I trust that much has been written long before I came along on the nature and essence of US culture. Regardless, I will add my two cents' worth. What has really struck me here, after the trucks (although not literally thank goodness), is what seems like an all-pervasive principle of individualism. One of the results of this is an amazing and overwhelming consumer culture where everything is available, in every possible permutation, for every possible market. Hence the possibility of ordering a low-fat double chai soy latte frappuccino (spelling?) and a take-home doggy bagel (to feed to your dog) without so much as a self-conscious blink of an eyelid.
A follow-on effect of all this, combined with a throw-away mentality, is that the op shops (yes, I know, thrift stores - bear with me) are AWESOME. They are chock full of the most amazing stuff - cashmere cardigans, espresso makers by the dozen, antique picture frames and hand-pieced, hand-quilted patchwork bedspreads.
I have so much more to say about all of this.
3 comments:
Very interesting... if I ever get over there I'll make a point of going 'thrifting' (I can't help it, I really like that word!). Looking forward to hearing much, much more.
What an amazing find! THe quilt is beautiful and all you say about america is fascinating.
I live in the US and I couldn't agree more! I feel like the salmon swimming against the stream. Please write more. Trust me, it is not at all offensive, possibly a wake up call ?
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