Top Ten Things I Like About America:
10. The American Dream
The American Dream is what distinguishes America from the rest of the world. It is the reason why so many people moved to America throughout the years. Maybe it’s not as strong as it used to be, but for sure it’s not gone. Obama showed the world that the American Dream is still in place.
9. The ability to empower ideas
Many foreign people, even today, decide to move to the U.S. because they understand that by doing so they will be able to work on their ideas. Many countries have tried to replicate the American venture capital market for example, but no one was able to do it. I believe that it’s not just about money, it’s also about culture.
8. Meritocracy
I think that Americans should be aware of the fact that they live in the most meritocratic country in the world. It is true that not always the best are rewarded, but I’ve seen that there is at least the attempt to be meritocratic most of the times.
7. The cultural diversity
America is the world’s melting pot. This can be an advantage because it forces you to be open-minded and respectful of others. The idea that all men are created equal is the foundation of the American culture.
6. Think big
In America everything is big, or at least that’s what a foreigner perceives. When you see a gallon of milk in the supermarket, you understand that you are in America. Even in businesses the idea of “making things big” works pretty well; just look at how many franchises are out there. That doesn’t always happen in Italy. For example, a small business is most likely to stay small for the rest of its life.
5. Air-Conditioning
Air-Conditioning is not as popular in the rest of the world as it is in the U.S. It’s almost everywhere! Some Italians argue that air-conditioning is bad for your health, and maybe it’s true, but I personally love it because it makes summer more enjoyable.
4. Steakhouses
Before going to America, I didn’t know that eating in a steakhouse could be such an enjoyable experience. I just like the food they make there.
3. Dr. Pepper
I think Dr. Pepper is something you just love or hate. Well, I love it.
2. Free refills
I like the fact that some American restaurants and fast-food joints offer free refills on soft drinks and coffee. It makes the meal more enjoyable. Unfortunately I know that it’s bad for my health to drink too much of them…
1. Houses
Last but not least: the American house. When a foreigner thinks about it, he pictures a nice house, with at least two floors, a garage and a very nice garden outside. But from my experience in the US, I can say that the house is probably the most important thing a person owns in America. It’s just not the building, it’s something more.
Giorgio Tomassetti is a college student Carlo Cattaneo University in Milan, studying Business Administration. He writes two blogs, Giorgio Tomassetti and Come si fa... For more interesting insights on life in the US, visit the blog he kept during his year as an exchange student in WV, Un Anno a Stelle e Strisce.
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4 comments:
Hey Giorgio, As always you have good insights into American culture. Having lived here and been able to travel to other parts of the US beside WV has shown you the diversity here in the US.
Though I will say some of these things aren't necessarily positive things about America...more is not always better.
Hey Bryan! What you said is true; more is not always better. But in some cases I believe that "more" is what makes a difference. It is what distinguishes America from the rest of the world.
Anyway I'm aware of the fact that sometimes, as you said, some of these things aren't necessarily positive things about America.
We both had the chance to live in a foreign country and that allowed us to understand the strengths and the weaknesses of our cultures. And I believe that an exchange of ideas is always good because it makes you think.
I just wanted to say Thank You for your guest blogger post. I liked your list!
I also want to say Thank you for your list. A person is often bombarded by the negativity of being American and in the US. It is refreshing to hear some good points once in a while.
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