Submitted by Kennedy Butch on the 2022 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of English…
America is a very fast-paced society. We are so work-centered that we, as Americans, integrate our work mindset into our everyday lives. European culture is quite the opposite.
My first experience of how different American culture was in this regard was when I entered a small cafe in Florence, Italy, very excited to try their gnocchi dish- something that Florentines are known for. When I walked in, I smiled and said “two for dinner, please.” The host met me at the door and said “Hello! How are you? How are you doing today?” He had completely ignored my previous statement and greeted me in a way that was obviously intended to teach me a lesson on politeness in Italy. I immediately realized how rude my American actions were. After properly greeting him, the host sat us at our table for two. I heard him deliver the same lesson to several other patrons that arrived after us, as we ate our meal.
I have had experiences similar to this all over Europe, since I arrived. European cultures clearly differ from American culture in how they greet people and emphasize person-to-person interactions. My American experiences have taught me to get to the point and to not waste anyone’s time. In Europe, they clearly don’t care if they are ‘wasting’ a little time, because having a pleasant interaction with someone is not a waste of time at all.
In Europe, I have learned to slow down and appreciate all the little things, like saying hello to the hotel attendant. Americans often move so fast-paced that they fail to see the little things that can add some joy to the day and put a smile on your face. This is one aspect of European culture that I hope to bring back to the United States with me!