Look at the two images below and think about the following questions. Then respond (English is okay) to them in a comment on this post along with a question for me and/or your classmates.
1. Where do you think these two photos were taken?
2. What are some differences and similarities?
3. What do these pictures tell you about the culture of their respective locations?
1. Where do you think these two photos were taken?
ReplyDeleteI think the first one was taken at a strip mall in the suburbs somewhere in America. The second photo looks like it was taken in front of a street cafe in France.
2. What are some differences and similarities?
The first one is ugly and boring. It's also of a stupid Starbucks. Coffee in America is so corporate. The second one has tons of people socializing and drinking coffee. It looks like coffee is more of an experience than a convenient way to keep yourself going. There are like no similarities.
3. What do these pictures tell you about the culture of their respective locations?
The first one looks like maybe they don't have a culture, or if they do it's all about consumerism. I mean look at it, a bank and a strabucks. A good place for the 1% to start their days. the second one looks full of culture. like i said above, it is an experience not a convenience.
is it true that les ananas ne parle pas?
1. Even though Starbucks does have a significant international presence, I believe the first photo was taken in America because of the drive-through. Judging from what we learned about french culture in class, and from what I've learned in my travels in Europe, drinking coffee is not a rushed activity, but a social, leisurely activity in France. Therefore, I think the bottom picture was taken in France, where people often sit and drink coffee in a social setting. This picture reminds me of my year abroad in Spain, where it was rare to find a cafe that had paper cups!
ReplyDeleteThese are some great great insights Todd and Julia.
ReplyDeleteTodd, I especially like what you say about it being an experience rather than a convenience.
What do you think about the expression "Time is money"? Is this an important aspect to the American culture?
Also, I'm not sure if "les ananas parlent". You'll have to see for yourself : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBSflK1FTSY
I would guess that the first picture is taken in America while the second was taken in France. The coffee experience is taken much more seriously in France. It is something to be savored, not rushed through. By contrast, in America, we have no objection to paper cups and drive thrus as we move about our daily existence.
ReplyDelete