I liked reading these stories and deciphering the differences between the culture here in the United States and the culture within the story. In one of them, I think it was “Alive,” there was a part that said the husband was well respected by his neighbors because he didn’t beat his wife. I found this very strange and extremely eye-opening because husbands should not be praised for not hurting their wives. Which makes it seem like most men beat their wives, otherwise there would not be the level of respect if it was a normal, culturally normal thing. I don’t think, or would hope not, a man would be respected if he didn’t beat his wife here. It would just be a fact. Something that should be normal. I also thought the story “Broken” was interesting with the men constantly questioning the girl about her virginity like it was there business. I don’t think virginity and sex is as big a deal here in the United States during this time period as it was when and where this story was taken place, so it made me upset just how into her business these grown men were. “Bridegroom” was also interesting because the views on homosexuality were very different from that of the present United States, but also very similar. In class, we learned that there are many states that still have conversion camps/therapy. I’m sure there are still plenty of people who think homosexuality is a disease or something that is harmful to someone, but I don’t think those opinions are quite as loud as they are in this story.