It was interesting to read about the apathy among Americans towards International students at the university where Nathan attended; do you think the apathy displayed by the students is an accurate description of every college or just this one?
Our group felt that most Americans in every university possess an undeniable ignorance about other cultures and a lack of interest in the customs of students from foreign countries. This attitude can definitely be felt across the United States, not just in Nathan's particular region.
Several of the Int'l students interviewed in Chapter four noticed the lack of bond between students and families; this was described as "independence". Do you agree or do you feel that independence doesn't necessarily mean severing ties with one's family?
The importance of family is much stronger in other cultures than in America and that is quite unfortunate. It is important for individuals to become independent, however, one can still do that while maintaining a relationship with one's family as well.
The Int'l students in this chapter noticed the fact that although Amerians may be more friendly than other cultures, there is almost a "superficial" quality to it. Do you agree or disagree?
Our group definitely agreed with this depiction of Americans. Although we as Americans pride ourselves in our friendliness, we must realize that quite often we have friendliness but that is as far as it goes. However, in other cultures, although they may not be as friendly, they display genuine and sincere attitudes instead of a superficial "hello".
One aspect of this chapter addressed the fact that several Int'l students became aware of the different socializing habits that many students possess. While most college students drink for the sole purpose of becoming drunk, other cultures social drink. Why isn't socializing more a part of our lives instead of reserved for an extreme thirsty thursday?
Our group agreed that socializing should not be seperated between "study time" and "party time". A healthy lifestlye should incorporate socializing into one's daily life, not just on the weekends. However, we also stated that although there are many individuals that do drink to be drunk, there are many others that do participate in classy behavior such as social drinking. It all varies.
What do you feel about the classroom habits of college students in America and the break down of work administered by professors? Are today's college students in America simply lazy and disrespectful, or are they laid back?
Our group definitely agreed that the habits displayed by some students on our campus and on many others thoughout the United States is not "laid back" but in fact, "lazy". Many of us have seen students openly eat and drink in class, put their feet up on chairs, and sometimes even fall asleep during a lecture. The students in other countries, however, display more respectful behavior and it isn't surprising that they would be shocked at Americans' behavior in the classroom.
Most Americans display an ignorance about other cultures. What can be done to change this? Will this trend of ignorant Americans simply continue, producing countless other generations of Americans that fail to look beyond their own backyards or should study abroad and Int'l opportunities and courses be required in order to graduate from High school and college?
Our group liked the idea of proposing study abroad requirements on high schools and colleges as well as incorporating Int'l courses throughout one's educational career. If there was more classes and study abroad opportunities offered to individuals in America, perhaps there would be less ignorance and a broder knowledge of the world reflected in people.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment