What does it mean to become Americanized? One day on a conversation I had with my co-worker, I was narrating about my banter with my boss the day before. I was in a bad mood for the past few days and I wasn’t in the mood to be polite or nice. My boss was asking me if I want to meet with him in this convention we’re going to attend – would I like to call him or him to call me? Honestly I didn’t want to meet with him because I want to enjoy the convention at my own leisure. I didn’t know how to tell my boss that without  hurting his feelings. However because of the black mood I’m in, I didn’t care anymore and told him frankly “How about…we do nothing.” That gave him the message to just leave me alone, I just didn’t want to see him there. My coworker told me it’s because I was feeling harsh that I was able to say that. She also added “You have been Americanized.”

I was insulted and stunned by that phrase. Me? Americanized? Where I grew up, we were taught to be respectful, courteous, and family-oriented. I was glad that those values stuck with me. I’m the type of person who often sees to the need of other people. And as a Filipino, our race is “matiisin” (forebearing of many things). My office, I could say, is really glad that I joined their staff. They got a hardworking person who doesn’t talk back, who is respectful, who is willing to help and do things without being told. Those kind of traits that would make the best employee of the month. All I can say is I thank God, foremost and I thank my upbringing.

What I have observed here in this country is people who are basically “ME first” and “MY human rights”. Americans are very straightforward, opinionated, no BSing type of people. Some have even lost their manners by disrespecting their parents, their coworkers, and anyone who step on their toes. I have heard and seen interaction between parent and a child and it’s amazing how a child can be so without any idea of their misbehavior. They just express themselves liberally.

I’m here for over a year now and I can say the American attitude is rubbing on me. The last time I was here for only 8 months, I returned to the Philippines with a very assertive attitude. My friends even call me “maldita” because I was just too opinionated and audacious. Now I haven’t even returned yet and I’m full of gripes already – I gripe about my boss who gives me extra duties which is NOT under my job description. In my mind I would have told her off but still professionalism and respect won. Before I would tolerate working beyond my work hours, now I don’t care anymore – if it’s 1230, I’m gone! That’s my right as an employee.

I could be generalizing the American race. But many times I find myself thinking if I have encountered such situations in my home country. I had but it is so rare. Or maybe it’s because I’m sheltered – I just haven’t seen the real world yet. Or maybe this is just me meeting the wrong kind of people in this place. Or maybe this is not being American, it’s just people being rude. Oh well. For the Americans who might read this blog, don’t get angry. This is not an attack. This is just an opinion. :)

No related posts.