Responce3

I like how Nathan brought up the point that Americans are so friendly and so nice, but when it comes down to it never follow through their plans. Time after time this has happened to me on campus and I wish I could go back in time and exchange numbers to contact each other outside of the classroom. Another great example brought up in the chapter is when we ask someone how they are doing, but don't wait for a response, or really listen to what they have to say and just continue on with our lives. Do we do this because we don't care, were in too big of a hurry to be courteous to others, or is it just simply a social norm to say "Hi, how are you today?" to be polite and then just move on. I personally know I have done this on many occasions without even thinking anything of it. Now, that I have read this chapter I may consider tuning in more when I ask someone how they are doing. I like how Nathan tied examples of how American and students of different countries do things in comparison to eachother, for example parties, friendships, roommates, drinking etc. I agree with most statements made in the chapter about American friendships. I am always saying how I only have a few good friends here at Bloomsburg, and many acquaintances. I don't understand how one can go through a whole semester of talking, exchanging notes, meeting to study, texting about class to only make the relationship go that far, or last for just that semester. As an American making friendships with other American peers, I think it is very easy to say that our relationships are superficial, just like those from the chapter who thought the same thing.

In the next section of the chapter I like that Nathan hints on American professors and student conduct during lectures. I'm glad I don't go to college in a different country, I believe I am privileged to have the kinds of professors I have here at Bloomsburg. I agree that most are helpful and accommodating, point out what will be expected on tests and projects, and provide many opportunities to earn good grades. I don't necessarily like the fact that most students fit the stereotypes of the ones described in the chapter it makes me cringe when students eat in class or pack up their notes before the lecture is over. It even upsets me more that professors today ignore this type of behavior. It always makes me laugh when my aunt talks about her experience at Bloomsburg and how she had to wear formal apparel to class. These days most students roll out of bed in pjs or sweats. Oh, how the times have changed. I don’t know if we have changed for the better, but I do know I am happy I’m not wearing formal attire to class.

In the last section of the chapter Nathan brings up Americans "ignorance" towards other countries. It was interesting to read what other countries thought about Americans. A comment that the Ure made really seemed to stand out among the other comments. The comment stated that "American students are nice, but they need to stop being so ignorant about other countries and other cultures. Americans need to look at the world around them, and even the cultures around them in their own country (Nathan, pg. 10)." Far too often we don't monitor or screen what we say about others. We need to stop making judgments, step out of our comfort zones, and begin to accept the differences of others. We can’t expect others to join the movement, if we can’t make the change within ourselves