Different cultures worldwide have varying cultural norms that set them apart; it is what makes our planet colorful. Many people worldwide find it fascinating that most Americans do not take off their shoes when entering a house. These seemingly mundane issues that are part of everyday American (and other nations’) cultures propagate a certain image worldwide. What one may construe as normal may, in essence, have an opposite connotation in a different part of the world. For instance, pointing at someone when referring to them will result in an angry look when in India, it is offensive. These notions elicit an important and interesting concept about how the world’s largest economy, America, is perceived by others worldwide based on its culture.
The first notion that many people from varying parts of the world would notice about Americans is their loud nature. Many people outside the USA are less likely to spend time in public spaces or feel free to communicate freely about themselves when using public transportation (Bloom). Intriguingly, Americans find it normal to have private conversations in public spaces within others’ earshot as it is common in the nation. They are vocal and opinionated, a trait that most people outside the USA characterize as bold. However, this aspect also makes people outside the country uncomfortable around Americans as they consider some conversations very private to be held in public.
Furthermore, Americans tend to talk to strangers. It is very interesting to see individuals open up about their lives to a stranger (Bloom). People in many countries do not disclose aspects of their lives when talking to new people. For instance, it is common for Americans to ask someone, “…so, what do you do?” in their first conversation. In some parts of the world, you would find friends that do not know each other’s occupation as it is considered nosy or rude to ask such matters. In nations such as Denmark, talking about one’s private life with a stranger, such as on the bus or park, would make them uncomfortable as it is an unusual characteristic.
Many individuals from other parts of the world also find that Americans complain very much. This trait is associated with an entitlement characteristic as it is present in most aspects of American life (Bloom). For example, you may find individuals in a grocery or restaurant asking for the manager because of a certain issue they do not like. Some people may be shocked to see someone complain about their food being late as it is not ready in 30 seconds, leading to late fees on their bills. In these scenarios, many people from around the globe wonder why Americans are quick to complain rather than find an amicable solution for each party involved.
Finally, Americans proudly plaster their flag on everything. While other people love their countries, they find the level of patriotic gestures in the USA too much (Bloom 13). A person may display their flag at their house or in their car; however, Americans take it as far as making American-themed baseball caps and underwear. This overrepresentation of the nation’s flag is seen as bizarre in many countries as people rarely flaunt their flag regularly. Interestingly, Americans flaunt their flag even when outside their country.
In conclusion, cultural norms differ around the world. A country’s image is projected by its people, which applies to America as one of the richest nations worldwide. Looking at America through a different lens would help a US citizen understand others’ viewpoints on the nation. It is also a good way to discern the varying nature of cultural norms and how they portray the locals worldwide.
Works Cited
Bloom, Laura Begley. “Foreigners Reveal: 17 Weird Things Americans Do (That We Think Are Normal).” Forbes, Web.
Shimazaki, Sora. “Man in blue denim jacket holding a megaphone.” Pexels, Web.
Voortman, Sebastian. “Red and Blue Striped Shed on Sand.” Pexels, Web.