Take an American girl who has lived outside of the U.S. for a few years, reintroduce her back into this culture, and what you’ll get is an enlightening perspective of the crazy road we might be traveling down. Meredith Whitmore is a new writer for Plugged In Online. She wrote a three-part article—lengthy, but well-worth the reading—about what she has observed since returning to the U.S.
As you read her article, you might feel uncomfortable, even defensive at times—loyal to your country and the culture (U.S.) you’ve grown to enjoy. But hang in there to the end. You’ll chuckle. You’ll gasp. You’ll begin to see she could be on target. You might find yourself considering what you’ve bought into and didn’t need to . . . and the beginnings of a longing to once again enjoy simplicity, conversation, and realness.
She begins with:
I used to think I was a reasonably well-adjusted person. But then I had to move back to the United States.
Donning U.S. culture again felt like wearing a sweater that’s four sizes too small: I stuck out of it. I squirmed to make it fit. I felt beyond absurd. Different aspects of American life that had once felt normal now felt uncomfortable and—dare I say it—horrifying.
‘Culture Shock’ series, Plugged In Online, Meredith Whitmore
Take time to read. Understand her “shock.”
wow really well said. I’m gonna pass this article along (something I rarely do).
I’ve often wondered what American culture looks like to an outsider, and I guess this is as close as it gets.
Meredith’s humor and common sense come thru so clearly, it’s as if you were just sitting talking with her.
Makes you want to turn off the TV and live your life.
Thanks ‘Bible Quizzing’ for your comment. It’s easy to get caught up in what is going on around us. Subtly we justify then compromise. But then ‘values’ are muddy these days.