Compare And Contrast Samoan And American Culture

While Samoan Americans and Americans share a lot in common, they also have many differences. Samoa is situated about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawai'i and about 1,800 miles northeast of New Zealand. Modern Samoa is divided into two parts: the much larger, independent nation of Samoa — formerly known as Western Samoa; and the relatively small American Samoa, the only U.S. territory south of the equator, Hawaii. The subculture in Hawaii is Samoan. Samoan Americans share a lot in common with the American culture.
As in America, education is very important. Samoans value education. Western Samoa has an very high rate of literacy—approximately 98 percent. In traditional villages, education is first received at a minister's school, where children are taught to read. Later, they attend elementary and secondary schools. The emphasis in Samoan education is based mostly on memorization. Samoan Americans
receive an education that resembles curriculum taught in America. Many Samoan Americans major in education, law, or other social sciences. In America education is taken very seriously as well as memorization in schools. Many people also major in social sciences.
A difference in the 20th America and Samoa is their typical type in women.
For example, in America men typically like their women slim, big boobs, and big butts. However, in Samoa there is no “plus size” women clothes but more so negative-size women. Size is very much respected in Samoa as strong legs and big calves are a traditional attraction. But, eating disorders are still not any more common in America than Samoa. While in America many people suffer with bulimia or anorexia, many Samoans suffer with poor diets from eating too much. Samoan Americans also share most of the same holidays. Both Samoan Americans and Western Samoans celebrate their respective national holidays. Christmas, Easter, and other religious holidays are also of great significance to Samoans. Also, in America religion is more diverse. Many people believe in many different things and it is harder to find places in America where a high majority of a place is the same religion. In Samoa there are a few different practiced religions but that is mostly it. There is not much diversity in the religion
aspect. Samoa has three key elements – the matai (chiefs), aiga (the extended family), and the church. Matai are the heads of the extended family and their role covers family, civic and political duties in the village. Making Samoa a very traditional society. For Samoans the extended family includes parents, brothers, sisters, children, grandparents, cousins, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. Through sickness and health, happiness and sadness you are forever family. That is the norm in Samoa. In America, that is not the norm. It should be how it works but in America it is common for families to break apart. In America divorce is very common causing most families to split. In-laws aren’t always welcome and kids get disowned. For example, while many kids still get disowned to this day for being homosexual, being homosexual is much more common and is now accepted by more people. In Samoa homosexuality is not common and is looked down upon. Not only is it looked down upon but you will be punished if caught with someone of the same sex. You may serve 5-7 years in prison. Prime Minister: Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi even scoffed at the idea of ever legalizing same sex marriage.
As you can see the traditional society in Samoa is very different from America in many of their norms.