As seen in movies or books, it appears as though people all around the world have categorized Americans into stereotypes. Many believe Americans are overweight couch potatoes, while others think American teenage girls can’t complete a sentence without saying the word “like”. When I see Americans portrayed in movies, I wonder if this is really what the rest of the world thinks of us.
Well, it is not everyday that you get to hear a non-American tell us her true opinion. This year, Padua Academy has an exchange student from Colombia. Her name is Maria, and she is a sophomore. I had the pleasure of talking to Maria about her opinions of this country that we call home.
The first thing Maria told me about was how much she likes it here in America. She has been enjoying the people she has met, her classes at Padua, the boys, and some of the food. However, these things are all very different from her home. Apparently, people in Colombia treat everyone like family, even after having just met them! This is incredibly different than the way people treat each other in America. Some Americans want to get away from their families, and others mistrust everyone they meet. However, according to Maria, her view now is that Americans are very supportive and helpful. She did not say she was surprised, but she did admit that she had not expected everyone to be as friendly as they were. I must agree; if I had seen the way American teenage girls are portrayed in films like Mean Girls, I would expect everyone to be, well, mean.
Another difference Maria pointed out is greetings. I have become accustomed to our casual American hellos to the point where anything more intimate would feel uncomfortable. Instead of a “hello” or a friendly wave, in Colombia they give kisses. How embarrassing would it be if you unintentionally gave a complete stranger a bit-too-friendly welcome?! Speaking for myself, I know it would definitely give the wrong impression!
Maria admits that she is a little grossed out by our American food, and she finds our unhealthy eating habits surprising! Every time she turns around, she sees fattening fast foods and sugary drinks. Don’t get me wrong – she enjoys the food, but she is also aware of the negative effects on her health. Even though she may enjoy a nice slice of greasy pizza and a serving of salty tater tots, she has learned to practice self-control. These unhealthy choices are definitely not helping with the “all Americans are overweight” stereotype. Considering the fact that, in Colombia, Maria ate mainly vegetables and special family recipes, I can see how American food might surprise her. She explained that, even though the food may not help her figure, Padua’s café is a thousand times better than the cafeteria at her school in Colombia. With that being said, all of the staff and cooks in our cafeteria deserve a pat on the back!
American school life is also very different from Colombian school life. In America, the schools have a much larger population, but a smaller campus. Also, the learning techniques vary greatly. Maria explained to me that, in Colombia, classes are more about discussing and less about note taking.
Maria tells me that she attended the last Salesianum school dance. She was appalled by the way the boys danced with the girls. Maria tells me how in Colombia dances are a lot less vulgar! She explains that, while Colombian dances are not as risque as American ones, they are not necessarily innocent when it comes to their dancing.
Maria mentioned some surprises she faced when she first arrived here in America. I guess it is kind of hard not to fall into the trap of stereotyping, because Maria says she absolutely expected everyone to be overweight and watching television 24/7, but was pleasantly surprised by the number of physically fit people in our country. One thing that disappointed Maria is Americans’ unawareness of the world around them. (I guess I fell right into that category when I spelled Colombia wrong! Oops!) I guess this proves that some stereotypes are not exactly untrue. However, I feel that maybe this was exactly what I needed to realize how oblivious I am to the outside world.
So far, Maria has had a very enjoyable time here in America and at Padua Academy. Along the way, Maria has met a lot of new people, experienced a new culture, and has eaten new food. She still misses home, and especially the coffee, but she knows the trip was worth it to get a new look at America, from the inside.