Imagine yelling at a stranger’s child for misbehaving.

Or being called an “old man” or “old woman” and considering it a compliment.

How about getting mad at a child for making eye contact with an adult.

Perhaps those ideas seem strange in America, but they’re common cultural practice in Africa.

For the increasing African immigrant and refugee population in Mankato, ditching those cultural practices is just as tough as local citizens attempting to adjust to them.

Tanzania native and St. Olaf Professor Joseph Mbele addressed that cultural rift Tuesday at the Lincoln Community Center.

He also discussed challenges parents face trying to raise their children in a completely different atmosphere than Africa.

About 100 people, mostly African, showed up for the presentation and question and answer session.

“When you grow up as part of a culture, we take that culture as normal,” Mbele said. “The danger is that when we go to another country, we carry the idea that my culture is the norm.”

Not true, he said. But culture shock can be frustrating.

Still, Mbele said the best approach is an open mind.

“Before we judge it’s better to try and understand,” he said.

As far as unwanted cultural influence and the potential loss of cultural identity among African children, Mbele suggested immigrant parents take a flexible approach.

“As long as they’re not breaking the law, I’m happy.”

And African parents should expect their teens to rebel and feel frustrated at times.