An essay by a Lebanese immigrant
Culture is very important in our current personal life. I will discuss the varoius aspects of American culture and Lebanese culture and the way they have influenced me. American culture is very organized and people are more patient in dealing with others. There are many traditions that I would like to bring to the USA from my country Lebanon such as, the family relationship and the culture of fashion, and I’d like to take back the organization from American culture to Lebanon.
As we know, the family is very important to build a society. Since I came here, I haven’t seen that the family has a big value in this society. Many American parents give priority to their jobs and they leave their children with other people to care for them for long hours. Contrary to my country, the family is very important and there is a strong relationship between parents and their children. Children respect their parents and every member related to his family. Outside of the family, the children respect teachers, neighbors, and family friends. For example, at lunchtime the whole family is obliged to sit around the table to eat together. Also, if someone has a problem the family discusses the issue and tries to find the right solution.
Physical appearance is one of the most important issues that my culture puts priority on. Lebanon is known as the country of fashion because people are very open-minded and they like to dress and look presentable. Since we have a good relationship with Europe, we travel a lot over there and we learn from them how to take care of your body and dress well. Lebanon is known as the Paris of the Middle East. In addition, people take care of their health by exercising and eating very healthy fresh food such as, fruits, vegetables and fish.
On the other hand in American culture I would say that the American people are very organized, and they respect time. Because life goes fast, we should respect time and count every minute in our life; however, in my culture time is not very important. So, the organization and the punctuation are two things I would like to take back from American culture to my culture because I think these two things make life easier and safer.
Finally, I would emphasize again about the relationships in American families. It is very important and I would advise every family that the family holds the society. Also, organization is very important that my country should take concern about how to organize many things such as immigration, licenses, passports, punctuality and driving policies.
- in its original work by F.O.
Lebanon packs a lot into its modest borders: ancient cities, Roman ruins, luxurious ski resorts, bucolic charm and Islamic architecture are just the start. Lebanon is culturally rich too,
with a religious and social diversity
that has sometimes led it to trouble.
