Conversations with a Swiss-American

Last night I went out with Nicole to an electronic dance party at the Ruediger house. It didn't start until about 1 and we stayed until 4 or so. It was pretty cool. Good music and lots of people. I spent most of the time talking with Nicole, who comes from Philadelphia but has dual US-Swiss citizenship.

Our conversation turned to a common topic; differences between the USA and Switzerland. I still can't figure out Switzerland. I really like it but it's strange. Nicole says a lot of her American colleagues at work think the Swiss are stuck up or rude. I don't agree, and neither does Nicole. She explained it to me that the Swiss are proud to be Swiss and they like to help out other Swiss. The concept of individuality and "me versus everyone else" that the USA promotes doesn't really exist here. The Swiss seem to recognize that if they all work together it will make their country better. They are willing to give up some person liberties that Americans might have, but in return they are creating a safer, more comfortable, and prosperous society.

I think it's much more complicated than this short explanation but it does being to describe the Swiss culture. For me, I realized a big difference between the USA and Switzerland that probably has a significant effect (subconsciously) on my sense of fitting in here. This difference is that no matter what I do, or no matter how long I live in Switzerland, I will never be Swiss. In America, anyone can become an American and, although there are social and racial prejudices, opportunities are available to everyone. I think this is huge.