Blog Post 1
The U.S. has many cultural aspects, however, one major aspect of U.S. culture that stands out to me is America’s work culture and fast paced way of life that has been integrated in American’s everyday lives. Hard work is valued in many other countries, but what makes the United States work life different is just how much American’s prioritize their work over other things. Many work long hours with little break or vacation. An ideal of the U.S. is that you can be anything you want to be if you work hard enough and the motivation to work harder is something that many Americans possess. American society has implemented the normative message that taking time off to relax can be seen as “lazy” and one should put more focus and energy into their career.
I think the American ideal that you can become anything you want to be and to have the freedom to make your life how you want it is a good aspect to have. I think prioritizing your career is not necessarily a negative aspect, although, I do not like how much a person’s job in America seems to consume their life. I feel that American’s live to work and important moments such as spending quality time with family or taking needed breaks are sometimes looked down upon if it keeps someone from their work. I feel that American’s day to day lives seem to be rushed in order to spend more time focusing on work. Even sitting down to eat at a restaurant sometimes feels rushed for a business to gain more turnover. I think work should be something people prioritize, but I also think breaks are needed.
Generally, I think someone outside of the U.S. would find the idea of the American dream to be amazing. Many people come to America in hopes to build themselves and have the opportunity to do more with their lives that they may not be able to in their home country. However, I think other countries could view this aspect in a negative light thinking Americans are constantly on the go and are so caught up in their work.
Understanding America’s fast-paced way of life will further prepare me for my time abroad because it is a mindset that other countries may not possess. It is important to understand how work is integrated into people’s lives and it is enlightening to step back and look at the U.S. from an outsider point of view. Since I have spent my whole life in the U.S., American culture is something I often overlook. It is nice to reflect on U.S. culture so when I am abroad, I can compare Paris’s way of life to the U.S.’s and identify cultural differences. One’s perspective on their career differs from country to country and becoming more aware of this will aid in broadening my cultural perspective.