This week, school really got into session. With tutorials and seminars (discussion sections for us) starting, my schedule is now packed.
But those smaller class gatherings got me thinking about how we as Americans may act here and why we do so.
I would say, in general, I can be a shy person. Being in a brand new place where I practically know nobody only exacerbates that situation (at least when it comes to classes; I have yet to meet another American in any of my lectures). Now I have encountered similar situations before, such as that first time going off to U of I, but I quickly overcame that shyness and now am absolutely happy there.
This time might be different though, mainly because there is one more major factor that may be acting against me when it comes to making friends here. A couple nights ago, a few of us were at a kebab shop (greasy fast food) getting some dinner and the guy behind the counter easily recognized us as Americans. His first comment to us was "You guys aren't as loud as I thought you'd be."
This wasn't the first time we heard this, nor would it be the last. It seems that through the media and through other American visitors before us, we have garnered a reputation as a loud, boisterous people that is just plain annoying. And it worries me from time to time. Such a rep would undoubtedly hinder my efforts to make friends while I'm here.
I guess that's why I've been quieter than usual. Hopefully, people will see that we're not all crazy. Some of us just want to have a good time, make some friends, and most importantly, make some lasting memories with people from all over the world.
Ok, that last sentence was too gooey, even for my liking.
kebabs are the best!!!
ReplyDeletePrashant, you could never be too gooey for me... ever.
ReplyDeleteAlas, I felt the same way in Germany/Poland when I was there last month but with slightly different stereotypes--Americans are all dumb and have no idea where anything is on a map; we're all Sarah Palin, basically.
The way I handled it though, was to directly engage people and ask them a ton of questions--like the kind of interest you give a girl you really wanna bang. Anything from culture, education, law and politics. Then I asked what they thought of Americans and what they thought was our status quo on those subjects. Usually their generalities were very skewed and I diplomatically corrected them.
Will it change anything? Highly doubt it... certain people think in stereotypes for a reason, so don't get your expectations up too high. But, you'll make a lot of friends in the process and get to know a bunch of people. Plus I think you'll learn something about the women you have no intention of banging, which is rare. Travelling is about trying new things right?