American Culture

This week in sociology we talked a lot about American Culture. We read Bemused in America which was about a German immigrant who came to America and experienced all of our different culture here. Many things were surprising to him. For example, when Americans go jogging they are health conscious and thinking about ways to be healthy. But he was shocked to see them running in the roads with all of the cars and traffic, breathing in exhaust fumes. He thought that Americans were very contradicting with their values and beliefs. Also, the supermarket in Germany is so different than the ones we have in America. He was stunned when he walked into the supermarket in Chicago and found buy two get one free all over; They don't have that in Germany. It was also very interesting how he pointed things out about how Americas obsessed with being healthy but many of our habits are the exact opposite. Like how were always obsessed with counting calories and fat-free milk; fat free everything. But, we eat creamy cakes, cookies, and candies; which aren't very healthy.

In my life, I can relate to how the German man felt coming to America and adapting to the culture. When I went to Mexico, I realized how different our cultures truly were. In Mexico, they aren't always rushing; they take their time to sit down and eat at the restaurants and spend time with family. Where as in America, were always in a rush. We never have the "time" to sit down and spend time with family and actually experience quality time with one another. It is very shocking when you realize how different a culture can be only 1,000 miles away.