"The most disappointed are the most Americanized, a curious consequence of frustrated enthusiasm."

Currently reading: Beyond the Age of Innocence

That sentence pretty much explains even the most mildest form of anti-American sentiments. "Frustrated enthusiasm" resonates with the early excitement, anguish, disappointment and frustration when I first moved into college. I had high expectations, so there was much to anticipate; yet equally there was much to discover. This was a major reason why I was more than surprised once I arrived, that I would be experiencing some first-hand culture shocks, despite the fact that I had been schooled in an American system. In reality, there were thousands of aspects of American culture that I have not yet been acquainted with. The most funny thing about the cultural flabbergast was that over here, of all places, stereotypes were actually reinforced, not undermined. I felt like I was trapped in a daytime soap opera (well, kind of). Despite the fact that America is one of the world's most influential and powerful country in the world, it still contain pockets of suburban ignorance to the world at large. Specifically, international affairs especially in which the majority of America's political presence played decisive roles, if not, overwhelming and subtle influences.

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I remember a conversation that had taken place during house meeting between two housemates. One of them is pretty interested in American something (I don't know quite how to describe it - American culture?) and he asked his friend ,"Do you know what America needs more?", and his friend shakes his head sadly (of course, they were discussing the plight of the country candidly) and replied, "More suburbs".

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Notwithstanding, there are plenty of 'the best of the world' categories from this bewildering and paradoxical country. And the best part of reading this particular book is coming across this phrase that best describes how I feel about going choosing to study in the U.S: Americans know what it means to have 'the best of communities': "A common sense of identity based on shared values".