There is a series of books with non-descript covers called the culture shock series. I have personally read Culture Shock: China, and Culture Shock: Hong Kong. I found the books fascinating as well as ultimately useful in each of those cultures. You see the thing about people is we form cultures around ourselves, and to those indoctrinated in the culture it makes complete sense. But to those unaccustomed to the mores of a particular country or part of a country these traditions, laws, unwritten rules, and fanatical devotions can seem like complete non-sense.Ciao America! by Beppe Severgnini is sort of a Culture Shock: United States of America for Italians. The thing about it is the author comments on things that seem incredibly common place to most "Americans." As I was reading, however, I started to realize the insanity of this country. From American football to Black Friday to the sheer quantity of goods available to consume, the witty observations of Severgnini begin to make sense when you step back to view them.
Cultures are crazy, and I am starting to believe that all people are a little bit nuts, so it makes sense that cultures would be so unique as you travel the globe. It was actually refreshing to hear an outsider both give a glowing description of my nation as well as an honest critique on a few of our shortcomings. The book was written in the mid nineties so many of the topics have already become outdated, but the general perceptions hold true. After all we are talking about ideas and pattens that are ingrained in our nations DNA. Technology, media, art, and social tolerances may change but we will always be a nation of self-reliance, interstates, barbecue, and "American football." But I haven't heard people petitioning for change.
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