Comparison of The United States of America and Saudi Arabia - Essay Example

Compare and Contrast The United s of America and Saudi Arabia Many can obviously see the differences between the United s and Saudi Arabia. The United States has many comparisons with that of Saudi Arabia. There are more differences then similarities. These differences can cause issues and create a barrier between the two nations. Looking past the differences and focusing on the similarities may be harder to do then one thinks. The individuals mind is easily focused on media persuasion and religious differences. All differences aside, The United States of American and Saudi Arabia are both a geographic location that contains people. People are no different and need the same things in order to survive. The United States of America is home to many different seasons and has many different weather issues. The weather in the United States of America is made of hot days that reach one hundred and twenty degrees and cold days that are forty degrees below zero. The rapid changes of weather create seasons. The seasons produce rain, snow, wind and drought. These weather conditions make for a soil that is rich in produce and livestock. These pleasant but sometimes harsh weather conditions are quite different then weather in Saudi Arabia. Weather in Saudi Arabia is unlike the United States. In Saudi Arabia the temperatures get above one hundred and forty degrees at times. The harsh temperatures make for an unpleasant environment (LonelyPlanet2011). Most of the area is made of sand and large sand dunes. The heat makes it hard for produce to grow and water is not as abundant as the United States. There are sand storms that are comparable to a tornado in the United States. These sand storms are deadly and powerful. Saudi Arabia has seasons like the United States but not winter conditions. While the average temperature of the United States in the winter is twenty below zero, the temperature in Saudi Arabia would typically be seventy five degrees. The weather of the United States and Saudi Arabia shows many differences. Religious views are a huge topic of discussion when comparing and contrasting the United States and Saudi Arabia. In order to discuss the two religious views it is important to explore the history of the two nations. The United States of America was originally inhabited by Native American Indians. An explorer by the name of Christopher Columbus arrived in The United States and took over. He and the rest of his European explorers had a Catholic/Christian religious background. This religious background mainstreamed Christianity into The United States. Although Christianity is popular in the United States it is not the only religion. The freedom of The United States allows for the freedom to accept any religion. Many are Christian, Muslim and even Atheist. Some accept no religion. The ability to practice any religion without fear makes the United States a desirable location for immigrants. Saudi Arabia is completely different in the sense of religion. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace to Islam (MidEastWeb2003). Saudi Arabia, before becoming captivated by the Islam religion was mainly pagan. Those who were pagan likely converted to Christianity or Judaism. After the birth and teachings of Mohammed, about ninety percent of the Saudi Arabian population converted to Islam. The Islam religion is highly looked upon in Saudi Arabia. The popularity of the Muslim religion creates a barrier and the denial of other religions like Christianity and Judaism. Religion in the United States and Saudi Arabia has been the cause of many disputes in the past. To this day and since the beginning of history there has been war because of the religious differences. Religion and cultural differences is one of the number one factors for disputes between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Many influences like geographic location and religion play a role in the differences of the two cultures. The culture of the United States is very diverse. The United States culture consist of many different cultures put together. There are Native Americans, Europeans, African Americans, Arab and Asians. Individuals from all over the world make up the United States. This is quite different from the culture of those in Saudi Arabia. The United States culture is wide spread because of the amount of immigrant that flocked to the United States in the 1800-1900’s. Many Americans came to The United States seeking freedom. This freedom allowed for job growth and the ability for those of different ethnic backgrounds to live amongst each other. Education and living the dream are all a part of the United States culture. Freedom is what America is all about. Americans are allowed to worship and dress freely. Women are treated equally and are popular role models. Saudi Arabian culture is dramatically different then the United States and has much history. Much of the culture in Saudi Arabia is of Arab decent. The Arab community has different beliefs and share different cultural views. The Saudi Arabian culture is not as free as the American culture. The American culture allows those of different genders to be free and have rights. Saudi Arabian women do not share equal rights with men. Men are dominant over females in the Arab culture. Many Saudi Arabian women do not have the ability that American women do. The form of dress in the Saudi Arabian culture consists of light fabrics and full body coverings. This is important because of the extreme weather conditions in Saudi Arabia. Keeping large parts of the body covered prevent blistering from the sun and coverage from blowing sand. Religious beliefs require women to cover most of their body except for their eyes. This is much different then America. American women cloth their selves in practically nothing and are able to sell their body. Family life is important for those living in Saudi Arabia. It is important for children to bring honor to their family. Unlike America, Arab men may have multiple wives. This is a form of Polygamy. Polygamy is not allowed in the United States but very common in Arab communities. The United States and Saudi Arabia both share similarities in labor and military views. The labor market in the United States is strong and consists of many jobs. Many jobs are labor, self employed and office jobs. Americans are active in the labor market and take pride in the jobs available and the money floating around in the economy. The American economy is abundant and rich in providing income. Saudi Arabia also has the market for many jobs but is quite different then the American labor market. The American labor market has many more rules and regulations that prevent unfair labor practices. Saudi Arabia has labor markets that pay very little and allow workers with barely enough money to provide for their families. Some of the labor conditions consist of very unhealthy work environments and even employ young children. The United States has laws that prevent children from working and ensure a safe work environment. The governments of the United States and Saudi Arabia are very different. The United States has a government that allows for leaders. These leaders are usually Republican or Democrat. Government officials are voted in and chosen by the American public. The United States is a constitutional based federal republic. Laws are based from a constitution. Leaders are chosen and labeled as presidents. These presidents are chosen leaders and make decisions on behalf of the United States. Saudi Arabian government consists of a monarchy government. Much of Saudi Arabian history is made up of many kings that rule over the land. The kings make all of the rules and the people of Saudi Arabia are not given as much freedom as those in America. Saudi Arabians have very little rights. There are not constitutions set in place for a leader to respect. The Saudi Arabian people must live how the king wants them to live. These differences set apart by religion, culture, and governments have few similarities but many differences. These comparisons are easily shown. The way of life and thinking of Saudi Arabians and American is so different that it is obvious why the two nations will never see eye to eye. The history between the two nations has been rocky from the beginning and it is likely that the future shows no means for improvement. This is a shame since the people of both nations share equal features and need the same matter to survive. Ignorance and stubborn actions keep the two nations apart. Comparing and contrasting the two nations leaves the individual with their own perspective on the many differences between the two. Works Cited Lonely Planet. "Saudi Arabia Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet." Lonely Planet Travel Guides and Travel Information. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. MidEastWeb. "MidEast Web - Brief History of Saudi Arabia." Saudi Arabia;A Brief History. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. Every Culture. "Culture of United States of America - Traditional, History, People, Clothing, Traditions, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs." Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. Read More