Valeriia’s Observations on Life in the United States
A Ukrainian woman named Valeriia, who has been living in New York City for nine months, has shared her perspective on life in the U.S., arguing that the American Dream is deceptive. She compared the level of social division in America to that of other countries where she has previously lived, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Valeriia emphasized that in the U.S., she experienced the greatest degree of separation between different segments of the population.
Valeriia highlighted that deep societal polarization in the U.S. manifests in several key areas:
- Racial divides between white and Black communities;
- Debates over gun rights;
- Immigration policies;
- Abortion and reproductive rights;
- Economic inequality separating the wealthy from the poor.
She remarked:
“It’s truly frightening how much misunderstanding and aggression you can feel among different social groups.”
Valeriia also drew attention to the peculiarities of American business culture, where the relentless pursuit of profit often undermines basic humanity. She pointed out that business schools have taught people how to make money but have failed to teach them how to care for others. This suggests that in the corporate world, profit is frequently prioritized over human values — a trend she finds deeply troubling.
Other Ukrainians Share Their Experiences
Valeriia’s experience in the U.S. stands in contrast to that of other Ukrainians living abroad. For instance, Polina Faustova, a Ukrainian who has been in Spain for two years, warned against romanticizing the country, noting that expectations are often too high. Another Ukrainian, Yulia, who emigrated to Canada three years ago, shared her thoughts on why Ukrainians may never fully feel at home there.
Valeriia’s reflections on American society and business culture shed light on important aspects of modern life in the U.S. that may be unfamiliar to those who dream of the American Dream. The differing perspectives among Ukrainians living in various countries illustrate the complexity of adapting to new environments and the challenges immigrants face as they try to find their place in an unfamiliar culture. These insights can be valuable for anyone considering emigration or planning a move to the U.S. or other nations.
Valeriia's insights into the complexities of life in the U.S. resonate with the experiences of other Ukrainians abroad. For example, a Ukrainian woman in Turkey has expressed her own challenges, citing unpredictable weather and fluctuating prices as key factors influencing her decision to leave. To explore her story and understand the broader implications of adapting to life in a foreign land, read more about her journey here.