Impressions on USA culture
Being a student of American history, art, architecture, museum and traditions I have been largely impressed and fascinated by the large quantity and diversity of non-governmental organizations, associations and historic agencies that have put their efforts and financial means into the exploration of the contemporary cultural roots of their country as well as the ancient civilizations predating it. Such private organizations or individuals have contributed large sums of donation to the restoration of historically important buildings, the formation of new educational programs and universities, and the enlargement of museums with new art collections. All of this is transparently visible on the side information labels of every art gallery, university rooms (auditorium, halls, laboratories, etc.), archaeological or memorial site across the United States.
Only last year the Boston University, broke a record by managing to raise $1.9 billion from
alumni, faculty, staff and other private sources, in order to employ it in providing cholarships,
professorships, and improving its academic quality.
Being aware of such civil contributions, understanding its reasons and observing its outcomes of delicately preserving tradition while accommodating modernity, together with integrating the contrasting diversity of cultures this country encompasses, makes me feel proud of it and hopeful that other countries as well can follow the American model to deal with cultural issues endangered by the Globalization Age.
On the photo nr. 1 and 2, the Howard Thurman and Dahody Family Centers of Boston University, created recently by private contributions and donations. © Boston University
Akil Sokoli
