Cultural differences between the Dominican Republic and United States

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND UNITED STATES

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND UNITED STATES Patricia Then Pontificia Universidad Catlica Madre y Maestra, RSTA, Santo Domingo. 2009-5819 Advanced Writing 18/06/12

Cultural differences between the Dominican Republic and United States

Cultural differences between the Dominican Republic and United States

Some people think that those countries have a lot of differences, but believe it or not, they have a few but important similitaries. The population of Dominican immigrants is increasing more and more, thats why, Americans know more about our culture and lifestyle. If we mix both cultures, the results will be impressive both could learn much than we can imagine. The differences between those countries are clear and real, the Dominican Republic is a tiny island and USA obviously not, but both have the same value for thousands of immigrants who live in United States. These differences are the food, music and lifestyle.

As everybody knows American food is very different than Dominican food. A typical lunch for an American could be eat a big hamburger with french fries and soda. Rarely Dominicans eat that kind of fast food. On the contrary, we eat some white rice, beans and meat, this is our typical lunch. In addittion we have sancocho, mang and a few desserts like coconut candy, corn pudding, style corn bread and more. On the other hand, Americans has the hot dog, the new york cheese cake and the american pie. As the Daily Herald said, potato chips, sugar-sweetened drinks and candies have a little nutritional value but a lot of calories. Comparing both meals we could say that Dominican food is healthier than American food.

The United States has the world's largest music industry and their music is heard around the world. The most popular genres are Hip hop, Blues, Country, Jazz, Pop, and Rock and roll. On the contrary, The Dominican Republic has different kind of music like merengue, bachata, salsa and others fused genres.

Cultural differences between the Dominican Republic and United States

Here in the Dominican Republic we have a mix of American music, for example the Bachata actually is mixed with jazz, so our culture is mixed with their culture. Since the beginning of the 20th century, some forms of American popular music have gained a near global audience. The same thing happened in this island our merengue traveled around the world, we are known for the merengue and bachata.

American lifestyle is very different than Dominican lifestyle. In the United States it is inappropriate to just show up at someones house, without a previous call. In contrast, Dominicans rarely makes a previous call, they just knock on the door and says: Im here surprise. Americans love go for a walk, they usually go for a walk during the early morning hours and after dinner. On the contrary, Dominicans hate go for a walk, they prefer watch television, go to sleep, or other activity.

In other words, we could have a hundred of differences but, both are wonderful countries with nice people, good music and delicious food. Definitely our lifestyle will always be different and that's what makes interesting this world that we are not all equal. Both Dominican Republic and USA are rich in culture; if we choose the best part of each and mix the results will be excellent. Those differences are impressive, even sharing the same continent are enormous. Finally regardless of nationality all of us have to respect every single culture, and only try to share their own culture.

Cultural differences between the Dominican Republic and United States

References American Lifestyle, tips for newcomer to USA. from http://www.immihelp.com/newcomer/american-lifestyle.html The Daily Herald, Aging and Healthy Nutrition April 05, 2012. from http://web.thedailyherald.com/supplements/health-a-beauty/26848-aging-and-healthynutrition.html