Here are some of the most interesting comments you guys collected when you completed the first class homework assignment:
"Competition and talents." (Yan)
"More freedom in China." (Mengji)
"Just a country." (Cindy)
"Everybody busy and eat fast food." (Joel)
"Challenges, diversity." (Grace)
"A country that overwhelmingly prefers creationism and conspiracy theories to any sound ..." (Peggy)
"For me, the America are the moral, the just." (David)
"I feel people have life attitude here. They live for life." (Park)
"Opportunity to make money." (Chan)
"America means a lot to me. American is paradise, where everyone can live the way they want to live. America is ... awesome." (Mariam)
"Hamburgers." (Alley)
"Very cultural country, many different country's people." (Hung)
Did reading these responses surprise you or change some of your ideas about American culture? Do you agree with these people's comments? Why or why not? Using the 'Comment' function on this post, please write at least 3-5 complete sentences describing what some of your early impressions of Americans and American culture were BEFORE you visited the U.S. for the first time. ... In other words, answer the question: What did "American" mean to YOU?
It will give me chances to do whatever I want to do~
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Michelle! Please note that you need to write at least three to five sentences ... so you should make your answer a bit longer, OK?
ReplyDeleteWhen I first come to America, I felt that this country is a big country with large population. The first impression of American of me is that American have open thought on many things. I think United States would be a free country because it is a country that lives in people from worldwide.
ReplyDeleteI think America is a good place for shopping. Because the stuff in here is cheaper than China and there are many kinds of style. And I also think America equal fashion. There are many famous designers and famous stars in here.
ReplyDeleteI never come to U.S before I come to Woodbury. So when I first time come here, I am so nervous, because my English is not good, I afraid people do not understand when I speaking. Also I have culture shock, cause I have location roommate, different culture, like life style, but her and her family helps a lot.And I try to adapt, like celebrate American Festival. I think America not only a country to me, but also it is new world to me.I love freedom in U.S.
ReplyDeleteWhen i new here, i noticed that American's tax is too high:) We are under financial crisis now, come on. Fortunately, we don't need to pay tax for buying meat. On the other hand, when i think about America, the first impression is hamburger. everybody like hamburhers. i like double chess burger.lol...
ReplyDeletecorrection on "chess" to cheese
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed reading everyone's comments so far, and I hope you will all keep them in mind as the semester goes on and your ideas about Americans and American culture change ...
ReplyDeleteGreg, I think it will be especially interesting to explore some of the different cultures and subcultures that (for better or worse) make the U.S. such a big, open, and free country, as you put it.
Sasha, I think you are very wise to say that moving to a new country can feel like entering a new world ... and I am happy that you have adjusted to living in America so well!
Jojo, if America = fashion for you (and I think you're right, especially about LA), then I can think of a couple of really good movies that you would definitely enjoy. I am going to try to have us watch at least one of them in class, but feel free to let me know if you would like some specific recommendations.
And finally, Vicky: I know, I know, taxes are never fun. I've got to pay 'em, too! :) Hopefully you think it's worth it.
15 years ago, when I was a senior in university, I had been in USA. I was really really excited because it was my first time to travel overseas. As I arrived at San Fransisco airport, I felt the wind of freedom even if it was very short trip. There were so many people from different countries lived, worked, studied together. It didn't matter where I was from, whatever I wore, whatever I ate. Now, beyond those, I wish to have freedom to do business with people from all over the world some day.
ReplyDeleteAs you guys know, I'm came from South Korea. (Don't ever say " North?") I am kidding :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I arrived in Woodbury, I was getting nervous because it was my first time in my whole life. However, I believed that this experience could be making me better. Due to American, sometimes, they are really kind and cool, but some of them are unkind. I think that American people are opportunity and challenge to learn about English.
when i first went to London, i did not speak english at all, so i started to read newspapers and watch BBC news a lot to improve my english skill, even though i was carazy about music. Time went by, i have been interested in America because British were always focucing on what was happenning in America and i was too. And i decided to learn los of things in bigger country. That is why i am here and America is the biggest and strongist country in the world.
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ReplyDeleteFor me, america is a dream. Before i came here, all the information that I know about america are from hollywood movie. IT is all about fast food, Party, america pie, muscle car, freedom```. When I actually got here, I felt the life here is not like the movie, actually is the movie copy from the life here, I am so enjoy the america life style, people has the right and freedom to stand on their own business, people feel free to talking about everything, people can have more chance here.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first come here. Anything that is novel for me. I think here people are very friendly, when you meet some problem,they are happy to help you.I just off the plane, I didn't know where people meet me. One old man help me call phone and tell me where is it.I am very grateful to him.
ReplyDeleteI think America is nice place. When I come here I smell free air. No parent order for me. Here people very friendly. I can study second language.
ReplyDeleteWhen I came in the US, I was excited and nervous because one of my dream that I go to America to study. But few days later, I realized that talking to other people is difficult for me. I have not confident to talk with English and I was shy.(I'm still shy...)however, I am getting a lot of chances in the US. The United State is still my dreamland.
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