As a New Zealander, What Do Americans Do That I Find Weird?
As a New Zealander, What Do Americans Do That I Find Weird?
It is common knowledge that Australians and New Zealanders are often mistaken for each other, often leading to amusing confusion and misunderstandings. As a Kiwi, there are certain American habits and behaviors that often leave me scratching my head. This article will explore some of the peculiarities and cultural quirks of Americans that I find odd as a Kiwi living in New Zealand.
1. Conversational Puns and One-Liners
One of the most notable aspects of American culture is their apparent obsession with glib humor and witty retorts. While I can appreciate a good joke, it is often surprising how frequently Americans pepper their conversations with puns, sarcasm, and one-liners. For example, when you mention having a new car, they might reply with something like, 'You look like a Rolls-Royce,' or when you tell them you're feeling a bit stiff, they might say, 'It's iced in here!' This level of rapid-fire, clever wordplay can be overwhelming and even off-putting at times.
2. Public Praise and Compliments
Another strange aspect of American culture that I find bewildering is their frequent and sometimes excessive giving of compliments and praise. While I recognize the value in acknowledging someone's accomplishments, the frequent and effusive praise in American social settings can seem overly enthusiastic and somewhat insincere. It is not uncommon to hear people getting praised for the most mundane or trivial things, causing a sense of uncertainty about how much to take these plaudits seriously. This behavior seems to stem from a desire to be seen as friendly and approachable, but it often leaves me unsure how to react or if the compliments are actually meant with sincerity.
3. The Informal Use of 'Yo'
Perhaps the most bizarre habit I encounter among Americans is the informal usage of the term 'yo'. While the term has been around for a while and is gaining more widespread acceptance internationally, its frequent use by Americans can be startling to non-native speakers. In my experience, it's a term that can be used in a wide variety of contexts and situations, from introducing oneself, seeking attention, or even starting a conversation about mundane topics. While it might be considered cool or trendy, it's often used inappropriately in formal or professional environments, which can be quite jarring to someone coming from a culture that values more formal and polite greetings.
4. Public Conversations and Discussions
Americans are known for their liberal use of public speaking and intrapersonal communication, often engaging in conversations with strangers or discussing topics freely in public spaces. While this kind of spontaneous communication can be seen as friendly and open-minded in some cultures, it can be overwhelming for those who come from more reserved or close-knit communities. For example, public debates, sharing of personal stories, or even political conversations in public transport or cafes can be quite intense and hard to get used to as a Kiwi, where such openness is not the norm.
Conclusion
While American culture has much to offer and many aspects that I have grown to appreciate, there are several peculiarities and cultural quirks that I find strange and even a bit odd as a Kiwi. The frequent use of conversational humor, the lavish giving of compliments, the usage of 'yo', and the openness in public discussions are just a few examples of how American culture differs from that of New Zealand. It is not a criticism but simply a reflection of the cultural diversity that exists in our world.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it is important to recognize and embrace these cultural differences as part of what makes our societies rich and diverse. By learning about and understanding the unique cultural practices of each other, we can foster greater appreciation and respect for the people around us and the ways in which we navigate our social interactions.