The Culture In America and Vietnam: The Similarities

Besides all the differences, Vietnam and America still have many similarities because of cultural influences. In the aspect of food, one of the similarities is fast-food restaurants. Nowadays, more and more Vietnamese people prefer fast-food in order to save time in cooking and cleaning. That habit has just started in recent years due to the spreading of fast-food restaurants; while to Americans, fast-food has become an indispensable part of the food culture. The American fast-food subculture is a combination of many countries in the world, such as Taco Bell from Mexico and Noodles and Company from Asia. According to sociologists, this similarity can be explained as the effects of cultural leveling, a process in which cultures become similar to one another. The demands of people in raising the standard of living are higher in the modern life; therefore adapting the custom in another country is necessary. Food is one of good factor of connecting two cultures together. The second aspect – traffic law – also has some similarities. When there is a police officer’s presence, everyone will try their best not to draw any attention, even when they are driving correctly. That is the human beings. Some examples are speeding at the intersection when the light is yellow, or changing lane quickly on the free way. These behaviors are not against the law but may become the reason for a police to stop their cars and check driver licensees. The reason is people do not want to get into any trouble that may get them late for work or school, especially when the trouble come along with a police officer and some investigating questions. The last aspect – handicapped treatment – shows how much people from both countries care for the limited people, which is the result of human race’s character. The different level of concerning on handicapped treatment by the governments can be explained by the development of each country’s economic. However, the ways people behaviors to handicapped are very similar. They are always pleased to lend limited people help such as opening the door, moving the wheelchair, and crossing the street. For thousands years of development, mankind have always highly approve showing love and care to others, especially individuals who are lack of abilities. It has become one of our daily life’s norms. People who go against it will receive disapproval from the society. On top of that, showing love and care is also one of our human race’s instincts. Overall, differences and similarities in societies, influences from other countries, the effectiveness of law enforcement, and the attitude of people lead to the resemblances and variations in cultures of America and Vietnam. By understanding these three aspects – food, traffic law, handicapped treatment - people can have a general overview of both cultures. Knowing other country’s ways of living is very important to people who are trying to fit in the new environment, especially me, an international student in the United States.