You experience other cultures to give you a kind of shock that makes you look at your own culture. You appreciate it more as a result of being out of it, but you also realise there are some things lacking in your culture.

Mem Fox’s quote, "You experience other cultures to give you a kind of shock that makes you look at your own culture. You appreciate it more as a result of being out of it, but you also realise there are some things lacking in your culture," reflects on the transformative power of encountering different ways of life. Fox suggests that when we immerse ourselves in other cultures, it creates a shock that forces us to reflect on our own cultural norms, values, and practices. This exposure leads to a greater appreciation of what we have, as we can see it in contrast with other ways of living.

The quote highlights how being away from one’s own culture allows us to view it from a more critical perspective. By stepping outside our familiar environment, we gain a broader perspective that not only makes us grateful for the positive aspects of our culture but also allows us to identify its shortcomings. This dual process of appreciation and realization helps us grow and evolve in our understanding of both our own cultural identity and the world at large.

Fox's statement suggests that culture is not static; it is constantly influenced by interactions with other cultures. Through experience, whether it be travel, living abroad, or interacting with people from different backgrounds, we gain valuable insights that challenge our preconceived notions and help us recognize both the strengths and weaknesses of our own cultural framework. This process of self-reflection and growth is an essential part of human development.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Mem Fox’s career as a writer and educator, where she has had extensive experience with different cultures, particularly in her work with children’s literature. Fox’s observations about culture and the ways in which we understand and appreciate our own are shaped by her personal experiences of traveling, living in various countries, and engaging with diverse communities. Her work emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and open-mindedness in fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.