No matter how much exposure you have to American culture through movies and television, stepping into a new culture remains a transformative experience. This holds not only for the United States but also for any destination globally.
Culture shocks are an inherent part of the immigration journey, a passage every individual encounters as they step onto foreign shores.
Rather than viewing these shocks with trepidation, they should be embraced as an integral aspect of the settling process.
For every Desi who moves to the USA, the initial phase of culture shock is a lesson in understanding the intricate dynamics of your newfound home. The United States stands as a melting pot where people from around the globe have converged over time. They've also brought their distinct cultural identities, weaving a rich tapestry that transcends borders.
Here are some of the cultural shocks Desis experienced after setting foot in America.
1. Cheesburger ≠ Vegetrian Burger
"Cheeseburger" in the U.S. is not a vegetarian option with cheese; it contains a beef patty. Most Americans don't understand the concept of vegetarian burgers, except at specific places. Waitresses who've encountered this confusion may remind Indian customers that the burger contains beef.
2. The concept of 'small talk'
Experiencing small talk as a cultural surprise: In America, people exchange smiles and engage in casual conversation even in elevators (known as lifts elsewhere). For newcomers, having a ready supply of small talk for strangers can feel challenging. This friendly demeanor extends to the streets, where people smile and nod at each other.
In India, it's acceptable to gaze at someone on the street until they make eye contact, at which point you avert your gaze and seek another target. Building genuine friendships in the U.S. can still prove challenging despite this friendliness.
3. Driving in the U.S
Driving in the U.S., with its smooth highways and automatic cars, can be a stark contrast for someone accustomed to driving in India. The absence of cows to navigate around, rickshaws to honk at, and the mandatory adherence to traffic regulations can make the experience seem less eventful.
4. Navigating the Gun Culture
The prevalence of guns in American culture often comes as a cultural jolt to outsiders. Owning a firearm is routine, as are news reports detailing incidents involving individuals using guns to harm others, sometimes even in mass shootings.
5. Healthcare, even emergency appointments are 'expensive'
Healthcare, including essential services, can be expensive for individuals lacking insurance. Limited free or charitable programs mean that those in poverty encounter challenges in accessing healthcare. Some resort to participating in drug trials for a chance at medical assistance. Emergency care is mandatory and accessible to all U.S. residents at no cost.
Unlike India, where apps allow you to order medicine or schedule blood tests, the U.S. often requires you to book appointments well in advance, sometimes spanning weeks or even months.
6. The concept of early dinner: 6-7 pm
The cultural rhythm shifts as people typically have dinner as early as 6 p.m. and might find themselves ready to sleep by 9. Even if you plan to dine at a restaurant, you must book a table beforehand, usually 6-7 p.m. However, in India, the evening begins after 9. For many, 9 p.m. marks the time for the Big B's 'Kaun Banega Crorepati,' showcasing the diverse pace of daily life.
7. Winters, and especially snow, can be depressing and dull
The charm of winter and snow can fade once the initial excitement wanes, leaving a sense of melancholy with the gray skies and white landscape. However, spring and autumn paint an entirely contrasting picture, bursting with vibrant hues that transform the scenery into a vivid display of colors.
8. Navigating the US Measurement System
One seemingly minor aspect that can disrupt an immigrant's daily life is the US measurement system. Interestingly, the United States continues to utilize the Imperial measurement system, leading to differences such as weight measured in pounds instead of kilograms and liquid measured in gallons rather than liters, among other variations. Furthermore, even the way dates are written deviates from the global standard.
While the rest of the world adopts the DD/MM format, Americans follow the MM/DD approach for writing dates. This contrast has often led to amusing and unexpected scenarios.
Here's an interesting Reddit post that delves deeper:
Facing the prospect of accepting these changes might be unsettling, yet Desis approaches this challenge head-on with determination, aiming to adapt and integrate seamlessly.