As I prepare to study in London, I am inclined to reflect on my current knowledge of both the differences and similarities between the United States and London.
When I think of the United States, my viewpoint is limited. I have lived in three states, all on the east coast, and not traveled much outside of that. When I think of US culture, I see coastlines, busy roads, rainy skies, and humid days, to start. When I imagine US values, the first that comes to mind is forward thinking. Americans are generally focused on what is coming to them, on what we can do now to achieve a more desirable future. We, as a whole, have the idea that what we do now can meaningfully impact the lives we live in the future. The phrases “work hard, play hard” and “pay now, play later” are not uncommon to hear. Our corporate culture is one that values hard workers, the people willing to go above and beyond, and the workforce is full of those people, more than eager to prove their value and usefulness.
Online, which offers me a more diverse and wide-ranging array of perspectives and opinions than I would otherwise have access to, I see that this general value holds true for many Americans, but the way it is practiced can vary. As a highly and notably individualistic country, the citizens of the United States have a tendency to prioritize themselves and those in their immediate families over others with weaker or no relationships with them. Because of this, and because of the diversity we can see in the United States, many people’s approach to the future is different. Some people feel that working hard and making money now can help them to afford stable housing, necessities, and occasional luxuries. Some people, to accomplish this, take on several jobs, or monetize their hobbies through sites such as Etsy. Others take a more collectivist approach, choosing to advocate for environmental or social justice, prioritizing the wellbeing of the majority over the immediate benefits to themselves. I think that this trait is highly important in any form. A population that advocates for its rights (on an individual or group level) in order to improve its future is one that creates innovation and creativity. (Of course, in all of this, it is important to consider current political and financial environments in the US, which impact the entire population’s values and priorities. Working toward a positive and more just future is more pressing now than ever before.)
From an outside point of view, this may be one of the United State’s most admirable traits. If we look at Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, we will see that the US is a more short-term aligned nation, rather than long-term, which contracts the idea that one value of this country is future-thinking. Immediate results (especially when positive) are the more desirable outcome for Americans. However, I feel that, even on a small scale, this is not always true. People are inclined to want what is best for themselves in the present, but especially in the future. I think this is a relatable trait for many. How it is viewed by an outsider depends, naturally, on what their society and culture value. Some may see these traits as admirable, some less so. It is always dependent on the perspective. A more collectivist country would likely see the idea of “work now, play later” as positive, so long as the work (and play) was in service of the collective. They may see the individualistic approach to this (the idea of getting ahead personally, even at others’ expense) as not so admirable.
When considering this value, it brings to mind other cultural and societal differences I may experience abroad. Fundamentally, London and the US are very similar in terms of values and beliefs. There are, though, differences that I feel can be either completely expected or entirely surprising. I have never been outside of the country before, so everything about this experience will be new to me. The values and culture that I see at home, I can also see in London, but I also look forward to experiencing the differences.