not all parts, but the area where this gentleman is from it was legal. He was explaining to me how life is more communal there. Everyone try's to blend together. Everyone helps everyone, no one is more important than the other, just better at different things. He was saying how loud people seem to be here in America because we are so into being "individuals" that we try to stand out and be recognized for our individuality. So we seem to try and speak the loudest to have our own idea heard over others. Our point of view must be the right one, no matter what anyone else on the planet thinks or feels. Ouch:(
He is right that Americans are very into their individuality. I don't know if it is a good or a bad thing. I am glad when my 13 year old asserts her individuality that she is not going to start having sex in the park like some of the other girls her age and younger do. I am proud when my son tells his friends that it isn't cool to pick on the Down's Syndrome 2nd grader at the school even if he is annoying them or the other mentally challenged children that are there. I am happy when my middle daughter chooses sports for her extra curricular activity because she enjoys it even though most of her friends do not.
I do appreciate the theory of how the family unit this gentleman was speaking of would all take there part and care for the different half siblings and take direction from step-mother's (is that how you would label them?) without hesitation. They respect the elders and family as coming first. There families were huge, loving, and organized. (I can dream of such things) That seems very idealistic to me, but I enjoy the individualism of each of my children. I enjoy seeing them stand for what is right, in a society where there are not always enough people to do that.
It was a very interesting discussion that I had. I learned many things. I have had many new thoughts fly through my brain. I like making my mind wrap around different ways of upbringing, morals and values. Then I take what fits in my life and add it or I throw the whole shebang out.
Either way I have more information for the munchkins when they study Africa or have questions about Polygamy that you just can't get from a book.
Very interesting.