A Brit's Journey: Discovering the United States Through First-hand Experience

As a Brit, my initial impressions of life in the United States were shaped by a mix of historical events, popular culture, and the general allure of a distant, yet fascinating nation. This article delves into my experiences and perceptions, exploring the differences between what I believed and what I encountered during my visits to the US.

Historical and Cultural Background

One of my earliest exposures to the United States came through the context of our mutual alliance in NATO and President Eisenhower's famous speech warning about the potential for a military industrial complex. This set the stage for a broader understanding of the US, presenting it as a nation with significant economic and military power.

Throughout my childhood, I was also influenced by popular American television shows such as CHiPs, Wonderful World of Disney, Six Million Dollar Man, and Night Rider. These shows created a particular image of the US as a land of adventure, technological prowess, and magical wonderlands. My first trip to the US, at the age of 11, was indeed magical, and it very much lived up to my expectations.

Initial Impressions and Reality

My early impressions were further reinforced with visits to iconic US destinations such as Disneyland, Sea World, and Universal Studios in Orlando. The excitement didn't end there, as I also had the unique experience of visiting Honolulu on the tropical show Hawaii 5-0. During this trip, I even had the pleasure of meeting CHiPs officers at breakfast, a surreal moment that added to the magical atmosphere.

It was natural for me to assume that certain stereotypes about the US were true, such as the absence of speed limits in certain states and the permissiveness of consuming alcohol in cars. However, by the time I returned as an adult, these stereotypes no longer held up. By my late teens, speed limits had been set to 55 MPH, and the attitude towards open consumption of alcohol in vehicles was much stricter in states like Florida compared to my home province of Saskatchewan.

The Journey Through the Decades

My travels took me to the US during pivotal times, such as the summers of 1974 and 1975. These visits were not just about leisure; I also explored ski resorts and participated in summer camps. Additionally, my experience of the US was influenced by the backdrop of the Vietnam War, where I gained insights into the lives of surfers who were evading conscription and the draft.

On another significant visit, I was there during the Clinton impeachment. This added a layer of political and social complexity to my understanding of the country. I observed that ordinary Americans were generally similar to Brits in many ways, but there were cultural differences that I noticed, such as the use of terminology and the starkly different diets, particularly in terms of the affordability and quality of fresh produce and dairy products compared to New Zealand.

Comparing Cultures and Preferences

Reflecting on these experiences, I found myself preferring Canada over the US. One of the reasons was the atmosphere of blind loyalty to the US, which felt foreign to me. Canada seemed to have a more nuanced and respectful approach towards respect for the flag and patriotic displays.

Overall, my journey through the US was a mix of fascination and discovery. The initial impressions were indeed enchanting, but they were just the tip of the iceberg. The real experience provided a deeper understanding of the country, its people, and its culture. Through these journeys, I discovered that the US is a vast and diverse nation, rich with history, culture, and people who often share similar values despite significant differences.