What is the what? Post 2

I believe mutual respect is a key part of society and the way we interact with others. Sudanese cultural beliefs on respect are similar to American beliefs except in Sudan they are more enforced. Throughout this novel, I've noticed the level of respect the lost boys give the elderly. I find it admirable and the way the terms they use seem to be an expected thing, even to strangers. A perfect example of this elder respect is when Achak's father is doing business with a friend and trader named Sadiq Aziz. Even though Achak has known Sadiq, Sadiq brings him presents and they are relatively close, Achak continues to call him Uncle. "Hello, Uncle, I said. It was customary to call an older man uncle, as a term of familiarity and respect. If the man is older than one's father, he is called father"(58). This goes to show that the level of respect is a bit higher than here in America. I and many other teenagers will call a teacher Mr. or Mrs. (last name,) but I've observed only a few select teenagers calling a stranger "Sir" or "Ma'am," unless at a workplace. Additionally, almost everyone I know who lives in America would call a friends dad or family friend by their first name. I believe calling an adult by their first name shows the status of one's relationship and the level of comfort felt between. With that said, the words "Uncle or "Father" must have different meaning in Sudanese culture. Here, we will only call a man "Uncle" if he is actually one of our parents brothers, or call him "Father" if he is actually our father. By the Sudanese boys using these "family terms," it automatically puts the older person at an advantage and looked at as authority figure. Both cultures seem to know what their customs for respect are, especially the Sudanese. Maybe America could learn a few things from the Sudanese culture, because I feel Americans are lacking respect, or maybe some people just haven't been taught what is appropriate. I know I could use a refresher.