When You Start To Resent Your Americanism | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

When You Start To Resent Your Americanism

Thoughts on Reverse Culture Shock

4
When You Start To Resent Your Americanism

This tale is going to seem trite, as I am just study abroad retiree reflecting on my life-changing experience, but it may be valuable to an audience confronting reverse culture shock.

It’s a general assumption that when students leave to study abroad they often feeling an overwhelming sense of homesickness and culture shock. Many of us choose to study in places of western tradition, to ease the transition. European culture is very similar to American culture; but simultaneously, starkly different.

We often define the concept of “culture shock” as an eruption of negative feelings upon the entry of another country. Alternatively, I’d define my experience of culture shock as an influx of feelings causing me to question my proudness to be an American. All the differences between Spanish culture and American culture made sense to me, and I was biased towards that of Spain.

Spaniards are social people, but there was no stigma associated with spending time alone. Dinner is at 10PM, and naps are encouraged. Conversations are direct, intellectual and genuine. There’s no hook up culture. Chivalry’s certainly not dead and in addition, young men’s fashion sense extends beyond midcalves and ill-fitting pastel shorts. Wine is cheaper, coffee is stronger, bakeries occupy every street corner, produce isn’t pumped with hormones and no one wears sweatpants unless they’re on the way to the gym.

I became mesmerized by my surroundings, eager to learn how to be European. I abandoned my college sweatshirts and leggings, switched from white to red wine, bought translated copies of my favorite books and deemed the subway system “the metro”. My lifestyle felt simpler, minimalized and easier. I felt homesick every once in a blue moon, but began to wonder why I felt so at home in a place 5000 miles away from stateside?

I feared reverse culture shock more so than culture shock. As soon as I passed through the security gates at the Madrid Barajas Airport to find my American Airlines flight, I broke down. With a flood of tears covering my face, I questioned if I would ever have peace of mind in America the same way I had in Spain.

I loved being home for the holidays, but returning to the American college scene in January posed a great challenge. I had no desire to sit on a couch and drink Bud light, or wear a skimpy outfit to a dive bar. I wanted to be at The Prado, admiring the work of Velazquez or strolling through Retiro Park. Moreover, American social cues seemed falsified, distant and rude. People seemed high maintenance and overindulged. I felt as if there was no way of molding myself back into a piece that would fit into the puzzle that is American culture.

But time ensued, and I became accumulated once again. I found the little things I loved about American culture and embraced them. When I was lazy I liked that society accepted my sweats and sometimes the accessibility of Starbucks was a dire need. I did not miss the vulgar catcalling of the city streets and appreciated America’s level of social progress. Speaking my maternal language was comforting and I realized that in retrospect, I had missed home. I fused the tidbits of Spanish culture that I adored with my Americanism. I hadn’t become any less American, just more globalized.

Although the pledge of allegiance may suggest otherwise, we don’t owe all of our devotion to a single culture. Increases in international travel have aided in the breakdown of political and social barriers between nations. I don’t feel the need to appropriate European culture to my American lifestyle entirely; nevertheless, I have applied some of the qualities I admire in my European friends to myself. I am proud to be an American, but consider myself to be incredibly lucky to be transformed by another culture. While culture shock and reverse-culture shock may be states of utter confusion, they are to be taken as a blessing in disguise.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

7235
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774925
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

2127
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments