American students are independent. To compare with Thai students, they're very different. They have jobs to earn for their tutoring. They live apart from their parents. They believe in themselves. The decisions they make are on their own. They tend to be independent on their families any more but they actually don't, at least emotionally.
Talking with my American friends, I found out that they still consider their families (which include the pets as well) very important in their lives. Many of them say that if they have hard time to decide something very important, they'll ask for advices from either or both of their parents. Besides, even though each of the family member lives apart, they still feel they have close family since they visit and make calls to each other frequently. They also organize a family reunion at least once a year. The big day varies. It might be a parent's birthday, anniversary, thanks giving or they might make a day among family members.
One of my American friends is living with her grandma. She told me that it's not normal for Americans to have a grandparent living in the same house. The elderly are usually sent to some certain places where there're people taking care of them instead of staying with their own children. This culture is completely different from Thai culture. We feel like we're supposed to return all good treats our parents have been giving us back by taking care of them when they get old. In Americans' perspectives, they think if they can't do that well, it's better for them to provide their parents the more comfortable lives.
The different perspective about the elderly's lives is a good example of how we, having different culture, think. It's unique. That's really interesting! Gosh, I love knowing these differences!!
15 years ago
We probably have the same result. Generally speaking, we are more family-oriented than Americans. Do you think so Hooda?
ReplyDeleteYes,i also found out that though they may be very independent in many ways, the American students think their families very important. I guess Family is an universal warm topic no matter who we are.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I found many American families gave up their elderly relatives by sending theme to a nursing home and sometimes, the elderly live alone. That is not familiar in my country and it is concidered shame to send your old parents or grandparents to the nursing home.
ReplyDeleteKhounkham, I would personally say that we tend to be more constructive. Anyway, it's very interesting that people from every corner of the world love their families and want to give their parents the best but still, we show our love in different ways as we can see from how elderly are treated in different countries.
ReplyDelete"We show our love in different ways." That says it well.
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