SO I have to do a paper and do an interview with at least 4 people who have lived outside of the US for at least 5 years (And you may currently live in another country so long as you have actually visited America OR AT LEAST ARE SUPER CLOSE WITH AMERICAN PEOPLE because I really don't care)
"What is American culture? How is American culture different from or similar to the rest of the world? Please interview at least 4 people who came from other countries or have lived in other countries for at least 5 years, and find out how unique American culture is."
OK so if you guys wouldn't mind filling out these questions I'd appreciate it
The more people the better so I have a bigger pool to draw from. I appreciate your time!
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
2. How would you describe American culture?
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
4. What do you like most about American culture?
5. What do you like least about American culture?
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
"What is American culture? How is American culture different from or similar to the rest of the world? Please interview at least 4 people who came from other countries or have lived in other countries for at least 5 years, and find out how unique American culture is."
OK so if you guys wouldn't mind filling out these questions I'd appreciate it
The more people the better so I have a bigger pool to draw from. I appreciate your time!1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
2. How would you describe American culture?
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
4. What do you like most about American culture?
5. What do you like least about American culture?
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
~Panama City, Panama; San Antonio, Texas
2. How would you describe American culture?
~Lazy (mainly those of my age group), but it has it's upsides when it comes to entertainment.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
~Doesn't mention race as much, more hard work, stricter parents, lots of cooking. Uh, all I can think of to be similar are moralities.
4. What do you like most about American culture?
~ Movies, amusement parks, radical people, music, the opportunities.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
~Indecisive, never satisfied, sometimes inconsiderate, not really positive towards change
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
~ America is seen as a very great, which it is, but having lived there you'd be kind of disappointed by some of the people. A lot of things are taken for granted to the point where it's wasted or taken advantage of. So, to sum it up, I would lean towards incorrect.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
~ America is still a very nice place. There the sky is your only limit. No excuses.
~Panama City, Panama; San Antonio, Texas
2. How would you describe American culture?
~Lazy (mainly those of my age group), but it has it's upsides when it comes to entertainment.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
~Doesn't mention race as much, more hard work, stricter parents, lots of cooking. Uh, all I can think of to be similar are moralities.
4. What do you like most about American culture?
~ Movies, amusement parks, radical people, music, the opportunities.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
~Indecisive, never satisfied, sometimes inconsiderate, not really positive towards change
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
~ America is seen as a very great, which it is, but having lived there you'd be kind of disappointed by some of the people. A lot of things are taken for granted to the point where it's wasted or taken advantage of. So, to sum it up, I would lean towards incorrect.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
~ America is still a very nice place. There the sky is your only limit. No excuses.
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
From the Netherlands, have lived here my whole life but Americans (and their culture) have been part of my life for over a decade now.
2. How would you describe American culture?
"Everything needs to be bigger and better". I associate America with obesity and excessive consumption of foods and other things.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
Things are cheaper in the US than here by a LARGE margin. Gas prices are double, boxed foods are double as expensive etc. Basically you can load your shopping cart in the US twice as much as you can in the Netherlands for the same price. This is more of an economical difference but I assume that almost everything is cheaper in the US than it is here all the time. The only items that aren't cheaper there are 'foreign products'. There are certain Dutch food items for example that cost 10 bucks while they only cost 2 euros here.
Religion also plays a dramatically smaller role in politics and society in the Netherlands. You'll be hard pressed to find religion in every day life here - I haven't been exposed to it in years and it barely even exists anymore. Nobody I know is a devout, practicing Christian anymore for example and church visits are more to please the elderly in a family who grew up differently. I don't know of a single person of my generation who practices a religion anymore, it's no longer part of our culture, a stark contrast to the US. The Netherlands was also the first country where the church recognized gay marriage and allowed it, something that has become part of our culture now. (Note: I'm not looking for a debate on this, I'm just mentioning it as a legit cultural difference, that's all.)
In other aspects of society our population and country is much smaller (we fit 10 times in California as a whole country) which makes people more involved with one another overall. It's common for friends to smooch each others' cheeks here and hug when you're just acquaintances, which as I've found isn't a common thing in America. It's also totally normal for family to smooch each other's lips - as a kid growing up we smooched our aunts and uncles and grandparents on the lips all the time, as we do with our parents and siblings. Culturally very normal for us.
When you pick up the phone it's considered rude to answer with a plain "Hello?" - most people are taught to pick up saying "This is <name>". The only times I answer with "Hello?" is when the caller ID is anonymous, or when it's a family member or friend calling. Otherwise it's custom to answer with your name at all times. It's also very rare to end phone conversations without saying "Thank you, goodbye" - both to friends and strangers. Hanging up without a greeting like that is considered very rude, but again common in the US.
As for how it's similar? Our supermarkets are similar! I'm not entirely sure on what points I'd specifically mention the similarities. There are plenty, but none really stand out much. We've been heavily influenced by American culture over the years and it's gradually increasing.
4. What do you like most about American culture?
The way crafts and baking are so heavily ingrained in the culture has to be my favorite thing. When I watch videos from Dutch crafters, I'm always put off by the way these people rely on ready-made products to make crafts with, whereas videos from US residents tend to make most things from scratch or improvise much more. It's hard to explain, but I feel Dutch crafters are the kind of people who use pizza dough from a can and US crafters make the pizza dough from scratch. Does that make sense? Creativity and improvisation is a much bigger thing and I freaking love it.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
The measurement system. It's so illogical and difficult to work through and makes no sense. Fahrenheit versus celcius, cups versus grams, 1pm versus 13:00 hours and so forth. The desire to make everything bigger also gets on my nerves sometimes. 32 ounce soda cups? 4 patty burgers? Really? It's insane and seems so inappropriately large compared to what I'm used to from my own country's common serving sizes that I can't wrap my head around it and, admittedly, find it hard to accept it.
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
Stereotypes are always based on a core of truth. There's a reason that the term "going Dutch" exists, and it's even common for us Southern Dutchies to think that way about the people farther up North. Stingy folks who offer you a single cookie and then the lid goes on the cookie tin to be sealed for the rest of the day. Tiny cups of coffee etc. Even inside my own tiny ass country, huge cultural differences and stereotypes exist based on truths.
The same goes for America - it struggles with obesity and promotes 'bigger is better' in various forms. The fact America is regarded as a culture of obesity is based on what is commonly seen in the country, for example. I think many other stereotypes have a core of truth in them, so yes, I think most are correct. Exaggerated? Yes, but also correct.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
Every country has its pros and cons. America has issues, but so does the Netherlands, and Germany, and Belgium. I go shopping in Germany because the products are cheaper and relatively better than those I find in the Netherlands, but on the other hand, I enjoy many Dutch traditions that don't exist in Germany. I'm in love with an American because I find I have almost nothing in common with the people in the country I live in - something about my way of thinking has been heavily Americanized throughout the years I guess! No country is better or worse than any other, they're all individuals with their own issues and their own strong points. There are many things I love about America and its people, as I love the Dutch - and I dislike both for their own shit too. No win or lose for either.
From the Netherlands, have lived here my whole life but Americans (and their culture) have been part of my life for over a decade now.
2. How would you describe American culture?
"Everything needs to be bigger and better". I associate America with obesity and excessive consumption of foods and other things.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
Things are cheaper in the US than here by a LARGE margin. Gas prices are double, boxed foods are double as expensive etc. Basically you can load your shopping cart in the US twice as much as you can in the Netherlands for the same price. This is more of an economical difference but I assume that almost everything is cheaper in the US than it is here all the time. The only items that aren't cheaper there are 'foreign products'. There are certain Dutch food items for example that cost 10 bucks while they only cost 2 euros here.
Religion also plays a dramatically smaller role in politics and society in the Netherlands. You'll be hard pressed to find religion in every day life here - I haven't been exposed to it in years and it barely even exists anymore. Nobody I know is a devout, practicing Christian anymore for example and church visits are more to please the elderly in a family who grew up differently. I don't know of a single person of my generation who practices a religion anymore, it's no longer part of our culture, a stark contrast to the US. The Netherlands was also the first country where the church recognized gay marriage and allowed it, something that has become part of our culture now. (Note: I'm not looking for a debate on this, I'm just mentioning it as a legit cultural difference, that's all.)
In other aspects of society our population and country is much smaller (we fit 10 times in California as a whole country) which makes people more involved with one another overall. It's common for friends to smooch each others' cheeks here and hug when you're just acquaintances, which as I've found isn't a common thing in America. It's also totally normal for family to smooch each other's lips - as a kid growing up we smooched our aunts and uncles and grandparents on the lips all the time, as we do with our parents and siblings. Culturally very normal for us.
When you pick up the phone it's considered rude to answer with a plain "Hello?" - most people are taught to pick up saying "This is <name>". The only times I answer with "Hello?" is when the caller ID is anonymous, or when it's a family member or friend calling. Otherwise it's custom to answer with your name at all times. It's also very rare to end phone conversations without saying "Thank you, goodbye" - both to friends and strangers. Hanging up without a greeting like that is considered very rude, but again common in the US.
As for how it's similar? Our supermarkets are similar! I'm not entirely sure on what points I'd specifically mention the similarities. There are plenty, but none really stand out much. We've been heavily influenced by American culture over the years and it's gradually increasing.
4. What do you like most about American culture?
The way crafts and baking are so heavily ingrained in the culture has to be my favorite thing. When I watch videos from Dutch crafters, I'm always put off by the way these people rely on ready-made products to make crafts with, whereas videos from US residents tend to make most things from scratch or improvise much more. It's hard to explain, but I feel Dutch crafters are the kind of people who use pizza dough from a can and US crafters make the pizza dough from scratch. Does that make sense? Creativity and improvisation is a much bigger thing and I freaking love it.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
The measurement system. It's so illogical and difficult to work through and makes no sense. Fahrenheit versus celcius, cups versus grams, 1pm versus 13:00 hours and so forth. The desire to make everything bigger also gets on my nerves sometimes. 32 ounce soda cups? 4 patty burgers? Really? It's insane and seems so inappropriately large compared to what I'm used to from my own country's common serving sizes that I can't wrap my head around it and, admittedly, find it hard to accept it.
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
Stereotypes are always based on a core of truth. There's a reason that the term "going Dutch" exists, and it's even common for us Southern Dutchies to think that way about the people farther up North. Stingy folks who offer you a single cookie and then the lid goes on the cookie tin to be sealed for the rest of the day. Tiny cups of coffee etc. Even inside my own tiny ass country, huge cultural differences and stereotypes exist based on truths.
The same goes for America - it struggles with obesity and promotes 'bigger is better' in various forms. The fact America is regarded as a culture of obesity is based on what is commonly seen in the country, for example. I think many other stereotypes have a core of truth in them, so yes, I think most are correct. Exaggerated? Yes, but also correct.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
Every country has its pros and cons. America has issues, but so does the Netherlands, and Germany, and Belgium. I go shopping in Germany because the products are cheaper and relatively better than those I find in the Netherlands, but on the other hand, I enjoy many Dutch traditions that don't exist in Germany. I'm in love with an American because I find I have almost nothing in common with the people in the country I live in - something about my way of thinking has been heavily Americanized throughout the years I guess! No country is better or worse than any other, they're all individuals with their own issues and their own strong points. There are many things I love about America and its people, as I love the Dutch - and I dislike both for their own shit too. No win or lose for either.
Thank you both for your replies!
That's an interesting topic for a paper!
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
Guayaquil, Ecuador
2. How would you describe American culture?
Intense and fast-paced.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
For starters, ecuadorian people don't read. It's like they'll burn their fingers or something if they pick a book. And it's in terms of entertainment in general. America has Hollywood, and spits writers, artists and actors left and right. Here, people are lucky if their work ever hits a national radio station for a few days. I think people there are very creative and they have the opportunities at the palm of their hands.
Food there is more expensive than here. (A bottle of water at the airport costed me $1 o.o) Whereas other things like brand clothes, technology and house stuff is cheaper there. On that note about food. Ecuadorians tend to skip dinner unless it's a special occasion, and lunch almost always includes soup and fruit juice.
Similarities... Religion. A vast majority of people here are Catholic (or say they are.) Aso, ecuadorian people are much more... affectionate with others. To greet someone, normally it's with a kiss on one cheek. (Even though most of the time it's just a cheek bump and each makes the sound of a kiss. It's very funny when you think about it) We rarely shake hands, unless both parties are men, they're complete strangers, or it's an official, or business occasion.
4. What do you like most about American culture?
I'd have to go with Spilled Ink there and say the opportunities. It's a big country and you can do a lot of things there. (*cough* Writer Confereces, Nanowrimo events) You don't hear about any of those things here. So I love people there seize these opportunities and turn out to do a lot of awesome things.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
This is very generalized, but I'd say it's at times judgamental? Very. And also, the question that always pops up in English Language class. The irksome but global-wide accepted habit of using the term 'American' to refer to U.S residents.
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
I don't know about world's perceptions. But in my country, U.S is made up to be the dream place to live, where everything is dazzling, better and what everyone should strive for. I used to believe this too (Orlando, FL, may have played a part). But, I've realized it has its flaws as every thing in this world does. So, incorrect.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
I can't think of anything else XP
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
Guayaquil, Ecuador
2. How would you describe American culture?
Intense and fast-paced.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
For starters, ecuadorian people don't read. It's like they'll burn their fingers or something if they pick a book. And it's in terms of entertainment in general. America has Hollywood, and spits writers, artists and actors left and right. Here, people are lucky if their work ever hits a national radio station for a few days. I think people there are very creative and they have the opportunities at the palm of their hands.
Food there is more expensive than here. (A bottle of water at the airport costed me $1 o.o) Whereas other things like brand clothes, technology and house stuff is cheaper there. On that note about food. Ecuadorians tend to skip dinner unless it's a special occasion, and lunch almost always includes soup and fruit juice.
Similarities... Religion. A vast majority of people here are Catholic (or say they are.) Aso, ecuadorian people are much more... affectionate with others. To greet someone, normally it's with a kiss on one cheek. (Even though most of the time it's just a cheek bump and each makes the sound of a kiss. It's very funny when you think about it) We rarely shake hands, unless both parties are men, they're complete strangers, or it's an official, or business occasion.
4. What do you like most about American culture?
I'd have to go with Spilled Ink there and say the opportunities. It's a big country and you can do a lot of things there. (*cough* Writer Confereces, Nanowrimo events) You don't hear about any of those things here. So I love people there seize these opportunities and turn out to do a lot of awesome things.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
This is very generalized, but I'd say it's at times judgamental? Very. And also, the question that always pops up in English Language class. The irksome but global-wide accepted habit of using the term 'American' to refer to U.S residents.
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
I don't know about world's perceptions. But in my country, U.S is made up to be the dream place to live, where everything is dazzling, better and what everyone should strive for. I used to believe this too (Orlando, FL, may have played a part). But, I've realized it has its flaws as every thing in this world does. So, incorrect.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
I can't think of anything else XP
Edit: I just re-read the "Outside the US for 5 years" thing and now feel kind of stupid that I wrote this because I've never even left the US for more than a week. (Sidenote: Canada is pretty great) Oh well, maybe those outside America might find it interesting to see how one of our own views ourselves.
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
Lived in 'Murica my whole life.
2. How would you describe American culture?
We put a lot of emphasis on patriotism, equality and making the country safe and fair. Whether those ideals are reflected in what actually happens in our country is debatable, but that's how we tend to think. Americans are somewhat... traditional... in our view of gender roles. Men are brought up to be buff, strong, and confrontational, and women to be pretty and nice. However, we still like to reject these stereotypes, and appreciate seeing someone break these traditions.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
N/A
4. What do you like most about American culture?
We're loud and proud, but, individually speaking, a little less assholey than our government makes us look to foreigners. We're self-aware about the attitude we project, and it's starting to reach the point where less and less of us are actually like that. I'd like to think we're retaining our best cultural aspects, but becoming enlightened enough to start rejecting the worst ones. Over-consumption is still a big problem, though.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
Militarism, over-consumption, and xenophobia. Also, American media does a lot of fear-mongering, which has serious negative impact on how we view others. Americans are very suspicious, even paranoid.
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
From what WSJ tells me, Europeans actually have a higher opinion of America than its people have of itself. I agree with Europe that our food, for the most part, sucks. I also agree that, for the most part, we make some pretty good movies. Entertainment is probably our country's best export, and food (and bullets) our worst. Basically, in terms of cultural and political impact on the world, Europe has it almost spot on.
Oh, also, we're not racist, homophobic fundamentalists. Or at least, most of us aren't.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
I think we have a pretty awesome country in general. Our government may be loopy and our food may be crappy and our schools may be downright ridiculous, but we make a lot of the best movies, television, books, and art in general. I think that's an outcome of America's attitude towards freedom of speech.
Not saying that an overhaul of our schools wouldn't be welcome.
1. Where are you from/Where have you lived?
Lived in 'Murica my whole life.
2. How would you describe American culture?
We put a lot of emphasis on patriotism, equality and making the country safe and fair. Whether those ideals are reflected in what actually happens in our country is debatable, but that's how we tend to think. Americans are somewhat... traditional... in our view of gender roles. Men are brought up to be buff, strong, and confrontational, and women to be pretty and nice. However, we still like to reject these stereotypes, and appreciate seeing someone break these traditions.
3. How does American culture differ from your own/The place you lived's? How is it similar?
N/A
4. What do you like most about American culture?
We're loud and proud, but, individually speaking, a little less assholey than our government makes us look to foreigners. We're self-aware about the attitude we project, and it's starting to reach the point where less and less of us are actually like that. I'd like to think we're retaining our best cultural aspects, but becoming enlightened enough to start rejecting the worst ones. Over-consumption is still a big problem, though.
5. What do you like least about American culture?
Militarism, over-consumption, and xenophobia. Also, American media does a lot of fear-mongering, which has serious negative impact on how we view others. Americans are very suspicious, even paranoid.
6. Do you think the world's perceptions on American culture are more correct or more incorrect? Why?
From what WSJ tells me, Europeans actually have a higher opinion of America than its people have of itself. I agree with Europe that our food, for the most part, sucks. I also agree that, for the most part, we make some pretty good movies. Entertainment is probably our country's best export, and food (and bullets) our worst. Basically, in terms of cultural and political impact on the world, Europe has it almost spot on.
Oh, also, we're not racist, homophobic fundamentalists. Or at least, most of us aren't.
7. Any other thoughts/input you'd like to give?
I think we have a pretty awesome country in general. Our government may be loopy and our food may be crappy and our schools may be downright ridiculous, but we make a lot of the best movies, television, books, and art in general. I think that's an outcome of America's attitude towards freedom of speech.
Not saying that an overhaul of our schools wouldn't be welcome.
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