I am from China.
Still now, after studying in US for 2 years, I couldn't give a summary to my friends in my country when I was asked about my general ideas about American people. I was taught people here were open, frank, and easy-minded. However, when really contacting people in this country, I couldn't agree they conform to all of my images in the past.
But many a time, I could feel everywhere in this world people's ideas and images are curbed more or less by governments. If a person from a communism country comes to a capitalism country, will people suspect he is a spy when he becomes the top student in a chemistry class? If a person from US to a conservative country, will people there suspect he is a lewd person who wants to sleep with innocent women? If we laugh at those assumptions, that could just mean we are not narrow-minded people. But people are always at sometime somewhat ignorant.
I couldn't say I think American people put commercial interest first, although in fact there are some. Months ago, when I was dating an American guy, he told me he wanted to come to China with me during summer vacation. I was glad because I wanted my parents to see him whom I had mentioned a lot. My parents are very friendly and kind-hearted. They love each of my friends since I was in kindergarten. And Chinese culture respects foreigners no matter where they are from. But later, I was very disappointed when he told me his mother didn't allow him to take the same flight with me because she didn't want her son to buy flight ticket for me. I was somewhat shocked because I never wanted him to do it and had never said it. I felt I was not respected. If I could see her, I really want to ask her whether she knows that her son comes to my home, even if not as a boyfriends, but just as an international friend, my family will welcome him very warmly, because it is an emotional thing, not a thing related to money. I was sad. But I couldn't ask her like this because my culture teaches me to respect older people. I broke up with him later without letting him know the reason.
But I do meet some American people who make me believe many emotions are common in people's heart. When I stayed with my professor's family for Christmas, at the moments when his daughter and I chased his dog running in his farm, and when he pointed to the remote high school where he used to have classes for me, I felt a warm and happy feel flowing in my body because he reminded me of the kindness of my father.
If a young person working or studying in a foreign place, there must be some people who give him or her encouragement and love after some people just give him or her some coldness.
I still think people are the same. We care about world political situation when we have free time. But what we care about more is parents, children, dinner, holiday, and exams. Perhaps we are predestined to live in the same era. If by a coincidence, people walk into a restaurant you run or sit close to you in a same bench in the park, why not smile to them? We know each other in a moment, and later this moment might become a whole life, if this is also predestined. But your neglected moments might become other’s eternal history.
How are American people? It might be difficult no matter what kind of descriptive word before the people. I think people are the same. And people could change. Last semester, my literature professor once wrongly commented that, "We, American people put sincerity in people's marriage first. But some Third World country's people think economic situation and money are the consideration in love." I was about to refute her opinion when an American guy lifted his arm and said, "I cannot agree with you. True love is universal in the world."
See, this is the most interesting thing in America. That people are always different, even in a same background.

I think America has every type of person you can imagine. Many Americans stereo type others and many Americans believe whatever the politician and media of their choice has to say and don't think for themselves.
As you say people are different even with a same background. Siblings can even be extreme opposites even if the parents treated them equally. One can end up being materialistic and doing whatever it takes to be a wealthy ruthless business person hurting anybody, while another might have a prosperous career and use their money to help others.

cjnvgq closed with this: "See, this is the most interesting thing in America. That people are always different, even in a same background." You have been provided with a special opportunity to study in another country. I hope you have studied the history of the U.S. and had an opportunity to travel about and see the different regions and experience meeting the many diverse people that constitute the 'melting pot' of America. When you return to your country, you will begin to differentiate highlights and lowlights of your experiences. Before you depart, please take some time and visit several local governments, city and county, and see how they function. Also, please visit a court (several times) so that you can see how those accused of crimes are treated in America, and how civil litigants present their claims. It is in these places that you will see the bedrock of this country, where individuals are treated with respect and all of us fall under the rule of law. It isn't perfect, but it is good. I believe your observations about love and friendship are correct; some here just call it human nature, with cultural twists. A lot of our professors have never worked a day in their lives, so many of us take what they say lightly, if at all. Best of luck and success to you and your family.

Mr. George, I guess you were born in 1950 from your register name. If it is right, you are an experienced person.
A country as one of the richest countries must have its good qualities to unite people. People in a wealthy place could thus be provided with better resources. You are proud of good qualities in America, and that is why people from all over the world come to US to study and work. US is not perfect, my country China is not much less perfect. We admit and see the gap, open the country gate and come here to learn from you.
If criminals are treated more respected in US, and the democratic way makes true liberty for US citizens, this is the upshot of the generations' efforts to become today's powerful country. History is going on, if hundreds years ago US was in a war to struggle for today's prosperity, I believe China and other developing countries, which is considered as ones in lack of human rights, is on the way by efforts to make a near-future's prosperity too.
However, the fundamental respect for people would not be presented in the extreme examples as criminals. Fellowships, relationship, marriage, and family are the fundamental units to show the respects. A child from a rich family sometimes understands less about life than a child from an indigent family. And a beggar couple cuddling together outside in a cold winter might be happier than a rich couple inside a house who has affair out of marriage.
We all need to learn on various aspects. If from a trivial thing, a person can not understand life's meaning, to show the respect to criminal doesn't help them make a better life value.
Thank you for your advice!

Cjnvgq,

I spent two years in Dalian, China teaching English at one of the major Universities. I, too, had presuppositions about Chinese people and government before I moved to your beautiful country.

I truly believe that no matter how much you study about a people group you will never truly understand them until you spend time immersed in their culture. Take the simple fact of Chinese food! American Chinese food and Chinese Chinese food are two VERY different things! (General Tsao's Chicken and Gong Bao Ji Ding are NOT the same! :) ) The same is with people... once you spend time inside the culture you begin to understand its people.

As to politics? I am American and I can honestly say that I don't completely understand it!

Wow, you've certenly lived your life haven't you

Life is meant to be lived. It's the only way to live! ;)

That was so good I've imortalised it

Wow! You humble me... thank you.

You did charm me so greatly before

HistorianChick,
Thank you for teaching English in my country. I liked my foreign teacher very much when I was taught by her in high school.
I remember since I was 16 years old, my father took me to the TianAnMen Square to talk to exotic people to practise my English. They were all friendly. And then I made friends with people from Germany, Australia, America, and Canada. We just met each other the first time on TianAnMen Square and became good friends.
I will listen to your words, to learn about your culture better.

Ive been to Hong Kong, kowloon, and Singapore a few times. That's the closest I've ever been to China. Ive also been to iraq, UAE, australia, Bahrain, Hawaii, guam, and the Philippines. I can honestly say that love is universial. Everyone wants love within their territory.

Cjnvgg,

I have been to TianAnMen Square many times! During the summer holiday I traveled to Xi'an, Baoutou, Hohot, Beijing, Hearbin, Shenyang, and many more. China is a beautiful country that I dearly love. I have told many people that America is my country, but China is my home.

If I were given the chance again, I would go back to China in a heartbeat. It is one of the most amazing places on Earth. Having traveled to all of the continents except Africa and Antarctica, I have experienced many wonders, but none compare to China.

Keep up your study on foreign nations. :)

cjnvgq - you are incredably eloquant! I loved reading your post. Unfortuanately I have yet to travel from my country (UK) but in my job I get to meet many different people from many different countries. We have a great time comparing cultures, one thing that always surprises me is how humour really varies from country to country, have you noticed this?