Personal Groups

As is the same with everyone else, I belong to many groups. I am female, caucasian, Canadian, an immigrant to the United States, a family member, a student, an artist, a swimmer, a water polo player, and much more. Though I belong to an extensive list of groups, there are certain roles in particular groups that affect my daily life more than others. At the moment, my role as an AP Art student and my role as a Canadian immigrant are currently shaping my time. 

I am constantly aware of my role as an artist. I spend the majority of my time drawing or doodling. I am asked by friends to draw their portrait or design a tattoo for them. I plan to go to art school in the fall, so it is a role that will have a large part in my future. 

As a foreigner to this country I am aware of not only the stereotypes attributed to Americans, but of their actual demeanors. America is such a diverse country, there is obviously no stereotype that applies to everyone. The general feeling of this country, however, is distinctly different from that of the other countries I've lived in. When I lived in Canada, we never locked our doors, we walked everywhere, we interacted constantly with neighbors, and we said "eh". Here, in the United States, everyone locks the doors every night (or even when they just step out of the house), sidewalks that actually extend to anywhere useful are hard to come by, and I haven't even met two of my closest neighbors in the 6 years. It is a much more protective environment. 

However, like Sal says, each of these observations I've made are due to my particular background, whereas someone from America who moved to Canada may find the atmosphere disturbingly friendly.