Day 66: About American Culture

Over the last three years, as I have lived in America, I've heard a lot of people say things like, "I wish I had some kind of culture!" As a Canadian I've often felt like that too. Most of us, Americans and Canadians, have pretty mixed ancestries. We can't necessarily point out a kind of dance that is traditional to us, or a religion that has been passed down in the family. We don't have a link of heritage with the people around us because again, many Americans and Canadians are a mix of everything-- European, Asian, African, Latino, anything!

Living in India has given me an interesting glimpse into how Indians view the rest of the world and at the same time it has reminded me that we, in the West, do have culture! Today I interviewed a woman who has a sister who lived in California and who now lives in London. She said something very interesting that hit home with me. She said, "Once I thought that Americans had no culture. And so we were afraid of our sister going there. But after she went we learned that they do have customs and culture!"

I realized that culture is not all about the colourful, bright, obvious things like traditional clothes or music or dance or language or even ethnicity. It is the sum of all the little (and big) things your society teaches you over your lifetime or allows you to explore. For example, I've realized that in America there is a very strong, independent spirit. Capitalism to Americans typically means something pretty different than what it means to most Canadians. Also, freedom of thought and equality are a big part of culture in many Western countries. It isn't the same everywhere.
One of my very favourite things about American/Canadian culture is that the pursuit of our dreams/interests is strongly encouraged (especially compared to places like India).

So I'm thinking we don't lack culture in any way :) Its just a new kind of culture-- its an amalgamation of the actions and beliefs of centuries of immigrants and ancestors, and the current context we live in. I can say I'm Canadian and Francophone and semi-socialist and LDS and a lover of multiculturalism! Culture isn't in a box. It's expanding and allows me to identify with lots of groups of people. I kinda like that :)

Almost all the Indian families I have interviewed see the value of that in their children's lives. They encourage them to go abroad to learn new things-- but not to forget their culture and customs. They encourage them to "mix cultures". Because they see good things and they add them to the good they already have!

Isn't that a great way to live in this world? It means that I can be anything and maybe even everything! Cool!

Stéfanie





Also, I just wanted to remind everyone of how amazing this cover is. Gah... so good.