Expanding upon our discussions of culture shock, we watched a movie about refugees coming to America and experiencing modern culture, it's titled God Grew Tired of Us. It was very interesting to see The Lost Boys, or the refugees, to encounter things that we deem to be simplistic; such as donuts, light switches, balloons, and packaged snacks.
As the movie went in depth of their experience, the Lost Boys discussed how they were very lonely in American culture; not because they didn't know anyone, but because Americans are not as nearly friendly or open as African cultures are in Sudan. The Lost Boys explained that Sudanese typically welcome newcomers in their house, and like to spend their time with large groups of friends and family. While in America, we typically call the cops if strangers persist to meet us in our own households and we live by "solitude is bliss."
Watching the movie made me largely aware of how isolated American culture really is. Of course everyone enjoys company once and awhile, or we like to have someone to tag along with to go to the movies, but Americans are much more independent than most cultures. Perhaps this is because of the American Dream, and at a young age we're all taught that we're in a land of opportunities where we must strive for our own personal success to become the very best we can be. The American Dream itself exemplifies the competitiveness between individuals, causing us to focus on our internal goals and do what is necessary for ourselves.
Although the Lost Boys ultimately came to America to achieve the American Dream, this also means that they'll be greatly influenced by the isolationist American culture. Perhaps Americans should take a break from blaming technology for their hindered communication, and reflect upon how naturally lonely American culture can be.
I don't personally think that all of the current technological creations hindered us to be the 'lonely' people that we are, though it is a pretty big contributor.
ReplyDeleteI think technological innovations have caused us to become anxious more than anything, but it has made us feel lonely to some extent. Perhaps it doesn't make us feel lonely in the moment, but in the long run we come to realize that, physically, it's just us and a computer screen. Or if you're around people who are constantly on their phones or ipods you would tend to feel lonely simply because you're singled out and you would have no one to genuinely talk with.
DeleteI definitely feel lonely when I'm with my friends and they all are on their phones. I brought 3 friends to stay in my sister's apartment, and I looked out at all of them in the sunroom - one was on her ipad, one was on his laptop, and one was texting. It made me feel unappreciated for arranging the trip in the first place.
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