When I first came to US 4 years ago, I realized how significantly this country differs from my native country Russia. I had a hard time accepting and adjusting to all the differences. The first thing that shocked me was the friendliness of American people. Almost everyone is polite, patient and very helpful. If I was lost and asked for directions, people were always nice enough to help me and sometimes even walked me to the nearest subway station. Speaking of friendliness, another thing that was shocking for me is that Americans ALWAYS smile. Now, I understand if its for some reason: they are happy to see someone, something good happened in their life, they got promoted at work, won money, etc. But people smile here all the time: in the streets, in the subway, in the restrooms, in the grocery stores, EVERYWHERE. And its mostly automatic insincere smiles. I like when people are honest and sincere, and seeing somebody showing their teeth to you, but having cold eyes, makes me feel creepy.
Also, it still makes me very uncomfortable when people I barely know or don’t know at all ask me how I am doing. After spending some time in America I started to realize that there is no reason to freak out when people ask you “How Are You?”. And there is no reason to tell a stranger about everything that is going on in your life. Why dont just people say only "Hi" ->"Hi" instead of "hi how are you doing?" -> "Good how are you?" -> "Good". That is so unnecessary and insincere because no one really cares how you are doing today.
There is also a huge difference between Russia and US when it comes to food. Let me begin with the size. The difference is HUGE. People here have to have 3 thing on their plate: meat, some vegetables and carbohydrates (rice, pasta, etc.) And the whole thing is 2 times as big as the one in Russia. And they eat it all at once, at least 3 times a day. And this is exactly why most Americans are overweight. Speaking of overweight, how can i not mention American's obsession with fast food. Some people eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Russia, going to McDonald's for me was a once-in-two-weeks event. People eat normal food over there. I gained 15 lb after one year in US and it was really hard to lose these pound. In fact, most of my foreign friends say they they also gained weight after moving to US.
I accepted too friendly people, fake smiles and the food difference, but i never understood the way some Americans dress. Im talking about wearing sneakers with office clothes. It look so ridiculous. Especially when women wear sneakers with skirts (although i see them less often than guys wearing suits with sneakers). Another one is when guys dont wear socks with shoes or sneaker. I just dont get it.
The list goes on, but I better shut up before you delete me from your blog. Despite of everything I said, I love this country. There is no perfect culture and I am sure when Americans go to Russia or any Eastern European country, they will experience a culture shock as well. Probably, even a bigger one :)
I think you made a very interesting point about the way American people eat and dress. These two features distinct them from many other cultures in the world. The pople in the US came up with idea of casual clothing like Jeans, which is great by the way, to get more informal, comfortable and relaxed when they are not a work but sometimes they go too far and combine things that dont go together very well. like a formal suit, sneakers, and a sporty backpack.
ReplyDeleteNice job making us sound like a bunch of weirdos! lol, just kidding. I do agree with you on pretty much everything you've said. Within the states you can realize the friendliness of people changing. I visit some family in Arizona a couple times every year and every time I go there I'm amazed at how kind people are. In my opinion, I don't think NYers are very friendly. You don't see two strangers saying hello to each other when walking down 23rd street very often.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if a man would have had that many people smiling at him. If a guy smiles at me on the street I might think he's crazy, which is a shame because people should be nice to each other. I'm glad you were welcomed to this country with smiles and a helpful attitude. I think New Yorkers are friendly but in a New York kind of way.
ReplyDeleteAlla, yes thats the best combination :) i forgot to mention a backpack...
ReplyDeleteCBerlingieri, i often hear that NYers are not so friendly compared to people from other states, but believe me if you go to Russia, you will understand what i'm saying :) Even Nyers seem friendly after growing up in Russia.
3rd Eye Vision, I actually get most of the fake smiles from women. Guys dont smile as much...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that NY'ers are nice and always smiling. I went to visit India with my family and I would just smile at random people because I did'nt know what else to do and they would just look at me wierd or not even acknowledge me. haha Im usually listening to music on the train smiling for no reason and its good because others see that and respond to it in possitive ways.
ReplyDeleteAlso i agree with you saying that people eat fast-food for breakfast, dinner and lunch. I used to be one of those people, but I been trying to stop. haha Fast food is like a drug.