Culture

Today I was speaking with someone about Mexico and the U.S. She said she didn't care much for U.S. Culture. I said that I've noticed that Mexicans focus on their history and their past while Americans seem to focus on the present. She responded by saying America has no past and no culture. Sounds harsher than it came across in person, but I thought about it, and I don't agree. Mexicans are forever tied to the colonization by the Spanish (and to a lesser extent, other countries over the centuries). The Mexican state would not exist without the mixing of races and traditions, forming a unique identity that many are justifiably proud of. However, I think we have a history and a culture too in the U.S., though its more individualistic and personal than nationalistic. I reject that we are a melting pot - more like thousands of pots cohabitating simultaneously. Nearly no one from the U.S. can trace their ancestry in our country for more than 300 or so years. But we all generally know where our ancestors came from, how recently our families have been in the U.S., etc. Also, though its not centuries old, cities like St. Louis have a lot of history and have something unique to offer, depending on what interests you. So I have to say, the strerotype of American culture, McDonald's, Wal-Mart and the like; not something you want to associate with your culture. But if you dig a little deeper, we have a culture unlike any in the world. That being said, I appreciate a lot, already, that I have seen of Mexican culture, and it's helped me appreciate a few things about the U.S. as well. Flag waving done. Back to enjoying Mexico.