An aspect of US culture is overconsumption. In many different aspects the United States has a tendency to over serve or consume. When it comes to meals our portions are large and it is common to find buffets, all you can eat and deals on maximizing the amount of food you get. This is also similar to drinking in America. When it comes to alcohol, college kids and anyone who attends parties get drunk and over consume when they intend on going out to have a good time. This could also be compared to entertainment and technology with binge watching shows, games on television and needing more and more of the latest and greatest technology.
This aspect of overconsumption and wanting more in the United States typically gets a negative connotation. When Americans over consume food and do not know when to stop it can lead to obesity, eating disorders and a lack of enjoyment and appreciation for the actual food being eaten. When it comes to drinking in the United States and the overconsumption of alcohol this can be especially negative because it can lead to drinking problems which can lead to death. With the overconsumption of alcohol people can become sloppy and belligerent, they can not really appreciate the alcohol they are drinking. In college aged kids this can create underage drinking, and bad tendencies that can create bad lifestyles during school, overly partying and an overall poor relationship with alcohol from the beginning of when they start drinking. Of Course these are problems that do not apply to all people and may not fall into this category. However there is definitely a trend of similar behaviors in American culture when it comes to overconsumption solely because this is how many of us are taught in society to deal with food and alcohol. There could be some advantages to this aspect of US culture because the desire of constantly wanting more has led to a drive for innovation that keeps the United States far ahead of other countries when it comes to technology, customer service and ways of life.
Someone outside of the United States could definitely view this aspect of our culture as an issue that can lead to many problems within people. Outsiders looking in at this aspect may also be offended by this when our cultures cross paths if that is not how they choose to consume. It could be insulting in another culture to get drunk if they appreciate every detail about the alcohol they consume. An outsider’s perspective may also just assume that all Americans are like this when this is not the case for everyone of course but rather a trend in American culture especially within certain age groups.
This exercise helps prepare for my time abroad because I can try and take a look at American culture from a different lens and compare it to my experience abroad. I can also better understand the culture I am in and the differences that may cause frustration or a rift between Americans and italians. Since we are the ones coming to their country and embracing their culture it is considerate to do our best to abide by their own cultural aspects and appreciate them even though they may be different from what we are used to at home.