Friday, September 30, 2016
Culture Shocking
I have experienced "culture shock" in the United State since I came here. I remember there was a time when I first time went shopping at Home Depot and be in an awkward situation. It was a Saturday night, 12th, April, I did not know that I had to get in line in order to pay for something or ask for help. I was trying to buy a red paint with my poor English. There were a lot of people standing in line in front of the cashier counter , waiting for their turns to come (which I barely understand at that time). All I know was I wanted someone to help me find the exact color to paint the walls in my room. So I walked straight to the counter and wondered what all those people were waiting on. When I asked the cashier to help me, everybody looked at me like I had something on my face. The cashier then told me that I need to go back to the end of the long line and wait to be called like every one else. I was so embarrassed that I wish I could vanish in the air. In addition, it was hard for me to get used to greeting every single time I see my friends, teachers, or even someone on the street passing by. I felt uncomfotable.It was strange for me to be surrounded by cars, and felt alone walking by meself. People drive in their cars everywhere. Another things is tipping. I had never tipped anyone in my country, and found myself hard to adapt this manner. However I was amazed on how everything can be returned for a full refund, and people can carry their purses or backpacks into any store while shopping. I am pleased to experience these interesting things.
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Hi Mai, I like your stories. I think many people come here, they still keep their habits. They do not know these are not suitable in America. However, you studied a lot when you had many different story in this country. It never forgot in your memories. You should write a novel tell Vietnamese who are going to come to USA about what should and should not they do when they come to America. Anyway, welcome Mai to new culture which is more polite and modern than Vietnam.
ReplyDeleteWe all come from Asian. There has some different way between our country and the U.S.. When we came here first time, we couldn't adapt to this new environment. However, we can learn quickly from the mistake that we did. I believe that we can adapt to this new environment as soon as possible. I learned one sentence from a essay
ReplyDelete"Nice try,but don't cry" When we try several times, we won't do it wrong next time.
Hi Mai, I think there was many people wear orange clothes, and they also have the word "home depot" on it, so it says that they are working here, and they will help you.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I like the way how Americans get greetings. They always have a smile on their face even if they don't know me. However, some Vietnamese are living here are different. There was a morning and I am running around my place. I saw 2 Vietnameses walking in front of me. when we get closer, they looked at me, and then quickly looked down to the road and continued walking. Even I said "good morning" to them, they avoided it and walked. anyways, I know some are nice not all of Vietnamese. lol.