Culture Shock?
Yesterday we had one of the most interesting lessons about American Culture with Dorothy. We have learned that culture is consisted of different aspects, such as; language, dress code, food etc'. Also, that it is much influences by people’s values and beliefs. Since America is such a massive ‘melting pot’, it seems to me that it somehow lost its characteristics and the answer to the question “what is the American culture?” remains unclear.
Perhaps this is part of the United States culture in general and the New York culture in particular - connecting people from various places. My visit to Chinatown yesterday had definitely increased that feeling.
Not only that it made me question again and again the meaning and conception of the American culture but also of the culture of my classmates. Panama, Peru, Colombia and Indonesia are only some of the cultures I was introduce to during the last few days and had the pleasure to start to know them. Along with some obvious global interference, yet totally different culture, I find it fascinating that we are all here trying to achieve some of the “American Dream”.
Perhaps this is part of the United States culture in general and the New York culture in particular - connecting people from various places. My visit to Chinatown yesterday had definitely increased that feeling.
Not only that it made me question again and again the meaning and conception of the American culture but also of the culture of my classmates. Panama, Peru, Colombia and Indonesia are only some of the cultures I was introduce to during the last few days and had the pleasure to start to know them. Along with some obvious global interference, yet totally different culture, I find it fascinating that we are all here trying to achieve some of the “American Dream”.
(If it wasn’t complicated enough so far, try opening the elevator door at St. John’s University)
;)
I totally agree with you Maria.... definitely in my case I am trying to reach some of the American Dream! This dream of freedom, peaceful, to become a super hero and to develop myself in a fascinating country where I was surprised that even the americans in that video could answer what is the american culture? ... I think so that it is hard for the americans and us to try to construct a definition when this country is a "melting pot" as you mention and Dorothy told us of all the cultures of the world.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is fascinating that this country in its "culture" let us be what we are, with our values, traditions, beliefs and dreams... I hope so that one day the entire world become like that... a world that respect what do you want, what do you dream, what do you thing ... could be America the first step?