Personal experience: how Americans are different from us

Coming to any country in the world on vacation or a business trip, we immediately notice the differences from our usual life. So it is with immigrants. The only difference is that the vacation / business trip has its limits and we cannot see much, and immigration provides an opportunity to consider the details.

This material is the result of personal observations and comparisons, which may well differ from the opinions of respected readers. But nevertheless, I want to share them and I hope that this information will be useful to newcomers.

Фото: Depositphotos

Openness

One of the meanings of the word “openness” is the absence of any restrictions. America is truly an open country. There are practically no fences here (if there are, they are often decorative) or bars on the windows. It is very common to see large windows in houses, and always a neatly trimmed lawn. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule - in some areas, for example, where there are celebrity homes or high levels of crime, fences and bars are a necessity.

If we consider “openness” in relation to people, then it is somewhat more complicated. Yes, of course, Americans are very friendly and welcoming, but just like us, they don’t want to let you into your personal space. For this there must be at least friendly relations.

Фото: Depositphotos

Standard of living

In many countries we are accustomed to seeing incredibly expensive things as a sign of status - cars, jewelry, houses, etc. However, in America this vector is slightly shifted. Yes, Americans also love expensive “toys” and housing, but most truly rich people do not use external attributes to emphasize their wealth. For example, one can often observe how very wealthy people use cars and clothes for the middle class. But what really are signs of status is physical fitness (the poorer people are, the more likely they are overweight, bad teeth, etc.), professional achievements and area of ​​residence (by the way, the size of the house is not an indicator of high level).

Ability to solve problems

Perhaps many of our compatriots would do well to learn from this unique ability of Americans not to shift their problems onto the shoulders of others.

Initially, even in the parental family, a young American is instilled with the idea that he is an individual who is responsible for his actions and building his own life. As soon as the time comes, the parents send the boy or girl on their own “voyage” - and here you have to rely only on yourself, since the parents, if they help, do it more morally and insignificantly financially (if they help at all).

Americans clearly understand that no one else will solve their problems. Perhaps that is why almost all Cultural institutions in the United States are non-governmental. Museums, theaters, monuments and other cultural sites are funded exclusively by private foundations, and these endeavors are supported by ordinary people who understand their value. And you don’t have to donate millions; amounts start at $50. As the Russian proverb says: “A thread from the world gives a beggar a shirt,” and American culture needs development.

The habit of contacting professionals

Our compatriots are accustomed to do everything themselves. Americans, in almost any case, turn to a specialist. Whether there is a car breakdown, a conflict with neighbors, a problem with the toilet, stove, etc., they will contact the service station, call the police, manager, repairman or any other specialist who will come and provide professional assistance.

Фото: Depositphotos

No smoking!

As a non-smoker, the fact that in America there is not as much smoke as in my homeland made me very happy. People smoke here much less than in post-Soviet countries. Many Americans have a very negative attitude towards this, and today, even when applying for a job, you must indicate whether you smoke or not. It is also noteworthy that smoker's health insurance costs more, and the tax on cigarette sales is exorbitant. In a word, the authorities are doing their best to encourage the cessation of a bad habit, hitting the pockets of Americans.

Mobility

Simply amazing ability to move from place to place! Change the house every three years? Easy! Move to another state because you found a job more interesting than the previous one? No problems! Not satisfied with the climate? We are going and going!

However, what is there to be surprised about - once upon a time, the ancestors of the Americans packed a couple of suitcases and sailed towards an unknown country...

Focused knowledge

Our compatriots are erudites who can discuss any topic, although most often they may have a fairly superficial knowledge of the subject of conversation. As for the Americans, their strength is their narrow focus. If an American is an expert in some field, then his knowledge is most often very deep and confirmed by practical experience. This is precisely what explains the fact that if any questions arise, a US resident turns to a specialist who will know 100% what and how to do. Well, if he doesn’t know it himself, then he knows a colleague who will solve the problem.

Consistency

Another unique feature of Americans is their systematic approach, the ability to unite in teams and at the same time don’t quarrel, don’t intrigue each other, but work. Agree, we often lack this and it turns out like in Krylov’s fable - highly qualified specialists each pull the project in their own direction, but the result is zero. Americans, as a group of several experts, achieve the highest results.

According to my observations, everything that exists in America is a system and, as a rule, it is quite effective and thoughtful.

Фото: Depositphotos

In conclusion, I would like to say about what, in my opinion, the Americans lack and what they could learn from us, immigrants who came from the post-Soviet space.

Generosity

Our people are generous and hospitable when guests come to the house. This is often lacking for the Americans, who do not attach much importance to this.

Savvy

Unlike Americans, we have a very developed “thinking mind.” We are great at using things beyond their intended purpose. We combine the incongruous and get amazing results.

Aesthetics

We are aesthetes. Americans for the most part do not attach much importance to the aesthetic component. For example, going out to the store in pajamas and unkempt hair is not something unique or surprising.

But no matter what we are, we live side by side and learn from each other, adopting the habits and cultural characteristics of our friends and loved ones. And all because we are cosmopolitans, whom fate brought to this unique country - America!

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