Instructions for use: first time in the United States
Each of us knows that when we come to another country, we are not only in the zone of other state laws, but also other moral attitudes and internal rules. Of course, you will say that there is nothing complicated here and the main language is to know. But often things are not so simple. Hardly anyone wants to suffer from their ignorance and keep negative memories of being in another country.
Coming in USAYou immediately understand how clearly this country, culture, people, their behavior and mores are different from our usual way of life. As a rule, no one will have any serious problems if you do not look for them and create them yourself. I’m not going to try to make fun of Americans. Based on my experience, I have formulated several rules that I believe should be followed during my stay in the New World.
Rule 1. The first thing that a Russian person will immediately pay attention to is the large number of African-Americans living in the United States. There are words like "nigger" and their derivatives - it's great that you know them, but it's better for others not to know or hear about it. Even think about experimenting!
I would like to note that despite the fact that there are those people who we have agreed to call political correct language in the leading positions in the country, the question of the color of their skin remains very painful for them. Do not be surprised if new friends pester you with the appropriate question: “What do you think about the color of my skin?” – you may find this question funny, but for them it is very important! Therefore, treat with understanding and explain to the person your point of view (well, if you are a Nazi, then the conversation will go, of course, in a different direction). Showing openness and seriousness, you will get the understanding and location of your interlocutor. The following rule follows.
Rule 2. Showing all the same political correctness, try to avoid mocking glances and grins towards original Americans. They're different people, they don't bother with what they wear, especially girls. Be understanding, again.
Rule 3. Americans are very open and sociable people. Passers-by look you in the eye, if you accidentally push them, they will apologize a hundred times. Such politeness will first alert a Russian who is accustomed to the severity of morals and shy looks, but I am sure that then any Russian will thaw. The main thing is to respond with a smile to a smile, but do not twitch. After all, how nice to live where even a stranger, meeting you with a glance, just smiles in return.
Rule 3. Americans are very vigilant, seeing a suspicious situation on the street, may come to you to ask if everything is okay. In addition, it is not considered terrible for them to “knock” at anyone: a neighbor, a friend, a colleague. It is very important to know and remember. It's just that sometimes the simplest situation, because of a frightened honest American, can be brought to the point of absurdity. During my time in the United States, at first, we often suffered from such a love of truth.
Rule 4. When I came to work in the States, my new boss (an African-American man, by the way, a very remarkable man) told us that Russians in America should be afraid of their own Russians. Those who have come there and live long enough are very zealous and unfriendly towards newcomers, even tourists. In general, very often in America you will hear native speech, but still do not be afraid to ask for help from Americans - they are open and ready to help tourists. And if you can explain that you are learning English and you like their country, then the conversation will definitely start!
You can draw a million of such rules, but there is one truth – no matter what country you are in, stay a reasonable good tourist, and your trip will not be overshadowed by anything.
Angelina Sobolevskaya
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