Essay about Culture Differences

Submitted By nikosen
Words: 689
Pages: 3
Open Document
Are We Really That Different?

“American values and Assumptions” is a book written by Gary Althen, and it explains how American values and assumptions differ from other cultures. Mr. Althens book made me understand that there are some similar attributes between my Swedish culture and the American, but in general, our ingrained values are the same. The book describes around fifteen different examples of how cultural values can be interpreted, and from those fifteen beliefs I chose two values, “privacy” as value that I really like and appreciate, and the value of “competition” as a moral I’m not very fond of.

One of the best moments in life is when I do whatever I want, all by myself, and that is what privacy is all about. People do not always like to be alone, that’s understandable, but how can someone stand being with others all the time? There is no better thing then to come home after a long and stressful day, fill up your hot tub with warm water, light some candles and just lay in the hot tub and relax. Even if just for an hour, not depend on others or listen to different kind of problems can be really good for your body and soul. From the book, the author explains that “Americans have great difficulty understanding people who always want to be with another person, who dislike being alone”; however, that is the typical Swedish way of thinking. The typical Swedish girl would say: Why would you be alone when you can share every moment with others? That is true, but privacy is not just about being alone, it’s more about finding yourself, and doing things like reading or watching a movie without anyone or anything else to think about. Privacy is a necessary requirement in life. On the other hand, the contrast of being private and to relax is to be stressed out and compete with others, which leads me to my next point.

I have always believed that people in general work better in a team; therefore the value of competition is a value that I dislike. Here in America, people always seem to be in a race with one other and stressing out, instead of teaming up and helping each other. It doesn’t matter if it’s in school, work, or in the private life, everyone seems to compete over who has the best job, best grades, or the newest and best phone. The author gives an excellent example: “People who are competing with others are essentially alone, trying to maintain their superiority and, implicitly, their separateness from others”. Maintaining your superiority and implicitly is
Show More

Related Documents: Essay about Culture Differences

Cultural Differences In Jewish Culture

individualities of aspects within two cultures, what is one of the first aspects that comes to mind? Without a doubt, the response to this question will vary between many individuals, but some very meaningful and momentous part of most cultures are the traditions that allow them to be distinguished. There are a lot of different traditions in all the cultures which typically involve celebrating with close family members and friends. In the Hispanic culture and the Jewish culture, an exceptionally important…

Words 885 - Pages 4

Cultural Differences In Latino Culture

Latino America Spanish is spoken by a diverse range of cultures—however, these cultures come together, united through their shared values, to create what we know as the Latino community. Though learning the language is principal in a Spanish class, learning about the culture of that language is almost equally as important. If you do not understand a culture, you can never truly understand its language. Therefore, knowing the significance and effectiveness of bilingual education and some of the…

Words 1784 - Pages 8

Cultural Differences In American Culture

Countries differ in many ways; from the things we eat, to the way we speak, we are distinct. One of the most profound differences may be cultural autonomy. Culture is binding by religion, belief, sets of norms or practices and it brings diversity; it's the uniqueness that makes the world what it is. It not only unites countries, it unites us a nation. We all practice select characteristics of different parts of the world. Every country operates and governs by its own laws and beliefs, making…

Words 275 - Pages 2

Cultural Differences Between Mexican Culture And American Culture

Mexican Culture and American Culture Challenged The family issues selected are the cultural differences between American Culture and the Mexican Culture. Most specifically comparing traditions, lifestyles, and religion. In Mexico, family is a priority. People that live in Mexico have an incredible connection their relatives. It doesn’t matter what generation you’re in, if you see your second or third cousin, you still consider them your cousin. There is no question about whether you are related…

Words 621 - Pages 3

Describe The Differences Between My Culture And American Culture

communication norms, there are similarities and differences that can be identified between my culture, South Korean Culture and the United States culture. For instance, when engaged in conversation with someone, all cultures take into consideration the idea of saving face (255). In my culture and the South Korean culture, they will use ambiguous language in order to decrease the chance of losing face while talking with another person. But, in the United States culture, one is more concerned with saving the…

Words 523 - Pages 3

Difference Between American And Chinese Culture

Difference between American and Chinese culture Deangela Mingo Engl 1301 June 14, 2013 In different cultures, there are multiple traditions and customs to be celebrated throughout life. Weddings is one of the customs that is the most meaningful and symbolic customs between the American and Chinese culture. Weddings between the two cultures are very different, but in a way, they are very similar. In American culture, you are able to date whoever you desire, but in Chinese culture, their mate…

Words 418 - Pages 2

Similarities And Differences In Ancient Egyptian Culture

Becoming aware of other cultures has always been interesting to me. The Egyptian culture is one that I had never been exposed to until my senior year of high school when a foreign exchange student come to our school. This experience exposed me to an abundance of understanding for another culture and religion, as well as changed my mind in thinking that I was significantly different from those cultures that I am not familiar with. Preconceptions or Biases I come from a very small school in rural…

Words 1485 - Pages 6

Difference Between Japanese And Filipino Culture

disappointing trip. Little Tokyo proved to be quite the opposite, as I was able to ascertain a much deeper understanding of the Japanese culture because of it, and at the same time was able to reflect on the differences and similarities of my Filipino heritage. From what I was able to gather, the Japanese and Filipino cultures have quite a few significant differences, but have more similarities than I originally anticipated. As the name would suggest, Little Tokyo is fairly little, with its borders…

Words 1796 - Pages 8

Important Differences between American Culture and Korean Culture Essay

Important Differences Between American Culture and Korean Culture SeongCheol Kim Writing Level 7 Winter term 2014 What if a new American teacher got on the train in Korea for the first time? Maybe, he would be surprised by the cultural differences. In the Korean train, no one has any emotion on their face like silent robots on a crowded train during morning rush hour. When he arrives at his school, he will feel that his students treat him very politely. In Korea, the general manners…

Words 509 - Pages 3

Cicero's Odyssey: Differences Between Time And Culture

In spite of the wide differences in time and culture, the two passages are remarkably similar in message. According to Cicero, “we must resort to force only in case we may not avail ourselves of discussion .” Similarly, the passage in Deuteronomy orders that “when you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace,” and only “if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it .” Cicero also advises that “we should spare those who have…

Words 100 - Pages 1