My Model Paper - Other Peoples' Perspectives on the American Way of Life

Other Peoples' Perspective

The people of the United States take the American Way of Life pretty seriously, even if they have a hard time articulating exactly what it is. Many people I spoke to were unsure of how to define the American Way of Life, or spoke in vague generalities, or said they didn't know. The ones who did have a strong sense of the concept also often had a strong opinion on the topic. I think this contrast between those who had ideas to share and those who didn't is a sign of the split between people who think about the culture and people who just live in it (like, "Fish in the water who don't know they're wet."). Now thinking about something doesn't guarantee insight - but at least insight is made possible.

Several of the people on the street said, "No idea" and my friend Heather said, "No comment". A young Hispanic woman just said she thought it was good here but the prices were too high and there weren't enough jobs.

On the other hand some felt strongly about the topic. One gentleman (middle-classed gay gringo) said that freedom was the defining aspect of the American Way of Life and that freedom was rooted in the Bill of Rights - a guarantee against government oppression. An older gringo woman spoke of freedom and flags and how people who are critical of the country should move overseas.

TO BE CONTINUED