When thinking of the United States and an aspect of its culture, something that comes to my mind is the fast pace lifestyle that many live. With a common trend of everything moving quickly, it is easy to consider America a constantly changing environment. At a young age, you most likely start school, and then many either continue their studies after K-12, or jump right into the working field. From there, it is almost as if it is a rush for many to achieve their accomplishments as young as they can. Many seem to believe this includes getting married young, having children, and starting a family, as well as striving for constant promotions and achievements. Many seem to grasp onto more hobbies as well, believing this will make them gain more success. Many people within the United States are focused on achieving success in many different fields. They believe that in doing so, they will feel more validated with themselves and that others will look up to them as well. Many people in US Culture also have to juggle many duties on top of each other, leaning them towards a faster pace, with less time for leisure. In other words, a value that can be associated with this fast lifestyle is competition. Whether it be against others or yourself, many want to continue to level up within their lives.
Globally, America is one of the most diverse countries. This enables more innovation, traditions, beliefs, and customs. This allows more voices to be heard and seen, which is why people tend to desire to advance so quickly in their life. Whether it be language, food, music, technology, etc. America has a diverse arrangement of it all. More trends within this country are able to come around quicker, making the lifestyle ever so quickly changing, day by day. How do I feel about all of this? Well, I believe it is a very positive and negative cultural aspect of the United States. This fast-paced lifestyle of competition and striving for more can lead to comparison, feelings of failure or defeat, stress, and not enough time to reflect on the beauty and peaceful aspects that life has to offer. However, on the positive hand, it could potentially lead to more individualism, equality, technological advancements, self-love, etc. In other words, I feel as though this lifestyle will affect you depending on how you perceive yourself and others, and how you let your success define you.
I feel as though from an outsider looking into this cultural aspect of the United States, it would seem somewhat intimidating, but also very exciting. I believe that it would enable people to desire this lifestyle if they have specific dreams that they wish to achieve. However, I could also see this lifestyle being overwhelming to many others. Many people in other cultures like to have a more relaxed view of life. They still can feel achieved, happy and successful, while not having to stress over their every move. It really is a person’s preference on how you want to take on your life.
I. feel as though reflecting on American culture will help me during my time abroad to be able to view the differences within my typical life at home, compared to this new opportunity to immerse myself in a new environment. It will help me to realize and learn how I can make my study abroad semester the most fulfilling and captivating experience I can potentially have.