Looking back at the experiences of week one, I find myself feeling proud of the progress I’ve made and how far I have come in this new role. For this specific placement, I am diving into the marketing industry, an exciting realm where we engage heavily in data management. Part of my responsibilities involve not just analyzing and managing a large and complex data set, but also engaging in communication on the phone, which adds a personal touch to the work we do. It struck me how the manner of communicating with people on the phone here in Ireland is quite different from how it typically unfolds back in the United States. Here, people seem to be much more “to the point” about things, which I find refreshing and interesting. I have come to realize that, as Americans, we often tend to overuse formalities in our conversations and pride ourselves on being quite talkative compared to most other nations. However, I must clarify that this observation doesn’t imply that the Irish folks don’t enjoy conversation; they undoubtedly do engage in meaningful exchanges, haha! It appears that their approach leans toward avoiding idle small talk, preferring to delve into more “serious” or “personal” topics right off the bat.

While we were warned that Irish people tend to be much more comfortable broaching subjects like politics, I was still taken aback when I found myself asked about my opinion on the former President DJT on my very first day of work. I found this to be a captivating experience. It’s intriguing because, while Europeans often imply that Americans carry the notion of being the center of the world, they themselves frequently engage in discussions about us, showcasing how we influence a significant portion of their culture. Yes, it is true that, as Americans, we can sometimes come off as self-centered, but it’s almost unavoidable to notice how pervasive this mindset can be throughout various aspects of society. For instance, the athleisure and streetwear movement that has taken the fashion industry by storm didn’t find its roots in Northern Dublin, or even in London, England, or Paris, France; rather, it blossomed from late 20th-century American fashion trends. If you take a closer look around Dublin, you can observe this distinctive style absolutely everywhere, weaving itself into the fabric of everyday life. While it’s evident that the Irish might put their own spin on it, one cannot deny where the origins truly lie.

Another vivid example that springs to mind is the astonishing number of Southern and general Americana-themed pubs I have encountered while wandering around Dublin or even just while googling things to do. It’s insane! It truly makes me ponder how much of what people perceive as American culture is an over-exaggeration versus elements that they genuinely believe encapsulate what all Americans are truly like.

I think navigating this cultural landscape can be quite challenging for the European mind, especially the Irish perspective, when considering how small this beautiful island is in contrast to the vastness and diversity of America. A significant issue facing many European countries today revolves around the influx of thousands, if not millions, of immigrants hailing from various countries and cultural backgrounds, and the expectation that they will seamlessly integrate into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for the past 500 years. Although I empathize with some of the concerns arising from this situation, such as the challenges surrounding housing and benefits for newcomers versus Irish citizens who may also be battling dire circumstances, it is disheartening to witness some individuals expressing hatred toward anything or anyone new, seemingly just for the sake of being hateful.

This is undeniably a complex issue—one that I will not pretend to fully understand. However, my main point is that despite being consumers of a plethora of American culture, fashion, and media, the Irish have yet to adopt the concept of America holistically. We are still viewed as the greatest melting pot on the planet. While it can be acknowledged that things are far from perfect, I retain hope and belief that we will emerge stronger and more united than ever as we navigate our way through these challenges and eventually overcome them. It is sad to see that Europe is falling victim to these same hateful mindsets, but I also understand it. The rhetoric being spread is the same one that took advantage of poor, uneducated individuals, where these politicians lie to them by claiming they will be the ones to fix everything and restore it to how it “used to be.” However, when you accept progress, there is no “used to be”; it is the past. Like in the US, politicians— even those supposedly on the side of progress— distract themselves with meaningless quarrels that only lead us down a darker path.