Allegheny College Study Abroad Fall 2007

Being in our nation’s capital, politics is very hot here. You simply cannot avoid politics if you live in Washington. What I love about Washington is that everything happens here in this small town that affects our entire nation and even world. As an aspiring journalist, I have realized how much news is generated in this city and how much this world is affected by the actions of our American politicians. Everyday I read the Washington Post and see the front page covered with stories regarding American involvement in the Iraq war, President Bush and Congress. Even the weekly Sunday news shows revolve around the political happenings of the week. On the other side, Washington is such an international city. So many people living in Washington come from all over the world, either as diplomats or people just looking to come to the United States to start fresh. If you go to Adams Morgan, H Street is filled with so many ethnic restaurants, ranging from Ethiopian to Indian. Washington is the embodiment of the melting pot in the United States and for this reason Washington represents a little bit of every country.

Posted by Elizabeth Andrews at 4:31 PM | Permalink

What I've noticed that is different between here and Allegheny is awareness. People here, especially at the Marine Lab, are much more involved with the protecting the environment and promoting awareness of it. Everyone's bumper sticker has to do with saving some aspect of the environment in one way or the other. I guess that would be expected at a marine lab, however it is interesting how much more people seem to care about our environment. People don't care as much about politics, just the environmental part of politics. Being cool here, is not worrying about your outward appearence, it's not about formality, it's about being who you are, being comfortable, and learning in one of the most relaxed atmospheres. It's about caring about and respecting the environment and promoting awareness to others. It's about being involved with the community and receiving input from them. It's a great environmental community and I think that other places could really learn from this lab.

Posted by Katherine Kump at 1:29 AM | Permalink

What I've noticed that is different between here and Allegheny is awareness. People here, especially at the Marine Lab, are much more involved with the protecting the environment and promoting awareness of it. Everyone's bumper sticker has to do with saving some aspect of the environment in one way or the other. I guess that would be expected at a marine lab, however it is interesting how much more people seem to care about our environment. People don't care as much about politics, just the environmental part of politics. Being cool here, is not worrying about your outward appearence, it's not about formality, it's about being who you are, being comfortable, and learning in one of the most relaxed atmospheres. It's about caring about and respecting the environment and promoting awareness to others. It's about being involved with the community and receiving input from them. It's a great environmental community and I think that other places could really learn from this lab.

Posted by Katherine Kump at 1:29 AM | Permalink

During the three weeks I spent in the Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia studying Peace and Conflict Resolution, the things that were "hot" in those cultures were an interesting mix of American and European influences. Though the Balkans is recognized as being in Southeast Europe, this region fell far behind Europeans (culturally) due to the destructive war that occurred in the early 90s. Their desire to be a part of Europe is evident in many of the things they emphasize in their culture. For instance, smoking was hot literally everywhere - my professor explained that people were basically expected to smoke when they reached a certain age there. This is definitely European. Cafes (again, European inspired) were also very cool all around the Balkans; they were always busy, from morning until late at night. However, the music we heard in restaurants and bars was nearly ALWAYS American - and the music was not recently released either. It was funny to realize they thought music we American considered old (from the 80s and 90s) was cool. Another aspect of their culture that is highly valued is the ability to speak English (both an American and European influence). To get a good job and have a decent future in the region, you must be able to communicate in English.

Posted by Rachel Jurkowski at 10:21 PM | Permalink

When I first got to Australia and asked the inevitable question, “Do you have Facebook?” I was met initially with confusion. No one knew what Facebook was or how it worked. First, let me preface by saying I was not the driving factor in my dorm for facebook acquisition; I was merely a bystander. However, somehow over the course of the semester almost everyone in my college got Facebook and all of their friends all over the country were getting it too! Everyone I saw had at least 300 friends from all over the country. Australians also really seemed to like the ad – ins I thought were silly, such as Christmas trees, “superpoke,” and gift sending. I really got to witness a Facebook boom all over Australia! Interestingly, it happened three years after Facebook truly broke through the American market. Though Facebook counters Freedmon’s idea of the American ambition gap, but it is still a great example of an American company quickly breaking and being accepted into the worldwide market.

Posted by Erin Horning at 9:46 PM | Permalink

I would say that America is definitely the standard to aspire to in some aspects of the culture. In Spain, American chains such as Starbucks and McDonald’s are everywhere, the restaurant Pans & Company has a hamburger called the “US Burger”, and American music can be heard from car stereos and on city buses. In terms of food and popular culture, Spain has borrowed many ideas from America, but has also managed to put its own mark on everyday life. While fashion and popular culture are important here, something that’s very hot and cool is the rhythm of daily life. While Americans are constantly rushing everywhere, Spaniards are criticizing them for not taking more time to just enjoy life. Families are always seen walking together on the streets, and couples are everywhere (with their PDA). There’s so much stress placed on relaxing everyday after lunch instead of rushing off to work or to class, and I hope it stays that way. American culture may be influencing Spanish culture in some ways, but I feel like the lifestyle here is something that Spaniards can call their own…at least for now.

Posted by Wendy Paddock at 1:22 PM | Permalink

The definition of hot and cool is basically westernization. People seem to be attracted to a western style of dress. Also lighter skin is seen as better. There are creams to lighten their skin to they will be light brown instead of black. People in Nairobi are seen as cool if they dress in western clothes and act in a more westernized way. Westernization is what everyone here seems to be striving for, to be individualistic and rich. One thing I noticed by watching TV here is that Miss Kenya, the beauty pageant winner, has very European features. So traditional Kenyan features usually involve a flat wide nose, while Europeans have skinnier more pointed noses. Yet Miss Kenya could have looked like a European if she was white. While I spent six weeks in a rural village near the base of Mount Kenya so many of the people I worked with commented on my hair, because it is long, strait, and soft. They all played with it and said how they wish that could have hair like mine.
Due to the colonial legacy and the continued control from countries of the west, basically everything white is good. They see whites as rich, especially if they come from America, and many guys if they had the chance would get with a white girl, hence the marriage proposals that I get randomly on the street. My little brother here says things to me like “I wish my skin was lighter like my mom’s or when I was a baby”. The cool thing here is to be westernized and look like you come fro Europe instead of Kenya, or any African country for that matter.

Posted by Caroline Lewis at 11:58 AM | Permalink

The American Pop-Culture is very popular in Germany. American movies, songs, and Hollywood gossip are just are very popular among the German youth. American fashion, in some regards, is also "cool". But of course the Germans have their own music, films, and fashion. Night Clubs, Discos, and Bars are "hot" places to hang out in the city, and there is a good variety of these to suit everyones indivdual tastes. Personally, I have found some popular trends among the German youth in Cologne to be quite absurd, such as mullet hairstyles, high school-style varsity letter jackets, and baseball hats worn so small, that they sit on top of the head. One "cool" popular fashion that I do like and is very diferent from in the US is the absurdly stylish dress shoes, that men wear whether going to work or to the bar.

Posted by Brandon Goeller at 11:54 AM | Permalink

When first arriving in France, there were certain trends that I noticed right away: the fashion, the food, smoking, and small cars. Here what's "hot" in fashion for girls are H&M, skinny jeans, scarves, ballet flats, lots of jewelry, and anything "bohemian." As for the guys, let's just say that French men are very secure with their masculinity. They enjoy man purses, tight jeans, and anything we in the states would define as "feminine." With food, the stereotypes don't lie: cheese and bread everyday, sometimes twice a day. And it’s not just a myth we associate with France, cheese and bread are an integral part of the diet. Smoking has almost become a French tradition. The French without cigarettes would be like Americans without red, white, and blue. In France, and in a lot of European countries, cars are much smaller compared to the behemoth ones we drive in the states. Because the roads (or what they sometimes call roads and are really just dirt paths) are smaller, and gas is tremendously more expensive here, owning a big car is just considered obnoxious. Obviously, these are only some of the most noticed trends and tendencies at a glance. However, after having lived here even for only a month, other things that are “hot and cool,” that weren’t necessarily as apparent from the beginning, have caught my eye: socialism, "les grèves" (which we have been very well exposed to), organic products, public displays of affection, nudity in the media, and really strong coffee. All of these tendencies are very French. There are also things here that are “hot and cool” that have come to be popular through other cultures. A lot of American products are considered hip and cool. Clothing with American writing is very much in style, and it’s actually almost impossible to find anything with French writing, because for that, one has to go to the States. Ironic isn’t it? Ultimately though, at least in Angers, I don’t feel like I’m constantly surrounded by “Americana” and it’s kind of refreshing. In the bigger cities, such as Paris, there is much more of an American presence. With an endless variety of American food options such as MacDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks, and KFC, it’s almost like being right at home. For the most part though, even with globalization in full swing, Europeans tend to set their own styles, even if they’re sometimes influenced by international products.

Posted by Carolyn Kuzell at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Continue reading "Fashion and Infrastructure" »

Posted by Margaret Hiestand at 6:51 AM | Permalink

For any country to compete in the global market they need an educated work force, lots of people, and ambition to do better. Friedman states that, “the truth is, we are in a crisis now, but it is a crisis that is unfolding very slowly and very quietly. It is a quite crisis.” (“The Quiet Crisis” 252). As you can see from Friedman’s article America is in a crisis, although many ignore our present state other countries are prepared and determined to beat us. But this is not the case for all countries. Spain thinks American is “cool” in that we are pushy and very competitive. America thinks they can solve any problem by fighting a war and competing with weapons. Many Spanish associate Americans with President Bush and the War in Iraq. We are a very independent culture and the Spanish look down upon these characteristics.

Spain too has Burger King, Starbucks, and H&M but they have their own cafes and famous clothing stores such as Mango and Zara. Spain is not in the world wide competition against America nor do they want to be like them. Rushing and being in a hurry is “cool” in Spain. You are meant to walk slow with your lover or friend at hand and enjoy your walk outside. Violence and crime are considered cool as is not having a culture and traditions. Advances in technology are not on Spain’s daily docket. At times they see cell phones and computers as a waste of time and that even modern conveniences such as these have their limitations. Spain is afraid of entering the global market because if they do so they may have to give up their traditions such as the siesta.

What is hot in Spain is spending time with your family. In Spain one works in order to live and do the things they enjoy to do. One needs to earn money in order to have a house and live an enjoyable life. Spain is not centered on work. They are not worried about where they stand in the global market and may not work hard enough to be financially successful. Although at this point in time the euro is doing much better than the dollar. But this is not important to them. They thrive when it comes to culture and traditions such as bullfights and dancing flamenco. They depend on one another and children will live with their parents until age thirty four. Relaxing and taking your siesta is a necessity. Spain acknowledges the prowess in the global market but they choose to ignore it and live life the way they see it should be lived. People do not like to change and either do countries.

Posted by Alexandra Papa at 6:40 AM | Permalink

The main difference I noticed between Australia and the US is that Australians value economical and political awareness much more than any other culture I've experienced. Grocery stores sell reusable bags (at a very reasonable price - most American eco-friendly products seem to be more expensive), and the toilets have a half-flush or full-flush button so as not to waste water when it isn't necessary. While watching the news (which happened more frequently than I'd expected), we learned about the water shortages and how we can help reduce our energy usage. In addition, I saw a lot of political awareness - both on tv and in discussions during meals - before the election really got started. Being politically aware, for Australians, is part of being an Australian. One of my roommates was from New Zealand, and didn't care much for Australian politics; her friends chastised her for not wanting to take an interest in the country in which we were all living. Admittedly, I tend to not follow politics, but I do think Americans have a lot to learn from other countries - especially Australia.

Posted by Rachel Clark at 12:49 AM | Permalink

Coming to France, I knew that the culture would be very different and I was not disappointed, at all. But what I noticed the most what was the similarities between that of my home culture and the french culture. I never realized the American influence on other cultures until now for obvious reasons. There are so many different stores, restaurants, and companies like Coca-Cola and McDonalds that are all over France and are obviously a direct result of American influence. But what made the biggest impression on me of these American influences, was how the French had made them theirs in a sense. Coca Cola here tastes different, is bottled different, and there are no free refills but it is still the same company. The menus at American based restaurants is not the same, usually with a big variation of the menu you would see at home. The McDonalds are really clean here, there is free wi-fi, you have to ask for ketchup when you order, there are no free refills, and a cheeseburger here is called a 'royal cheese.' Though I have no idea how anything at McDonalds could be called 'royal.' So all of these companies that have influenced France and are supposed to be the same as in the states are actually really different, and all have their hot and cool components within.
Here, fashion is very hot, as well are strikes, which are VERY popular. Hot is also having most people dress very similiar and preppy, whereas at home, I have friends who have very different definitions of 'high fashion'. Hot is also many American things, such as our music and entertainment industry. Cool is customer service, which is basically non-existant, so don't even try to get your money back because it just wont work. Cool is having to carry all your groceries in your backpack because they will not give you a plastic bag. Cool is not having plastic to go coffee cups and having people stare at you because you brought one from target. The one thing that interests me the most is how while french culture has many things unique (baguettes and cheese!) many aspects of their culture are drawn from other cultures. And while I want to jump to criticize, I realize how the US is actually a nation of immigrants. Immigrants who bring many different cultures together into one, which we call our own. Funny how the idea of hot and cool comes full circle huh?

Posted by Erin Geiser at 5:39 PM | Permalink

This is one of the things that actually really bothers me about Costa Rica. What's hot and cool is exactly what's hot and cool in the US. I came here expecting to see all this fabulous culture and individualism, but what I saw was an extension of the US. I walk along the streets and see people my age clad in Billabong, Roxy, Independence, and all the skating brands of the US. This is what my kid brother wears and not what I was expecting. The music on the radio was another shocker. Many of the most popular songs were American. Fergie's hit "Big Girls Don't Cry", and Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls" were gigantic songs here. The people that I got to know here are practically obsessed with the US. They think it's the ultimate in cool. They're prefectly willing to give up all they're culture to become just like us Americans. What is the world coming to?

Posted by Eliza Czolowski at 5:24 PM | Permalink

What is "hot and cool" in Germany is very much influenced by other countries. There is a huge influence of American culture. Its is hard to walk around the streets of Germany without seeing a mc donalds or a Starbucks. Germans are obsessed with American television, movies, and American actors and actresses. The majority of music heard around Germany comes from American artists. There are also a lot of influence form other countries in Europe. For example, on the main shopping street is at least 4 different H & M stores. Germans really love the H & M. There is also a large influence of turkish foods, especially in Cologne. Most of what is "hot and cool" in Germany also applies for the United States.

Posted by Alaina Smith at 11:10 AM | Permalink

There are many similarities between what's 'cool' in America and what's 'cool' in England. However, there is one difference that I have experienced myself and that is image. A person's image seems to be what's 'hot' or 'cool' over here, and it is something that is very important and very different from image in America. Back at Allegheny, the closest I have come to dressing up for class (or most anything for that matter) is wearing jeans and a shirt, otherwise you can most always find me in a hoodie and sweatpants. The first couple times I wore this ensemble over here, I got a lot of stares, weird looks, and my floor mates kept asking me if I had just come back from the gym. I was confused at first as to why these reactions were occuring, but as I became more observant I began to notice that everyone was always dressed up, male or female, day or night, class or no class. Another difference that I found, is that people aren't trying to hide behind this image of looking nice and being fashionable -- as it seems in America. Walking down the street back home you see people dressing in many different ways, all giving off an image or identity. People may avoid certain people or be enticed to go up to them just because they dress a certain way. However, since everyone basically dresses the same over here, there isn't as big of a distinction and that is not necessarily an issue. Back home, I have friends that dress in tie-die and have dreadlocks, etc. that call themselves 'hippies,' I have friends that dress in baggy jeans and huge t-shirts with baseball caps that call themselves 'gangster,' and they have a certain image they live up to. However, over here, as far as I have experienced everyone that I have met that dresses the way they do seems to dress as such just because its part of the culture and they like to look presentable, and they dont seem to create an identity out of the way they look. To me, the thing that is 'hot' or 'cool' in England is having a fashionable and presentable image but not hiding behind it or identifying oneself with it.

Posted by Ashton Kohler at 7:47 AM | Permalink

I am glad that I got to spend the semester in Townsville, a smaller Australian city because I don’t feel that it was as affected by the U.S. culture. When I traveled to larger cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, there were many more American influences (Starbucks, coca-cola, American Eagle clothing, McDonalds, etc.) While Townsville had McDonalds (aka Macca’s), there were no other brand name American places. However, Hungry Jacks fast food was exactly the same as our Burger King and The Big W was almost identical to Wal-Mart. Kentucky Fried Chicken was a favorite among the students and I doubt that most of them even know what Kentucky is. The ideals of American culture are overwhelming; however they find ways to make American ideals into Australian items. Like others have said about European fashion being ahead of American fashion, it is the same in Australia as well. People are more open to wear what they like. One thing that is hot or cool is being environmentally friendly. Everyone uses cloth grocery bags, and the stores refuse to give out plastic bags if someone buys less than 3 items. Even clothing stores give out reusable cloth bags with their store name printed on them. Australians carry these bags to class, the beach, and the store, almost everywhere they go. Having a Supre or Cotton On clothing store bag was definitely hot. Since these were cool places to shop, it was good to be seen with the stores bag (not the mention the advertising perks). Also, it wasn’t hot to buy bottled water in bulk. In the U.S. everyone drinks from bottled water, because we think it is more pure and it looks cooler. In Australia, they care more about the problems bottles are causing the environment, so most people drink water out of the tap. The U.S. is just beginning to catch on to these environment projects. Since I have been home, the grocery store by my house is beginning to sell the reusable bags and I just saw a commercial for them on TV. Australia has had them for awhile, not to mention a half flush and full flush on the toilet to conserve water and a switch on the electric outlets to save electricity. In this respect, the U.S. is behind, and is just beginning to catch up with Australia. Hopefully, for the environments sake, we catch on quickly and it becomes cool in American culture.

Posted by Theresa Clem at 7:00 PM | Permalink

What is “cool and hot” in Germany is not easily definable and the source of trends is not easy to distinguish because Germany is influenced by so many other countries and cultures. Of course the United States plays a big role. A lot of the music in Germany is in English, and there are plenty of American stores (lots of Starbucks, McDonalds, etc). Although the US is very influential, other European countries also help to define trends. Germany has a large population of Turkish immigrants, so Turkish culture can be seen everywhere, from women using scarves to cover their hair to the Döner stands on almost every corner. One of the most popular stores in Köln is a Swedish store, H&M. It’s almost impossible to ride the S-Bahn without seeing someone carrying an H&M bag and there are three stores (with different clothing) on one of the main shopping streets, Schildergasse. Trends in Germany change quickly and provide an excellent example of how Germany is becoming more internationally involved.

Posted by Lauren W at 3:18 PM | Permalink

In terms of England, the trends and popular mindsets seem to be attained from somewhat backward influences. As a culture known for its propriety and diplomacy, it shocks me to see the effect American culture has had here. The fashion world is constantly striving for the glamorous "LA look" and every magazine I have read here includes some bit on how to achieve some version of the American dream. The hot, new trends are almost always based on something straight out of Hollywood. Even the food and linguistics of the country are changing rapidly. The cheap supermarkets and fast food chains are booming, as everyone looks for the easy meal. I hear an increasing amount of American slang being spoken by the students as well. It's truly eye-opening to see how a country like America, essentially the much younger offshoot of the UK can quickly over turn years of tradition. England and the UK still maintain distinct identities though, with their extreme focus on political activism and activism for a green society. The issues at the core of the nation still stand strong and from what I have seen, uninfluenced by the ways of America. Hopefully, what is considered hot and cool in the States will only leave its mark on the lesser aspects of British lifestyle.

Posted by Caroline Hilty at 11:21 AM | Permalink

When talking about American influence overseas, there is a hot and cool mindset that follows it. In the developing world, (Kenya as an example) you can see the American influence everywhere. As I travel around to extremely rural areas, you can always find a Coca Cola stand with the slogan “live on the coke side of life” tattooed across it. In a town where there is not access to water and people still live in small huts with no electricity you can get a coke. This is the hot aspect of the argument. Nairobi especially is very western, people dress western with brands like GAP, Quicksilver, Nike, and Adidas. Billboards everywhere boast Hummer advertisements and just recently there was a motor show that my host family took me to where you could see all the American cars. People swarm to the western way of life; they want to absorb our music and products. If you turn on the television at any point in the day, you will see either American hip hop music videos or American sitcoms. There is no local African culture in Nairobi, but what I like to call borrowed culture. This is part of the problem locally, there is no market for small fabric makers, or musicians because it is all imported from the States. Once again, I want to stress that the “hot” portion is solely based on the consumerism society of the west that is being imported to Kenya. The cold argument definitely takes the side of America’s foreign policy. People will ask where you are from (assuming either the U.K. or the U.S.) and when you say America, they will more times than not reply with something to the effect of “good people, bad leader” I think that the past seven years have been extremely bad for America’s standing everywhere over the world. People see the Iraq war and do not understand why, they constantly ask me and I have no answers for them. American politics is huge here, especially because Obama is Luo and has visited and spoke within the country. It is eye-opening to see how in a traditionally pro-American country, our reputation has been tarnished over the past few years. People here like Americans, they are just somewhat puzzled as to why we would elect Bush again. I feel like telling them to stop buying U.S. products and develop their own markets if they don’t agree with American policy, but globalization has truly set in here and this is somewhat impossible. The American movies, music and products definitely run hot while our government runs cold in Kenya.

Posted by Michael Rooney at 9:47 AM | Permalink

When I was getting ready to come to France, my best friend was really excited that I would see all the fashion over here, so I could bring back tips and let her know what was “in,” since, generally speaking, European countries are ahead of the US in fashion. While it’s true that I have discovered a slightly different fashion over here, I have also discovered many other things that the French consider “in” or “cool” that I would never have guessed over in the States. Obviously, there’s certain clothing that’s “in,” which the French get either from Hollywood or designers (Prada, Gucci, etc). However, there are many other things that hold weight—political activism certainly has it’s place in French society, and though it’s not necessarily “cool,” everyone participates. The entire country has been going on strike—the railroads, the metro, the trams, even the university students! Though France is not considered the “land of the free,” they certainly like to exercise their rights and freedoms. Among other things that are “in vogue” with the French are small businesses, owning dogs and taking them EVERYWHERE, and being ecologically friendly. None of these come from the States, but are more traditional (in the case of the first two) and due to world politics (the first and the latter). A typical French person dresses up every day (even weekends), buys their groceries from either an open-air market or a tiny store, has a dog that goes into restaurants with them, watches the news every night on either channel 1 or 2, engages in political debate and/or goes on strike, and is very wary of their consummation, from food to water to plastic. Though some aspects of this can be annoying (an unreliable transportation system), maybe, someday, the positive aspects (a politically active public, a green society, etc) will become “hot” in the States, too.

Posted by Susannah Bender at 8:00 AM | Permalink

Living in Germany not only allows for the experience of German culture, but European culture as well. It has become cool to be a world citizen, rather than just a citizen of your own country. Since the creation of the European Union, Europe has become more and more dependent on its neighbors, especially for trade. It is not surprising than, that the fashion industry has become a part of that. Through my travels here I have seen many different countries and their peoples. Teenagers in Germany are dressed the same as teenagers in Amsterdam. This has all been made possible by a Swedish clothing store, H&M. H&M has some of the "coolest" clothes and the "hottest" trends. ANd what is popular here now, will be popular in the US in just a few months. The teenagers or Europe are setting the style for the world.

Posted by Meghan Fatzinger at 2:38 AM | Permalink

Image Source: www.brianmicklethwait.com

What's Hot & Cool?

In the course readings, Friedman suggests that American prowess in the global market will be effected by three factors: the numbers gap, education gap, and ambition gap ("The Quiet Crisis" 256). Some may note that while Freidman's argument definitely has weight, it is still a fact that U.S. culture is seen as the standard to aspire to, and is therefore the cool/hot commodity on the global market.

What is the definition of "cool" and "hot" in your host culture? Where does it come from?

Please remember that this is an academic forum, so the question is not meant to provoke sexual commentary :) I would like you to try and use specific examples, and if possible, pictures, to respond to the question.

DUE DATE: DEC. 4, 2007

Posted by Ishita Sinha Roy at 12:00 PM | Permalink