American culture, it seems to me, is an amalgam of many competing influences and ideas. There is an openness here that allows the ambitious to integrate and thrive, but that openness seems to come at the price of a well-defined cultural identity.
I feel very much of two minds about the multicultural environment in the United States. On the one hand, this ‘melting pot’ environment is celebrated as a key component of the American psyche. On the other hand, there is still a feeling of tribalism here that conflicts with the concepts of opportunity and fairness that are also central to American culture. The events of the past several years seem to define a narrative in which the ideal of a multicultural society is repeatedly tested by deeply-held prejudices. It almost feels as if the biases of immigrants from around the globe who have settled in the US over generations have never completed been erased. They seem to have lingered in various ways, some more subtle than others.
The blending of many cultural norms here also means that the US lacks a consistent sense of culture. While the lack of a truly dominant set of norms provides flexibility, it also fosters uncertainty about words, beliefs, and actions. It feels as though the very openness of American culture can sometimes be a barrier to truly shared experiences.
As an immigrant myself, I can compare my experiences in the US to those in my native China and Australia, where I attended primary school. I think it will be key to compare/contrast here with your experiences living in other countries – to the extent that you agree with my take on US multiculturalism.
This exercise is an opportunity to reflect on my previous experiences in anticipation of the adventures to come. I’m hoping that my time in France will reinforce my feelings about the commonalities of cultures, while also offering insight on the features that distinguish one from another. I am seeking to be a global citizen, learning from others just as I share my own insights with those I encounter during my travels. I imagine France as a place of creativity and curiosity in equal measure. I tend be quite analytic, so I’m in pursuit of the inspiration to develop a more complete intellect. I hope to absorb as much as possible during my time abroad; in doing so, I look forward to discovering aspects of myself that have yet to reveal themselves.
