What represents American (U.S.) Culture to you?

[bavaria]

OP here...

I'm just

Did you buy that popcorn at one of your grocery stores?

 

[bavaria]

I got that "stuff" thing both from family abroad and from co-workers (I work in a place with 36 countries currently represented -- the flags are on the wall.)

Cousins of mine who had never visited my home were shocked when they saw photos of it, because it is small; 1100 sq. ft. They honestly didn't think that there was such a thing as a small home in the US outside of a place like NYC. The only thing that met expectations was the kitchen fridge -- THAT was the size they expected -- it is a whopping 23 cu.ft.

America has the benefit and luxury of space - lots of it for the most part. That means bigger things and more things. In other countries where people live in less space, they cannot fit so much into their homes. Add to that the often very high taxation rates such as 19% sales tax and lack of regular sales and 'stuff' is often much more expensive than in America.

And in many cities just like in New York even the very wealthy often live in what could be considered 'small' homes or flats. But like on the thread on the UK board, sometimes the media creates a myth that everyone lives in these huge bright houses filled with stuff. I know that isn't always the case in America either.

So I don't think that it is a bad thing necessarily to have 'stuff', but often other people just don't have the space or the money to spend on those things.

 

[minnie56]

And don't forget not everyone wants stuff...some folks have wonderfully simple lives..

 

[ChrisFL]

Did you buy that popcorn at one of your grocery stores?

lol, yes.

Just for the record, I was in the Philippines for 2 months last year and their grocery stores in Manila had as much stuff as we have here, although most of it was different kinds of the same foods. The only thing I couldn't find was good milk.

 

[ChrisFL]

Bet you had noooo idea it was such a loaded question???

haha, I've been here too long...I know that any conversation can turn into quite a discussion.

 

[okeydokey]

I was in Ghana, West Africa last month. My friend and I kept a list of all the American things we had exported.

Kenny G
Billy the Big Mouth Bass
WWE
Britney Spears

What were your impressions of Ghana? Some folks I work with are getting ready to head over next month to teach some classes.

 

[Liberty Belle]

And don't forget not everyone wants stuff...some folks have wonderfully simple lives..

Yes, even here in the United States.

 

[minnie56]

Yes, even here in the United States.

Absolutely!!

 

[NotUrsula]

So I don't think that it is a bad thing necessarily to have 'stuff', but often other people just don't have the space or the money to spend on those things.

Oh, I don't disagree. I just pointed it out as a cultural trope that people outside the US who have not been here or have only visited tourist areas tend to believe: that Americans as a people largely live for the acquisition of "stuff".

 

[lemondog]

I was in Ghana, West Africa last month. My friend and I kept a list of all the American things we had exported.

Kenny G
Billy the Big Mouth Bass
WWE
Britney Spears

Which leads to that other uniquely American cultural group: rednecks!!!