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The swamp : Congaree National Park

During this visit, we learned the difference between swamp and mash. Indeed, even if both are wetlands, they must be distinguished. In a marsh, often found near the fringes of lakes and streams, herbaceous plants are the dominant vegetation whereas it is trees or other woody plants in swamps, often located amongst rivers or lake shores. In this way, Congaree National Park appears as a swamp.

Meandering above this standing water on woody walkways, listen for strange noises coming from the grass, was really exciting.

Fortunately (or fortunately), we didnt see any snakes in my group but it didn't matter : because of gurgling noise provocateur by humus fermentation, peeps of invisible birds hiding in the foliage and finally because of strong humid heat, a atmospher of aventure was created.

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« Everything was true »

« When we came in USA, me and the other French students were fulled of prejudices about American culture, partly due to series and films we used to watch ». These were the words pronounced by a friend of mine in front of an audience composed by students from the University of South Carolina during one of our daily meeting. Nevertheless, what surprised me was what happened next: he went on with his speech by proclaiming with embarrassment : « But I realized that everything was true ». A awkward silence momentarily filled the room. However, I think it was a feeling shared by other French students. My point is that we arrived in South Carolina having in mind a set of clichés and a lot of them were really observed then. Firstly, concerning cars, we all remembered high-speed car chases with powerful engines in the American films of our childhood. Yet, the first day, we attended a parade of high powered pickups, roaring muscles cars.. a succession of energy-intensive and polluting vehicles that could not care less about greenhouse gas emission. How can we not make the connection with the withdrawal of United States from the COP 21 ? It is obvious that climate skepticism is common in this country.

Secondly, regarding food, if we can’t dissociate the US and junk food, we have seen more junk food than we expected. Indeed, for one university refectory, there are more than 5 fast food restaurants mass producing tacos, hamburgers, chips and so on. Afterwards, even at the university canteen we felt difficulties to find water : the water fountain was lost in a forest of fizzy drinks. In fact, American people seem to not drink water but rather soda or sweet tea, all the time. This description of the American way of life appears dark but this is the salient angles that strikes us.

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Sport and Show in America

Sport is central to American culture : the most popular sports are, in order of importance, football, baseball and finally basketball. Even if you are not an expert or even if you are not interested in such and such sport, you have to support the team of your city. It was thus recurrent at the University of South Carolina to meet students wearing supporter outfits : they were all proudly bearing the well-known T-shirt of South Carolina Gamecocks football. The incredible importance given to sport, especially to football, in American Universities is illustrated by the giant size of the school stadium of USC that can receive 80 000 students for a tournament.

But, what impressed me the most, during this trip in South Carolina, was the flamboyant show around the basketball match we attended. It was a awe-inspiring sound and light show : the performance of cheerleaders alternated with challenges, laid down for a member of the public and broadcasted on giant screens. In fact, it seems to be that sport and show in USA are inseparable. American people go to a football game as well as we go to the cinema. In addition to sound and color effects, this feeling of ostentation is reinforced by the whole business revolving around sport : within the stadium, the greasy spoons of fast food come one after another whereas, outside, storekeepers display in their showcase the perfect supporter array : baseball caps bearing the effigy of the USC mascot Cocky. This mascot represents a cartoon version of a gamecock (a fighting rooster).

Finally, I would like to bring this digression on sport in America to an end with an funny anecdote. Indeed, in the course of a visit of the university delivered by American students, we learned that quidditch courses are provided and rewarded with ECTS. This observation demonstrates one more time the close relationship that exists in USA between sport and entertainment industry : the magic world of Harry Potter created by the production company Warner Bros enters in those of sport by creating a new discipline.

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Tracksuit, a real way of life

I would like to come back to a clothing anecdote, a way of dressing that surprised the students of ENPC : we realized that tracksuit is the standard in US universities. Indeed, all students of the University of South Carolina were dressed with such type of clothes : coton shorts with sneakers accompanied by sportswear t-shirt or tank top.

Yet, this democratization of tracksuit, already in place in the US, takes place today in France. So, I decided to find out more about it.

It all started at the beginning of the Second World War : at this time, French haute couture suddenly stoped being exported. Simple, practical, useful rather than fantasist, US fashion was born to seduce the average American. Practicality supplanted esthetics. After having introduced automotive mass production with the Taylorism, USA triggered dressing standardization : whereas French women were afraid of social suicide if they wear the same dress than another at a society evening, American women proudly beared these series clothes. Thus, in the 50s, Praline, the muse of Dior, had this remark : « La mode américaine est si ennuyeuse... ». In the same way, Nathalie Rozborski, director of the consultancy NellyRodi maintained : « À Paris, il fallait être inattendu ? À New York, il faut être efficace ». American people wear high heels at work, but sport shoes to go to.

To conclude, it seems to be that nowadays fashion meets function and this new phenomenon is supported by all students (american or not) as a way to emancipate, to claim their freedom and to reverse the established order. But, these trendy clothes are too promoted for the comfort and the effectiveness it provide. Finally, tracksuit appears as a way to struggle against sexism and social discrimination : it is unisex and if the price of some of them can skyrocket (almost 100 $ for some), it is not the privilege of bourgeoisie. It is democratized clothes.

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Everything is bigger in the US

This section can appeared a little redundant with the one tackling the issue of prejudices but, from my point of view, it is still important to underline the gigantism prevailing in the US. This exuberance is well known about cars: I found amazing to place set by side a typical American car (namely a Ford Raptor pickup) and a very popular and appreciated by French people vehicle (that is to say a Renault Twingo). The second appears ridiculous and tiny in front of the other. Of course, I exaggerate but it remains nevertheless a relevant illustration. This gigantism is too noticed in food: we can’t be indifferent to the huge size of paper cups (filled with fizzy drink at the university canteen). In the same way, it is curious to note that the size of the same type of hamburger (I would like to say: with the same name) served in a Mac Donald ‘s fast food is completely different from those served in France. But, above all, the most relevant point: American people are too gigantically generous and hospitable. The French people are known as cold, haughty and proud people. And it is partly true. Americans are the perfect opposite. During all our stay in South Carolina, they were generous with their time, showing around their university, going with us on our visits. Thus, more than characterized by material gigantism, Americans are especially big-hearted.

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We just arrived at Columbia. It's spring and really shiny here😊.

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How impressive is Governor's Mansion

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Our everyday life car seems tiny compared to this huge 4×4!