Sept.1 - This past summer I visited my friend in the USA and was amazed by the abundance I saw everywhere in Los Angeles, a city not shy about conspicuous consumption. I was awestruck by the miracles that Mother Nature has bequeathed upon the American landscape. But, the true character of that country was revealed to me in small details I couldn't help making a mental note of: greetings from waitresses and other service workers who actually seemed to enjoy their jobs; the sweetness of feeling totally comfortable smiling at total strangers, who look you in the eye and return the smile. One might attribute such encounters to the fact that USA is an "economically developed country," while I believe it is not wealth that produces such genuine open-heartedness in a society.
During my visit to the US, I was frequently moved and inspired by seemingly inconspicuous things: parking spaces for the handicapped are always located nearest to the entrance of the building; in almost every phone booth, an information guidebook is attached right under the phone for free reference; in theme parks like Universal Studio and Disneyland, you can find an enclosed area for parents to park their baby strollers; and emergency buttons are set next to the escalator to make it stop, just in case. None of these thoughtful touches entail great investment; they are all simple, self-assistant services, yet they show the great consideration taken for every citizen in public life. The humanism in American society is not something one needs to boast about. It's just there. It speaks for itself.
Parking space reserved for the handicapped
Free information reference in the public phone booth
Emergency button on an escalator
Parking area of baby strollers in a theme park
Within the vast US transportation web, a single traffic sign plays a massively important role in maintaining order. That is the STOP sign. What I admire about the STOP sign is the flexibility it reflects in Americans' driving habits. Generally, STOP signs are placed at four-way intersections where traffic lights are absent. The rule is that whoever stops first, goes first, whoever, if two drivers arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver to the right goes first. The beauty of this law is that it is almost always voluntarily followed and no one will try to cut off another driver. As a result, traffic flows smoothly, even without police officers monitoring the scene.
The well-respected stop sign
Artistic street performance is fascinating aspect of American culture. One can observe raw ambition and unflagging confidence emanating from street performers. A guitarist certainly shows no fear when "taking the stage." Yet even equipped with only has a metal bucket and two drumsticks, one could still rock an audience. Though you may call a gimmick at first, you would recognize the sheer talent when you witnessed it. There is truth behind the name of the popular TV show, "America's Got Talent." I'm sure it's long been common knowledge out on the streets.
Low level technology, high level talent
USA certainly has its own profound problems and numerous issues to be resolved. But I just wanted to share with you some of the amazing qualities I witnessed in America. I only hope to communicate to you the manifestations of love I saw in its most fundamental sense.
Photos provided by Clare
