Impressions of America :: History

Impressions of AmericaI have been in this country for almost three months now. One of the biggest challenges is getting along peacefully with the immanent population. To Americans one of the most important things is to make sure that no one gets insulted or hurt and that everyone is heard. Some would go to the extent of not revealing their on-key opinion, in order to lift confrontation. In some group discussion decisions, if reached at all, are made after making long, tedious conversation approximately the topic at hand. While thither are some merits to this kind of behavior, other aspects of interpersonal aspects are lost, such as frankness and beingness able to one another. Sitting among other international students enhances these observations by listening to the so-called outsiders talk amongst themselves. On one occasion a fellow student tried and true to explain something to his friend from another foreign country that he had different opinions from him on a certain subjec t, talking and describing the matter and beating around the render as they say, when all of a sudden the listener said, Just say what you think dont be an American. I was amazed that someone discover or thought the same way I did. Being misunderstood is one of the most common feelings Ive felt since arriving at J.F.K. Airport. People being insulted or puzzled next to me is a pretty common site and a thing Ive gotten use to, maybe due to my cynicism or the escape of interest in what other people think about me, a thing that is inconceivable by most Americans that I have gotten to meet. Local politeness state that if another person did not take a liking to what you said or did then you must take that into consideration and try to avoid saying or doing that again. This is something that is very polite and considerate but steels away our individuality and personality and at times takes away the ability to really whap the person next to you in class or at work. The people I encount ered here are diverse and intelligent and by majority, opened to young ideas and way of thought. One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, Are you planning to stay here after school? Or, Do you like it here? These are questions that show interest in me and my future but at times are also implying a certain fear or discredit of foreigners.