Never in America

Ok, as if my visits to Europe were not enough to make me feel more American than ever, this trip is even more so. I don't know whether to call it culture shock or not... it's more coming to terms with what 'America' is (and what it isn't). Students keep asking me which sport I played in school...oh, if they only knew... but being active is such as part of their daily life, it was no surprise when they were dumbfounded when I said "none." I treated 3 of my students to lunch today ($8 total, by the way) then we headed to the singing competition, for which the foreign and Chinese volunteers have been helping the students to prepare all week. There were 4 classes competing, each class cheering on the contestants from their class. Opening an activity with a song is very common here because it promotes group activities. It is not uncommon for students to sing as they ride bikes, or to listen to their mp3 players and sing aloud as they walk into a class or through the halls. Although it seems a little childish to me, they have a lot of fun with singing in groups and do not seem embarrassed when asked to perform in front of a large group. Of course, they are not trained to sing, so it's not excellent (to put it mildly), but they were so passionate! They clapped along- not beacuse they were told to, but because they really enjoyed it! Keep in mind these are 18-20 year old college students- and they are not performing arts majors. One group choreographed their choir performance to a love song- it looked like a mini-opera. At one point everyone was in a circle holding hands (even the boys). Boys brought flowers for the girls who performed solos and everyone cheers for EVERYONE! Does this happen in the US? I felt like I was in another world...(Disneyworld).
On another note...
Last night I had "English Corner"- a time when the foreign teachers and volunteers have informal discussion with the Chinese students. Afterwards an architecture student approached me to tell me she enjoyed my lecture earlier in the week (yes, I'm bragging) on Amish culture and the PA Dutch and that she thought Hex Signs are very beautiful. She asked a few thoughtful questions about the future of Amish Culture, and then went on to ask how many different "nations" (races) exist in America and if they get along. I explained that there are many races, and that defining 'American' is difficult at times...that many do get along, but there is a long history of NOT getting along, etc. She explained to me that there are 55 minority groups in China and they are treated with the utmost respect. The majority group is nearly 80% of the population. "The minorities are special because they have long family histories. Everyone loves them." This would explain the 'oohs' and 'aaahs' in class the students made introductions and one guy mentioned that he was of a particular minority group- and very proud of it.