Alanna: Culture Shock

After returning home from Denmark my family and I took a few weeks off to travel, some of which was very unexpected. I was therefore not able to write down my initial thoughts upon returning home from Denmark.

During the past few weeks I have gone to Toronto and New York and throughout these travels I have noticed several outstanding differences between North American and that of Denmark.

Prices on groceries and every day items were the first thing that struck me. After spending 9 weeks converting everyday items from Kroner to Dollars it really made me realize how much more expensive things were in Denmark. It gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of how taxes work and how each country handles their tax system.

The second thing that shocked me when I got home was the profound rudeness I experienced while traveling to New York. New Yorkers, or American city people in general, are not friendly and welcoming. While trying to travel through midtown Manhattan I mistakenly entered the wrong subway terminal. I backed up and went to the information booth to ask for help and was immediately scolded and was told with attitude to go through another gate. In another instance while standing in time square the other day a few foreigners were trying to ask for directions. Several people gave them the cold shoulder and one guy even had the nerves to mutter under his breath, "Learn some English" as he walked away. I was disappointed by these American's behavior. Even though I spoke another language and was placed in a different environment the Danes (and other Europeans that I had encountered) were for the most part friendly and helpful when asking for help or directions. If they could not speak English they would direct me to someone who could. There was no hesitation or disregard towards me. It proved to be very comforting. I'm not sure why people in the U.S. are so unwilling to help. Whether it's the fear Americans have distilled upon themselves or the sheer lack of respect, I can't help but wonder why Americans have become somewhat narcissistic. Perhaps it's the crowded population or the hustle and bustle of a large city that makes Americans unfriendly. Whatever it is I feel that it is giving the world a negative image of Americans.

Although I have experienced some negative things while returning home I still like my country. I just hope that one of these days we can open up to other countries and one another.