Something other than the election

PanzerKom

[PanzerKom]

Here's something that's not related to the election and the economy. Think of it as a little quiz, if you will.

I came across the following article written by an immigrant while surfing the web. For those of you so inclined, answer the following question:

1. How long do you think this person has been in the States?

2. How old do you think this person is?

3. What, in your opinion, is the greatest thing about American culture?

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Because you’re an American 　　 A couple of months ago I went to the Chinese Embassy in New York. The room for applying visas was crowded. We followed the line with other people. A middle-age lady who was standing in front of me got very confused. At the window, she asked the Chinese clerk, why did my friend only pay $30 for the visa, but I had to pay $130 for the same thing? The clerk spoke with an impatient tone, “Because you’re an American.” 　　 I still can’t figure out what was the reason for that, but this statement “Because you’re an American” is stuck in my mind. I am trying to find out what is the biggest difference between the American and Chinese cultures? 　　 Yesterday I was sitting in “American Manners and Customs” class. When my teacher Lisa used her name for an example to tell us how to show people’s different titles, I realized Lisa was a lawyer. WOW, A lawyer as a volunteer helps the newcomers. That made my jaw drop. Lisa told us, she taught a couple of writing classes in the past. She enjoyed doing that. She said, “A lot of Americans try to help others in their own way. For example, Literacy Volunteers of Morris County has helped 500 foreigners to improve their English.” Many of the tutors like Lisa have all kind of titles or occupations. Some teach a class; some do one on one. Some of them have more than one student or a class to teach at the same time period. Lisa said, “When I taught the classes, I started to learn a lot interesting things. It made me open my eyes and be happier. 　　 In America, it is easy to see people helping each other. One day my husband and I were sitting in Home Depot’s parking lot, we had trouble starting up our car. In this short time, many people offered to help. Someone helped us to call AAA and someone lent us a new cable to jump-start our car. I also saw one Chinese couple coming by us, but they turned away and pretend nothing happened here. 　　 Lisa said, “When I asked my students, what is the biggest cultural difference between America and your county? A student’s answer deeply touched my heart.” The student said,” The biggest difference is Americans are willing to help. Americans has a good heart.” 　　 Helping people instead of judging people and enjoying doing it that maybe are the biggest culture difference.

[Chickensoup]

It is the difference between living in a Christian based culture and a non Christian based culture.

[El Sordo]

I love America.