America
My recent quick trip to New York was my first return to the United States in nearly two years. From the moment I touched down in Newark, I encountered a slow growing culture shock which has prompted some reflection. Here are my thoughts:
- People in the US are insanely polite. Even in New York, the area least likely to receive accolades for its friendliness, I rediscovered the cordiality of my compatriots.
- Too many people are fat. The stereotype seems to turning into fact. I find this particularly poignant given the fact that I live in Germany, not the sleekest of countries in terms of height and girth.
- Cars and trucks are huge. Our future as a co-leader with China as the largest emitters of Greenhouse Gases seems secure.
- Our roads are shit.
- The energy of the place is contagious. One feels alive in the US, a feeling unlike any other place I have been. Change always seems eminent.
- The shopping is annoying. I went into Target and within a few minutes wanted to scream, pull my hair out and smash all the quasi-stylish home goods. Why does the US really need 5 Acre stores which have everything and yet, nothing?
- Radio continues its streak of conforming to the status quo by pumping out the same five songs repeatedly according to whatever pop music genre it reportedly conforms to. Intermixed with this repetition is highly contrived advertisement for everything on public service announcements on how “Tax Fraud Pulls Families Apart” (seriously) to 1950’s style jingles on “The New York Family Circus” (the only circus with New York in the titles – if that doesn’t make you wanna go, what will?).
- Overall, the US is cleaner than Europe. It really is. People actually know how to use a trash-can and pick up after their dogs.
Regardless of all the surprises, both positive and negative, Long Island still felt a bit like home with the sights and sounds mixing up nostalgia, and the comfort of my friends securing my tranquility. I can’t wait to get back to Wyoming in August to smell the air that will truly bring me back.
100% agree! my mom said she has to take a valium if she has to go into walmart. Shopping kills me over there.
I heard on the radio a few months ago about raising health insurance costs for those over a certain BMI because they cost the health care system a lot more money. The gluttony. ugh
energy and positive vibes…its out of control….why are these people so happy and cheerful? (example, that waiter in Office Space at the TGIFridays copy restaurant)
dont even get me started on the radio
love the politeness even if it is fake or just southern charm.
those huge cars and trucks are gonna run my Wanda the Honda off the 16 lane highway in ATL….i have fear.
um, especiallly comparing the roads with Germany, our roads are more than shit.
scoop the poop is followed in the U.S. for sure and you will get that evil eye if you litter
well said!