16 People On Things They Couldn’t Believe About America Until They Moved Here

[IrishAyes]

15. Well, you just sent me on a real joy ride, monster! Thanks.

Sometimes I worry about DU taking up so much of my reading time but today it proved especially worthwhile. I even went on to read the entire list. Thank you again. "Oh, for the gift to see ourselves as others see us..." I won't even attempt the Burns version.

This romp brought back happy memories of my Los Angeles days, where you could easily bump into what seemed like an example of every country in the world. I used to host a regular open house for legitimate political refugees as much for my own pleasure as anything more altruistic. Most Americans unfortunately grow irate when I tell one of my favorite stories about that:

A couple from Sri Lanka came to stay a few days, and of course when they first entered the house they took off their shoes. I was accustomed to that and always had mats and slippers for anyone who wanted them. But after initial introductions, when these newcomers saw me enter the kitchen wearing anything at all on my feet, they were shocked and a little concerned. I had to ask what was the matter. Reluctantly they told me I would make the kitchen gods angry doing that.

Well, I had to do something to reassure them or they might have been unwilling to sit at table with me. So I explained that as a Christian I have no kitchen gods myself and therefore can't honor what I don't have. However, I did honor and appreciate my guests and would be more than happy to please them by removing my slippers. They were relieved and made the most considerate and interesting company I ever had.

You don't want to know how many Americans turn red with fury when I tell that story. The very idea of cultural sensitivity appalls many. "They're here in OUR country, they can do things OUR way!" totally ignoring how many different ways Americans have themselves. I think it generally translates to MY way or the highway. Shameful.