Going through customs 通过海关.doc

GETTING TO KNOW AMERICANS American society seems to highly regard the laws, justice systems and credit standing. Laws are above everything. So don’t ask American friends to do anything illegal. Americans pay more attention to individualism. Don’t give American friends your advice unless you are asked to. Every individual American is supposed to be independent. Americans feel less obligation about taking care of the old generation. They take care of the older generation by organized means such as social security system, instead of personal care. Americans don’t care about academic achievements. Only in academia, Americans are judgmental of having an advanced degree; other people don’t care about academic achievements. Americans tend to be more comfortable being in lower-level occupations as long as they do a good job. American society tries to train each and every citizen to be a helpful and independent member of society. Americans often keep a certain distance among friends. They are concerned about privacy; they don’t ask personal questions or invade others’ personal space. Your over-friendliness or excessive compliments could make your American friends uncomfortable. A spirit of service is greatly encouraged throughout everyone’s life. American society emphasizes from childhood community service and charitable giving. Helping and serving others seem to be a major concern in the US. Interpersonal relationships are emphasized throughout the entire US. Americans tend to be polite in interaction with other people. Be careful how loudly you speak in public. Most Americans admire persons with heroic values in every field. In general the American public likes to follow movie stars, sport stars and other celebrities. Those who are academic achievers will usually be trained as teachers or researchers. Americans tend to be highly patriotic. The president or the government may be criticized as long as an overthrow is not advocated. My country, right or wrong, is still my cou