As you may know, I just celebrated 6 years in America. This time around I am celebrating all of the things I have grown to love and hate about America. There’s 8 of them to be exact.
1. Freedom of Speech
I love that people can say anything they want. Back home my friends and family thought I was opinionated. But lo and behold when I got here people thought I was actually quiet and polite. America is where I learned to speak up without fear of being censured or judged. So ok who am I kidding? The judging still happens but people respect you for verbalizing your P.O.V. (point of view).
2. Verbal Diarrhea
I believe there are a number who suffer from this malady. Some of the more famous ones like Kanye West, George Bush and other personalities continue to misuse or even abuse their freedom of speech. You know there IS such a thing as knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Maybe it’s just me but I notice that quiet a few Americans have no filter or give out way too much information. Words are actually more effective when used in moderation.
3. Dignity of Labor
In this country one is proud to be a working class American. Back in the Philippines your job more likely indicates your socio-economic status. It’s kinda like how Californians measure your “success” by the car you drive. So if you are, for example, a waitress or a carpenter that means you are likely poor because these jobs pay minimum or less than minimum wage. To earn more one needs to have an office job which require a college degree. Sadly not a lot can afford to go to college (we don’t have a system for educational loans in place). In America, waitresses and carpenters/contractors can actually earn a lot! I love that there is dignity in earning money from honest work no matter what type of a job it is. In fact, America was built by hard working folks like oil magnate John D. Rockefeller who once said “that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living”.
4. No-Vacation Nation
Ah, this is one of the reasons why I sometimes want to move to Europe. While the Dutch are working to kill the 9 to 5 work week, Americans take on 2-3 more jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American man today works 100 more hours a year than he did in the 1970s. That’s 2 1/2 weeks of added labor. Moreover, the average American worker only has 12 days of vacation a year and only half of them actually use it. It’s really sad if you think about it because there is always a good deal on last minute holidays that an American is missing out on.
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5. Ease of Doing Business
I love how anyone who has a great idea can set-up a business or even invent something people will buy (I’m obsessed with PitchMen). The USA ranks 4th in the world for ease of doing business. This means that it is easy to do the following things in the country: start a business, deal with construction permits, register property, get credit, protect investors, pay taxes, trade across borders, enforce contracts and close a business. So if you are a business minded person you can earn an honest living through trade or commerce. In the Philippines, you need to go through red tape and a lot of bureaucracy to start even a small business. If you want to speed up the process you would need to have a lot of money to bribe, if not have some connection in the government that could pull the right strings.
6. Blatant Materialism
Have you seen the show Hoarders? MTV Cribs? Sweet 16? The Real Housewives series? or this video called The Story of Stuff? Yes, they may seem like extreme examples but along with capitalism comes materialism. A LOT of materialism. Do you really need to lease that fancy car or buy a third television set for your home? Do you know that Americans spend 78% of what they earn on an annual basis? Granted that most of this is on necessities there are more than a few that we all could do without. You know, back home people wash plastic take-out containers in order to recycle them. I used to find this tacky but now I thank god that somewhere on earth people are finding use for these things instead of dumping it elsewhere (again you need to watch The Story of Stuff to get what I am saying).
7. I am what I am
I really enjoy being an individual in the US of A. I feel free to be myself because people appreciate a person who is authentic and genuine (I think it’s called being real). It’s so empowering to have a vision of your own life and to know that your rights are protected at all times. As a Filipino, we are raised in a society that values the community more than the individual. Before making a decision or taking action one has to always consider or consult everybody. It can honestly slow down personal growth and could be a bit stifling.
8. Me, Me, Me, Me, Me!
Maybe it’s just California but I honestly encounter a lot of individuals who are all about making self-interest a number one priority. Don’t believe me? Count the number of times the word “I” comes up during a conversation with the next person you talk to. I notice that there is an “it’s all about me” mentality that leads to a feeling of entitlement. I understand that it is an individual’s prerogative to take care of one’s self. However, there are other people (such as family) that should be an equal priority.
Hi I'm Grace and I'm always on the move. Right now I am in San Diego, CA. POTM is a blog about my life in America and other adventures abroad. My mission is to show the world a unique and sometimes funny perspective on how a Filipina (Pinay) approaches the travel and expat lifestyle.
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I totally know what you mean. Being an American expat there are a lot of things I appreciate about my country, yet with the perspective that different cultures give you, I can see a lot of the flaws, too. The flip side of that is learning to see the good in so many different places. It also helps me piece together many of the characteristics of Americans from different parts of the world.
Nice article!
I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. The ills you spoke of are, in my opinion, what is wrong with this country at this time. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Great post Grace. I could never understand many of the things you mentioned here as I guess I would if I stayed there. I love the me,me,me,me part!
Thanks David!
What wonderful insights. Your ambivalent feelings of love and hate is definitely understandable. My favorite thing about he US: the adaptability of change. Least favorite thing about the US: too much of everything.
7-8 seem to be related to each other. I am a Fil Am who just came back from the PI after a month long Missionary Trip/Visit. The PI has changed and modernized alot since the last time I was there in 05. After being raised and growing up the states its refreshing to have the attitude of putting the needs of the community before the individual first. I think there is a fine line where both the community can be served by the individuals talents or god given gifts. Seeing young people take time to care for their elderly family members instead of throwing them in a Nursing Home system like most families do in the states shows a lot about the character of people.
My mom is a nurse and I grew up around Nursing homes here in the States so I have an ideal of the situation and the differences in families here in the US verses the PI. Of course not every situation is the same but as the world becomes more materialistic and richer people begin to lose out on whats most important and what is needed as opposed to what is wanted.
Just a random Rant
God Bless & Safe Journeys
I hear what you are saying. There are some parts that sound like indoctrination but there are several things that ring true to me on that video. Although would be happy to get a good example from you to share in the future =) Thanks!
Great list Grace. I agree with everything. The holiday thing is astounding. I think Europe has it right with 4-6 weeks paid holidays.
4-6 week…maybe we can start a movement in the USA.
Nice post. People from different countries always have a unique perspective on the country that they are staying at or have moved to.
Thanks Ted! Living abroad is an enriching experience.
interesting insights Grace, I can relate much with dignity in labor, now that I get to see and experience it first hand in Oz. But unlike the workaholic kano, I like the laid back lifestyle of the people here -they seem to enjoy more their weekends and afte-work hours and they love taking long vacation or long breaks from work.
Claire, how are things in OZ? Looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
Adam, totally on the same boat on when if I had the resources. I have my when I win the lottery daydreams where I make a list in my head of what I want to do with the money I win. First is to buy a private jet that could fly my family and friends all over the world with me =)
What are the Dutch serious? No!! They are already doing great.
Jeremy that is so refreshing to hear from an American. as for 7 & 8- you got me. They do contradict each other because I internally struggle to reconcile both. I think having a sense of community and maintaining individuality is important. The trick is how to balance both!
Glad to know that! 4&6 seems to be high on others lists as well.
As I feared- maybe I should consider living in a new state?! =)
Ahhhh do they siesta as well and have no sense of urgency? Yeah that is a pet peeve if mine too.
Oh cool! I am wandering over to check it out right now.
28 days minimum? I am reeling from this fact. How do I get a job in London? =p
Malapit na Gael, dami kong backlog nakakahilo.
I love this! As an immigrant, I can definitely relate.
I was really amazed about your holiday / working hours comment. Very good honest list.