No matter how much exposure you have to American culture through film and television, stepping into a new culture is still a transformative experience. This is valid not only for the United States but also for any destination worldwide.
Culture clashes are an inherent part of the immigration journey, a passage every individual encounters upon setting foot on foreign shores.
Rather than view these shocks with fear, they should be accepted as an integral aspect of the resolution process.
For every Desi who moves to the US, the initial phase of culture shock is a lesson in understanding the intricate dynamics of their new home. America is a melting pot where people from all over the world have converged over time. They have also contributed their different cultural identities, weaving a rich tapestry that transcends borders.
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Here are some of the culture shocks Desis experienced after setting foot in the United States.
1. cheeseburger ≠ Veggie Burger
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The “cheeseburger” in America is not a vegetarian option with cheese; contains a beef burger. Most Americans don’t understand the concept of veggie burgers, except in specific places. Waitresses who have encountered this confusion may remind Indian customers that the burger contains beef.
2. The concept of “small talk”
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Experiencing small talk as a cultural surprise: In America, people exchange smiles and strike up casual conversation even in elevators (known as elevators elsewhere). For newcomers, having a ready supply of small talk for strangers can prove challenging. This friendly behavior extends to the streets, where people smile and nod to each other.
immediately no. pic.twitter.com/JKNbDuQxPJ
— I have never done it (@neverhaveiever) August 16, 2022
In India, it is acceptable to look at someone on the street until they make eye contact, at which point you look away and look for another target. Despite this friendship, building genuine friendships in the United States can still be challenging.
3. Driving in the US
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Driving in the United States, with its smooth highways and automatic cars, can be a stark contrast to someone used to driving in India. The absence of cows to drive, rickshaws to honk, and enforced compliance with traffic rules can make the experience seem less hectic.
4. Navigating gun culture
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The prevalence of guns in American culture is often a cultural shock to foreigners. Owning a firearm is routine, as are news reports detailing incidents involving people using firearms to harm others, sometimes even in mass shootings.
5. Health care, even emergency appointments, is “expensive”
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Health care, including essential services, can be expensive for people without insurance. Limited free or charitable programs mean those living in poverty face challenges accessing healthcare. Some resort to participating in drug trials for a chance at medical assistance. Emergency care is mandatory and accessible to all US residents at no cost.
Unlike India, where apps allow you to order medications or schedule blood tests, the United States often requires appointments to be booked well in advance, sometimes weeks or even months in length.
6. The early dinner concept: 6-7 pm
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The cultural rhythm changes as people usually have dinner at 6 pm and may be ready to sleep at 9. Even if you plan to dine in a restaurant, you should reserve a table in advance, usually between 6 and 7 pm However, in India, the evening starts after 9. For many, 9:00 pm marks the time of the Big B’s ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, showcasing the diverse rhythm of daily life.
7. Winters, and especially snow, can be depressing and boring.
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The allure of winter and snow can fade once the initial excitement subsides, leaving a melancholic feeling with gray skies and white landscapes. However, spring and fall paint a starkly contrasting picture, bursting with vibrant hues that transform the landscape into a vivid display of color.
8. Navigating the US measurement system
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One seemingly minor aspect that can alter the daily life of an immigrant is the American measurement system. Interestingly, the United States continues to use the imperial measurement system, leading to differences such as weight measured in pounds instead of kilograms, and liquid measured in gallons instead of liters, among other variations. Also, even the way dates are written deviates from the global standard.
While the rest of the world adopts the DD/MM format, Americans follow the MM/DD approach to writing dates. This contrast has often led to amusing and unexpected scenarios.
Here’s an interesting Reddit post that goes deeper:
Bizarre culture shock for US students by u/EpicDankMaster in India
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Facing the prospect of accepting these changes can be unsettling, but Desis tackles this challenge head-on with determination, aiming to seamlessly adapt and integrate.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn