Originally posted by Racer X 69 Well the US is the Melting Pot. Ever since the Europeans and British began exploring and settling here the language has been evolving. What those who complain fail to see is the influence of not just every English speaking culture from around the world, but the influence of all the other cultures and languages that comprise this Great Land.
I am not making a political comment, but rather a personal observation, based on knowing many US friends.
Although American culture may be what it is as a result of the 'melting pot' it seems like the metal has already been poured out and set in the mould. I find that many of my American friends have trouble understanding that people in other places really do do things differently and adapting themselves when travelling overseas. For example, one was most concerned that a formal dinner in France was not going to start at 6pm - it was planned for 8pm start, and the gap between courses was long enough to have eaten a whole dinner. Without compromise to one's own values one can live by "When in Rome, live like ..." except when avoiding a matter of moral or ethical concern.
---------- Post added 02-07-16 at 07:28 PM ----------
Originally posted by Racer X 69 The regional enclaves used to be much more distinct. Over the last 30 years or so people have moved across the boundaries in search of the American Dream. As they have settled far from 'home', their customs and habits have become diluted, modified, blended, with those of the people in the areas they have migrated to.
Add to that the influx of yet even more people from just about every corner of the globe, also chasing the American Dream.
Lots and lots of dilution.
I have also noticed that sameness across America. Most of my visits have been to major events and I have noticed that most of the city areas look visually very similar. The modern architecture does not seem to be a practical response to the local climate and conditions but rather additional rolling out of standard designs and the hotels seem to be all the same, so my response is "I am at a place called ..." because there is not really the variation between places like there is in many other countries.
Oh, and I was in LA last week. From news on TV it seemed that only one thing happened in America. And other times I have been there it seemed like only one thing happened, such as a hurricane in Florida, or a news helicopter crashing. Surely more important things happen in America than just one each week, let alone the possibility that something important might happen in another country, but that is a whole different matter.