Knox+-+Nathan's+homework+3

//My Freshmen Year//

As I read this chapter by Rebekah Nathan's, I was very surprised how outsiders view us "Americans". As Nathan talked to different international students, they view American's as independent, not into family, and not interested in getting to know them. As I continued to read, I can kind of understand where these international students are coming from, but I know they can't label all American's like this. As I been learning through class, people never just land in one stereotype, but in a mix of many.

It got me mad that these exchange students feel like no one is interested it them. I think they are taking our actions to personally. There are a number of reasons why we might feel uncomfortable or nervous. Right as class ends, I don't stick around to socialize. My day is completely full: getting to class, finishing homework, going to the gym, eating, etc. Also, I hardly ever see any exchange students on campus. I have only seen a group of boys outside of bakeless speaking a different language. I would feel awkward trying to join the conversation because I don't know if the language barrier would be to difficult. As for us being independent, I don't see how that is a bad thing. We still talk to our families, but college is better preparing us for our future. I really didn't like how they said we are not as united with our family or our friends family. I am very close with my own and other families. I talk to them and have pictures in my room. But the main difference between United States and international countries is our cultures. Drinking age, responsibilities, respect, etc. are vastly different. It all depends on how you are raised. To exchange students, we might come off as disrespectful to society, but that is the norms here.

Overall, I thought Nathan's research was interesting, but ultimately everyone tries to fit it. At first is was boys and girls. Then hobbies, activities, and interests. But now we can see culture as plays a large role in fitting into the right "community".