How Did Hilda Describe America as Different from Poland?
Hilda was a Polish resident who had been in the US for several years. Born in Poland, she was raised in a heavily Polish immigrant population, so when Hilda moved to the US she was no stranger to the differences she would find between her native country and her new home, America. Hilda found that the US was not only very culturally different from Poland, but also financially and in terms of how public services were managed.
When looking at cultural differences, Hilda quickly observed that many of America’s laws, customs, and values were quite different than those in Poland. She noticed, for example, that Americans’ attitudes and behaviors toward immigrants were much more positive and less xenophobic than those in her country. Beyond this, she also commented on the religious differences between the two nations. In Poland, the majority Roman Catholic population was far outside of the American paradigm of religiously diverse cultures and non-Christians.
Hilda also found financial differences between the two countries. In Poland, the average per capita income is significantly lower than in the US. This discrepancy can be seen in the vastly different welfare systems between the two places, with the Polish system considered to be more generous and providing more social security benefits than the American one. Likewise, American unemployment insurance was shockingly low to Hilda compared to the much more robust system she had experienced in Poland.
The way public services are delivered and managed was also different, as Hilda observed. In Poland, public services were run mainly by the local government, whereas in the US most services are run by the state governments with federal funds. This also meant that the services available in different locations around the country were vastly different than what Hilda’s neighbors around her in Poland had experienced. Additionally, Hilda was surprised by the lack of friendly customer service she encountered at government agencies in the US, which was quite different than the manners and courtesy she was accustomed to.
When critically reflecting on these differences between Poland and America, Hilda commented that she found the differences in culture, economy, and public services to be vast. Although she lamented the way her American neighbors sometimes seemed schizoid about being accepting of foreign nationals, she seemed comfortable in her new home and proud of the differences it had to offer.
Differences in Government Relations
Hilda was struck by the willingness of the government in the US to listen to foreign nationals. This became clear to her when she observed the different forms of political mobilization and civic activism that were available to immigrants in America. In Poland, there is a very traditional and rigid power structure in which the government is slow to accept change and unwilling to entertain any ideas from foreigners. In contrast, the US government often invites foreign nationals and immigrants to participate in the political discourse, something Hilda had never experienced before.
What further surprised Hilda was that the American government interacted with immigrants in a curious way, which could even be empowering. She noticed that the American government often provided resources and support for the immigrant community, demonstrating a willingness to listen to their needs. This was something she had never experienced in Poland, where foreign nationals were usually neglected or ignored by the ruling government.
Moreover, Hilda also discovered that even the most rural and isolated American communities were tolerant and welcoming to foreigners when compared to Polish communities. This was a factor of immense importance to Hilda, who had experienced discrimination and xenophobia first hand in Poland.
How Education Differed in the U.S.
When it came to education, Hilda also noticed some sweeping changes between the two countries. In Poland, education was often seen as a privilege and was accessible only to the more affluent members of society. This was a huge obstacle for those from darker socioeconomic backgrounds who wanted to pursue higher education and thus restricted mobility and advancement opportunities for them.
This was not the case in the U.S., where Hilda noticed that the public education system was far more accessible to everyone, giving everyone the same chance to learn and progress. This struck Hilda as the most important difference between the two countries – that in the US, education was a right and not a privilege.
Hilda also observed the practice of grants and scholarships for college, and how in the US nearly any student who was willing to work hard enough could find the means of continuing their education. In Poland, where the access to higher education was much less widespread, grants and scholarships for college were practically non-existent.
A More Diverse Society
The biggest culture shock to Hilda was America’s diversity. She observed that in the US there were dozens of different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds that managed to coexist in a highly structured and regulated society. What was even greater in Hilda’s eyes was that the American practice of acceptance and integration was what ultimately propelled her to join the nation’s ranks.
For Hilda, this diverse cultural landscape was one of her favorite aspects of the American experience. When she looks back at her time living in the US, Hilda remembers the culture shock she experienced and with an immense sense of pride she recounts one of her favorite memories – tasting her first hamburger in her new country.
Differences in Lifestyle
When comparing the two places, Hilda observed how lifestyle choices were very different between the two nations. In Poland, a slow and relaxed lifestyle was the norm, with its citizens taking time to enjoy good food, good wine, and meaningful conversations. In America, however, there was an emphasis on convenience, speed, and efficiency that was hard to ignore.
Faster food, faster products, and faster lifestyles were the norm in the US and Hilda noticed how American citizens tended to move quickly and concretely from one task to the next, never really taking time to relax and enjoy themselves. This attitude was quite different from what she experienced in Poland, where the slower pace and more relaxed attitude towards life was a big part of life.
A More Open and Accessible Marketplace
When it came to goods and services, Hilda noticed big differences between her native country and her new home as well. In Poland, goods were typically more expensive and less accessible than in the US, where a market economy provided more opportunities to access goods and services more efficiently.
Furthermore, Hilda noticed that the American way of doing things was far more open than in Poland, where there was often a preferred company or vendor that people were encouraged to use.In the US, this was not the case, as citizens had more freedom to choose whatever vendor they wanted for either goods or services.
Finally, Hilda also noticed that in the US businesses provided more opportunities and resources for entrepreneurs. Small business owners in the US could take advantage of tax credits, government grants, and other resources that were not available in her home country, and which she saw as a great opportunity for people to pursue their dreams.
Differences in Legal Systems
Hilda was equally impressed by the American judicial system, as she quickly noticed that laws in the US were written with more fairness and flexibility than those in Poland. In Poland, the legal system was considered to be outdated and based on outdated laws and habits that often put people at a disadvantage. In contrast, the American system was more progressive and often sought to protect citizens from oppressive laws and government.
Hilda also noticed that Americans were much more likely to fight for their rights and challenge the government when necessary. This was a far cry from what she saw in Poland, where people were discouraged from speaking out and challenging the status quo.
On the other hand, Hilda also observed that America’s legal system was much more complicated than in Poland. This came as a surprise to her, as she was used to the relatively simple laws in her home country. Despite this, she came to appreciate the complexity of the American legal system and began to understand the importance of having laws that were both fair and flexible.
What Hilda Learned
Hilda’s experience in the US was a life-changing one, and her reflection on the differences between her native country and her new home revealed to her the power of openness and acceptance. Hilda saw that in America people were encouraged to question and challenge the government, while in Poland such behavior was discouraged. She also noticed that there was more economic opportunity and resources available to American citizens that were not available in her home country.
In the end, Hilda was forced to realize the power of difference, and the importance of cultural exchange when it comes to developing a better understanding of different societies. Her experience in the US was a powerful one, and she came away with a profound appreciation for the diversity she encountered, for the resources available, and for the opportunities given to immigrants.
