Time 4 teens

Many Poles living here in the country often make the mistake of thinking that America is the same as Western Europe only much bigger and more prosperous. The United States is an entirely different kind of state.

Here are some facts and stereotypes about them:

• Americans are known as energetic people, willing to take risk, full of faith and optimism. Rules of behavior in the United States are quite different than in Europe. All Americans say the same: I’m fine, I’m great, I’m cool. Admitting to headache, would not be a typical behavior, and those who complain aren’t truly welcome in this country.
•  There is no barrier in contacts between people. Americans are full of positive energy, spontaneous and open in relations with others. A characteristic feature of American society are: small talks - conversations about everything and anything: How are you? How is work? How are children? What a beautiful day. These are conversations in the bank, in office, with shop assistant, taxi driver, postman.   
• Hot dogs, hamburgers and locals serving fast-food is an American idea. Mc Donald's, KFC can be seen everywhere. Americans don’t like cooking or are too lazy or haven’t got time. They cook  on special occasions, but almost always with a ready-prepared meals or semi-finished so they rather warm up than cook. A separate theme is barbecue - cooking outdoors, in this Americans are the true champions. Most of Americans love eating outside, not just on special occasions, but every day. By all roads and major streets are countless bars, restaurants, cafes. That is why many Americans are overweight.
• American attitude towards the issue of clothing is a special blend of comfort and liberty. This trend started in the United States after the Second World War. Then there was a need to create practical, functional and cheap clothes, which model could be duplicated in thousands of copies. This style is based on a combination of sports clothing and every day fashion, far from exclusive clothing presented in fashion magazines.
• The American approach to life is characterized by consciousness of time. Each person’s duty is the active use of time according to the principle "time is money." Europeans see the time as the idea. Meanwhile, for Americans - the time is material for distribution. Americans are the first who introduced to modern civilization continuous race against time. Americans get scared that they will not manage to achieve everything possible. They grab in a hurry as much as they can to stay ahead of competitors.. U.S. companies quickly decide and act quickly. Nobody is interested in the matters, which consume too much time. If they can not conclude a contract with a partner, they immediately look for another. They seem more interested in the matter than the people with whom they speak. If the conversation is too long, they become impatient and start glancing nervously at the watch (the wristwatch syndrome).

Just remember- these are just a bunch of stereotypes which might be true in general but not about specific individuals.

reporter: Marta Gaida