Comments on: Twinkies, White Castle and Chocolate Chip Cookies…now that’s American

By: Gori Girl

Gori Girl — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:42:48 +0000

I’m all about the burgers (as long as beef is okay, culturally) – except I’d go with In-N-Out in California before anything else. One thing I do try to show intercultural visitors is the cultural/ethnic diversity of our country, which is pretty easy to do if you can stroll around an urban setting. I also try to show off America’s natural beauty (Yosemite in California, Shenandoah here in DC), since I think the way Americans have room to stretch out into the wilderness is a pretty key cause of whatever “national culture” we may share.

So, junk food, all types of people, and wilderness.

(Actually, I really hate the idea that American food = junk food. American food is developed from the food of other cultures, but it’s its own cuisine. Again, to go back to California, fusion cuisine is huge out there – and it’s unlike anything you’ll get elsewhere in the world. And, of course, there’s BBQ… But, yeah, I’d still show a visitor some tasty burgers, ’cause they’re great eating too.)

By: shoss

shoss — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:03:15 +0000

Kim, I am smiling, out of respect for the depth at which your suggestions would show ‘American character,’ compared to my, um, do you want to try our fat or chemical laden food first? Thanks so much for sharing this.

By: Kim Bartley

Kim Bartley — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:51:43 +0000

What a great question! Personally, I’d share Thanksgiving and the tradition of giving thanks, I’d share trips to various communities to show the smallness within the largeness of the country. I’d want them to attend a general assembly of our government state or federal and learn of it and I’d want to take them to meet our military in the airports who are traveling to their appointed destinations carrying memories of home and not rifles as they go to support their commander in chief’s directives.