How is life in America different from ours?

Louis Marinelli came to Russia from the United States. This is not to say that he is completely delighted with Russia, but much here impresses him. Life in Russia and in the USA has similarities and differences. Louis wanted to share his observations and impressions of his stay in Russia, comparing them with those realities to which he was accustomed in America.





freedom of speech

Despite the fact that America is considered one of the freest countries in the world, Louis claims that in his native country there is no such freedom of speech as in Russia. We are not even talking about the media, mass performances, etc. He means ordinary communication in everyday life.

In Russia, we can freely express our opinion in private conversation, even if it can hurt someone. Everything is much more complicated in the USA You need to constantly monitor your words. You can hurt someone’s careless statement political or religious beliefs. If you speak negatively about women, homosexuals, blacks, then you may have trouble. You may even lose your job or be harassed.

How are you?

In America, everyone is constantly asking each other: "How are you?" It can be familiar or unfamiliar people. Even the cashier girl in the supermarket will be interested in your affairs, although they are completely uninteresting to her, and even indifferent. You will be asked this question without listening to the answer. And the answer is also standard: "Good." No one will say that is bad.

In Russia they will ask about your affairs only when they are really interested in them. And if a person is indifferent, then he will not ask.

You can and can not

In America it is either possible or impossible. Only black and white. In Russia there is still a certain “gray zone” between “possible” and “impossible”. Not without reason, after all, on the tablets they write either “Forbidden” or “Strongly forbidden”. For the American, there is no difference between the two definitions, and the Russian is able to notice here not just some difference, but a deep abyss.

Louis proudly said that in Russia he began to cross the road to a red light. Not constantly, but only when that makes sense. This is for the American red signal does not provide options. For a Russian, he says the following: “You can cross the street if you want. But if something happens, blame yourself. All responsibility is on you. ”

Street names

When you are in an ordinary Russian city, you are surrounded by the streets of Pushkin, Lenin, Apricot, Krasnaya, Universitetskaya, Artyom, Shchetinin, Litke. But if you do not navigate in this city, then the name will not tell you anything.

Quite different in the USA. In New York, for example, they are numbered. If you are on 48th Street, you can be sure that it is located between 47th and 49th. And in Sacramento they are denoted by letters, and they are distributed alphabetically.

Of course, this is more convenient, but it’s more convenient for a Russian person to live on some Lunacharsky Avenue than on 29th Street.

Russian walks

Louis said that in Russia he realized how wonderful it is to just walk along the street. In America, they don’t walk outside without a specific purpose. He observed that even in the sleeping areas of Moscow or Yekaterinburg people were walking. Not like in the USA, where Louis lives.

Price difference

Comparing prices in the USA and Russia is a thankless task. If, for example, gas prices are approximately equal, then for products or services they can differ significantly. And what, in fact, to be surprised. Here, the level of salaries can vary significantly. If in America the price is higher, then the salaries there are much higher.

Actually, comparing life in the USA and Russia is not so simple. Much depends on who compares. After all, not everyone is able to live in a foreign country according to foreign rules, laws and traditions. One considers them natural and easily integrates into society, while the other does not succeed even after many years of life abroad.