What feeds a culture?

Being immersed in a different culture gives me an opportunity to ponder what makes one culture different from another?  There are many facets of culture, but today I am wondering about differences in road behaviors from one culture to another.

Why do drivers in the US (mostly) stay in their lane, obey traffic signals, etc?  Why is driving here in the Dominican Republic putting your life at risk, especially if you are on a motorcycle with 3 people and packages, swerving between cars?  Driving behaviors don’t pop up over night.  They are a part of the culture, the expectations of one another, the way life is.  You get used to it, you cultivate patience with others, you exercise caution and you stay very alert when driving or walking along the road.  Accidents and even fatalities are very common here.  (It would be interesting to compare stats with US stats....)

But why?  Does the US enforce laws more effectively?  Maybe.  But when I drive at home I stay in my lane not primarily out of fear of getting a ticket.  It is expected of me and I expect it of other drivers.  I want us all to be safe on the road.
Are people more respectful in the US?  I don’t think so.
Are people more selfish or more in a hurry in the DR?  I don’t think so.

Different life experiences, different histories, different political patterns (Here there are 32 parties vying for a win in local elections which were attempted in February but canceled on the day of due to accusations of election fraud and are now scheduled for March 15.  The national election will be in May.).  Different climate for weather, for religion, for business, a different perspective on time and on

loyalty to those around you, different economic resources, different expectations of government...  there are many factors which feed a culture, which shape our accustomed behaviors, whether on the road, in the home, in our workplaces, the way we spend our free time.

What a joy to be immersed in the Dominican culture for these days.  I am so grateful to Carmen Harmon’s family for their welcome and care for Dan and me.  This is Raquel!