Submitted by Emily Gray on the 2019 fall semester program in Prague, Czech Republic…
My first week in Prague has been incredible. Every time I leave my apartment I am struck by the beauty of this city. However, amongst a sea of picturesque buildings, the New Stage of the National Theater stands out. Its modern style seems out of place in a city where buildings are hundreds of years old. My tour guide explained that it was created during the Communist regime in Prague, and pointed out the gorgeously ornate Old National Theater directly next to it. I thought it was interesting, and almost heartbreaking, that a place I walk past every morning symbolizes a bleak and terrifying part of Czech history. It also reminds me that the Velvet Revolution occurred only 30 years ago, meaning many Czechs can still recall life under the Communists. This fact presents itself in several aspects of Czech culture. For example, small talk is rare in shops and markets because, under communism, talking to strangers could expose oneself to spies. Foreigners also notice that Czechs tend to look unhappy, calling their frowns the “Czech smile.” My orientation leader explained that several older citizens of Prague were exposed to terrible things in their lives, and therefore have less reason to smile. She also noted that young people in Prague often smile and engage in small talk, indicating the correlation between this behavior and Prague’s Communist past. I am interested to learn more about the modern history of this beautiful city, and to use my new knowledge to account for cultural differences.