Colombian vs. American Culture

Contributed by Nick Rhein

 

Colombian vs. American Culture

The melting pot that is America was built on immigrants. Starting with our first permanent settlers in Jamestown from England to the fourteen million that immigrated here from 2000 to 2010. From the 75 million since 1820 and millions of descendants from the original immigrants, we have built our nation from our people. People move here with cultural baggage that empties out into the communities. The many cultures present here have created an original and unique American culture of its own. The English language has been adapted to form words like klutz and mellow. Jazz and polka were original music genres built from African and Central European styles. Our food is hearty and filling based on heavy grains and meat but we still see classic cuisine that is extremely popular. Advancements in social rights came from this blending as well. They didn’t come along easily, but they have been a cornerstone for other nations social reform. The many cultures have shaped America into a country unlike any other.

Interview of Eybe W:

Below is an interview of Eybe W., an immigrant from Columbia.  The interview addresses the cultural differences between Columbia and America. Comparison of Cultures

Q. Are there major differences in daily life between living in America and Colombia?

For me yes. In my daily life in Colombia I never drove. I shop less (hahahah).
My country have a lot of diversity like US, but in my hometown the life is different than where I live right now (St Clair, MI 48079). Barranquilla is a large city, very industrial.

Q. What is one thing you miss most about Columbia beside family?

The food, the culture and the warm weather. In Barranquilla is always hot and humid, The people talk loud, we dance like crazy, we love everything we do, we have a lot of passion for live.
The food is less process, we eat lots of fruits and fresh stuff.
 
Q. What is one of the thing that you enjoy most about America?

The opportunities.

Q. In Colombia, are there positive or negative feelings towards the United States?

Like in every part of the world people have different feelings. Its very difficult to have an unified answer.

Q. Do you know why this is so?

 We hate the idea of any other country that try to take advantage of our resources.
But we also appreciate the countries that try to help us.

Q. How does music differentiate in America from Columbia’s?

Colombia have different music styles. Barranquilla people like salsa, merengue, vallenatos. etc
I'll think the difference is in the volume and the language. hahahaha
In Colombia music is for to dance.

Q. Are other languages spoken in Columbia besides Spanish?

Colombia official language is Spanish. But Colombia also recognised other ethnic languages and dialects (75 total). We also own San Andres  y Providencia islands were English is recognised like official language.

Q. What are some of the most unique holidays celebrated in Columbia?

Colombia has 18 holidays (12 Catholic holidays and 6 Civic holidays), plus Palm and Easter Sunday.
Most of the holidays are the same catholic holidays (Christmas, and Epiphany, etc).
Barranquilla my city is home to one of the most important folk and cultural festivals of Colombia, the Carnival of Barranquilla, which was declared a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and  National Cultural Heritage and recognized by Unesco in 2003.

Q. Are there any US holidays you find strange?

Cinco de Mayo. hahahaha

Q. What is your favorite dish in Columbia?

Arroz con coco, mojarra frita, patacon y sopa de pezcado.

For more information on the history of immigration: 

"The Elizabethan Renaissance Era of U.S. History." The Elizabethan Renaissance Era of U.S. History. InMotion, 31 Jan. 2010. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. <http://www.timepage.org/cyc/gen/renaissance.html>.