those wacky Americans

[chocolate_chip]

x_x I am SO full. The company bought us dinner tonight, plus one of the women just got her citizenship, so there was one of those huge cookies with the icing on it. Ate way too much.

Anyway, I was randomly surfing the net earlier today, and came across this blog with the following excerpts from a Russian book about life in the United States:

"There are several things that Americans are obsessed with. The first one is their flag and the symbolism it brings. You can see an American flag in all the government buildings, in schools, sometimes in every classroom, on private houses, on boats, in parks - everywhere. You can buy cups, mugs, glasses, plates, tablecloths, t-shirts with a flag pattern, you can wear clothes imitating the flag, you can buy candies with this symbol. Americans adore their flag."

"The second obsession is ice drinks. Most of American drinks are served with ice - sodas, teas, water, juices, alcoholic drinks."

"The third obsession is showers and everyday change of clothes. Americans are very intolerant towards body smells. From early childhood they are taught that the odors of the human body should be controlled by frequent showers, soaps, deodorants, mouthwashes, etc. You should change your clothes everyday because it absorbs your perspiration and might produce unpleasant odors. It's a general rule that is strictly observed by the people in American society. If your body or breath smell irritates them they would prefer to keep a distance and stay away from you."

"Americans love to play. Being an adolescent nation they play like teenagers. Cream in the face, toothpaste on your body, crazy games and roller rides - these things are as much a part of American culture as Disney World."

Well of course we have to change clothes every day, the old clothes have toothpaste all over them!

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go stock up on ice and flag candy.

Comments

[thealisonbailey.livejournal.com]

When I was in Austria, the only place that served ice in their drinks was McDonald's. It was a little strange.

[chocolate_chip.livejournal.com]

Hm. When I was in Europe, I didn't particularly notice any shortage of ice, but then, I've never smeared toothpaste all over my body, so I'm obviously not a true American. Perhaps it's true that we as a country indulge in extravagance. After all, ice doesn't grow on trees, you know!