Before I start, I'll just say that I like America so none of you think I'm US-bashing. I'm going there in two weeks, so I don't hate it or something.
It is a very diverse counrty, yes, but at the same time I think it's quite insular (ironic from someone who lives on an island, I know,) which to some extent affects how a foreigner sees American culture. I was surprised when I read about how few Americans have ever been out of America. Granted this is probably because of the difficulty of leaving such a huge country to go anywhere else - it's not like me jumping on a boat to get to the Continent - but it's still odd to me because travel has been a big part of my life so far and a huge part of my education (I've learnt a lot more interesting stuff from travelling than I have at school!) Anyway, this is a bit ranty so, next point.
I'm sort of ambivalent towards pop-culture in America. It is a huge influence over the rest of the world, but whether all of that is a good thing is a point to ponder. American patriotism is something totally alien to me because there's just nothing like it here. I was quite shocked at the smount of flags everywhere: you'd never see that in England unless there was a football match on.
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Not that it's a bad thing. I sometimes wish we had more of a sense of national pride, as I think I've said a few times before.
Anyway, I can't be bothered to rant anymore. In conclusion, I like America. It's different, and generally in a good way.
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