American Values

In sociology class this week we talked about the top 13 values that we as Americans think are most important to our culture. We read an article in class that displayed these values and made us really think " do we really value these or are we just saying it because we think we do." Another article we read in class was about a German man who came to America and was finding out the differences we do compared to his culture. He thought it was extremely strange for Americans to be running for exercise. Which is very strange to us because many Americans do it to stay in shape and be healthy. The German man said if he is going to sweat, he will do it with more people like playing a game. He thinks it is pointless to just jog with no ending and be outside with all the bad fumes outside. After reading that I thought it was interesting because here in America most people jog or walk outside and you know they're doing it to stay in shape, it fits into time and control. You do it at a specific time everyday so you set yourself up on a certain schedule. Also, in Germany grocery stores are not allowed open on Sundays. We as Americans find that strange because Sundays are normally the days were no one works so it is easier to run to the store to buy food for themselves. As Americans we come off as valuing a lot but sometimes its easier said than done.