Culture Values

          This week we read an article in class about the thirteen qualities that Americans value. Some of these qualities include time, openness, achievements, individuality, material goods, and more. Many individuals who are unaware with the cultures of America find it strange how materialistic and focused on time Americans can be. This is becoming more apparent as I grow older. In this stage of life in my high school, many teens are feeling the pressure of being involved in every club, getting good grades, getting accepted to college, while also trying to get enough sleep at night to be able to function the next day. It is so fast paced and all to improve your own self. Life is not like that everywhere. In one of my classes we are debating the idea of the siesta, or a time to relax in the middle of the day practiced in places throughout Europe. I find this idea very interesting because it goes so against the American viewpoint how "time is money". I would personally love to spend time in another country to be able to see how the ways slow paced life can be lived, because for me, living in America all my life, it seems like there is no other way because you become so used to your one culture as "normal".