American Family

When I first came here, I was very surprised because most American families have different ideas about "family" from Japan. They always express their love and like to talk about their experiences or share information about their family with other people.

First, I sometimes hear my RA say, "I love you" to her parents when she calls them. In Japan, people hesitate to say that even if they are boyfriend or girlfriend because they worry about being teased. I think to say our love is a very good thing because people can understand each other and be relieved.

Second, American families talk about what happened today with important people. I've never talked with my father about love so when my RA's father said, "I asked about her boyfriend," I was very surprised. I think to talk about that with my mother is no problem but if I talked with my father or my brother, I would be very ashamed. I can't understand how American people can do that. However, having communication is a good way to make the family's bond strong, so I want to try that.

Finally, American families like to share their family's experiences with other people. For example, in an American house, there are a lot of pictures of the family and also relatives which they show people who visit. Also, enjoying with other people is not only for relatives but their friends. Parents treat their children's friends like their real children. Eating food, going shopping and inviting them to family events...that is very common in America. I think American communication is very good for understanding family so Japan should imitate that. But I can't understand why many American young people want to be independent from their parents although they think family is important. I don't know about the American family system very well, but I think that family is valuable in American and Japan.

American's Treasure

Americans treasure family very much. They always express their love in kisses, hugs and gestures. There are many types of families in America, and Americans admit differences between each other.

First, Americans cherish family very much. When I went on homestay, there were many pictures on the wall. My host parents introduced their family to me. When we had my birthday party, their family, who didn't know me, celebrated my birthday like real family. I was very very happy! I thought they had warm personalities.


Second, many Americans adopt children. When I go shopping, I often see adopted children. For the first time, I saw white parents with a black child, so I was really surprised. Last semester, my friend's penpal said his family would adopt a new child, so he said he was looking forward to meeting him or her in his letter. My friend and I were moved. What if I were him? Would I welcome new children? In America, to adopt children is usual, but in Japan, it is unusual. Japanese are biased against adopted children.

Third, homosexual marriage is admitted in Massachusetts and California. I was really surprised to hear that. In Japan, homosexual marriage is not admitted. Japanese who are homosexual try to hide. Japanese like identity, but Americans like differences.

Americans treasure family without regard to sex or blood relation. Americans understand and recognize differences because there are many races and people who have different backgrounds.
In Japan, most people are Japanese. We have the same color and speak the same language, so Japaneses aren't used to differences. Americans enjoy differences. We have to follow American's ideas.