Living in the other culture may pose a challenge, but it allows for gaining new experiences and understanding of people. Although trying to accommodate cultural differences opens new individual horizons, it may also lead to misunderstandings. Thus, Briggs emphasizes the cultural backgrounds of people and their importance in shaping interactions.
To observe the cultural tendencies in the interactions between Briggs as a kapluna and the Utku, one can focus on the initial phase of their relationships. First, Briggs was treated as an honored guest and offered only something best, such as the softest seats, milk, and sugar in tea, and so further (Briggs, 1971, p. 226). In turn, she also always offered her food and tried to help their hosts (Briggs, 1971, p. 226-227). Thus, one can suppose that both sides tried to build mutually beneficial relationships. However, power dynamics between the Utku and the kapluna is illustrated by the appearance of exploitative traits, for instance, when Inuttiaq said Briggs to make tea to express her gratefulness (Briggs, 1971, p. 227). This situation suggests that the Utku felt their so-called superiority because they were hosts.
Ilira or fear played a significant role in Briggs’ relationships with the Utku. It seems that ilira was present at the initial phase of interaction due to Briggs’ strangeness. On the other hand, kindness in the treatment was an option to hide their irritation (Briggs, 1971, p. 234). Moreover, the Utku expected Briggs to be kind to them in turn (Briggs, 1971, p. 234). Thus, ilira has two opposite aspects that develop relationships from beneficence to dislike.
Finally, one can admit that cultural traits and interactions do not always have a meaning intended by one of the sides. Briggs shows that the good treatment of a stranger may imply feelings far from kindness. Here, one cannot judge the attitudes of the Utku as disrespectful because they have deeply rooted culture-based practices toward the kaplunas.
Reference
Briggs, J. L. (1971). Never in anger: Portrait of an Eskimo family. Harvard University Press.