However, these above-the-surface details don't determine the American culture, which is a combination of many other cultures and values. This means that the American culture is the modernised version of many different cultures, which allows people in the American society to easily adapt to its norms. Also, the Americans more liberal ways always seem to clash with any culture that come their way, like presented in 'The Namesake' but this clash only represents their independent way of life; how they don't hesitate to express themselves.

Moreover, Americans like any other people around the world have their morals and values as said at the end of the extract 'prefer their privacy' but it's in their personality, not their appearance, therefore not every book can be judged by its cover. But this is something foreigners don't hesitate to do, so they have a hard time accepting the norms of the American society like Ashima in 'The Namesake'.

Lahiri, however, in her novel “The Namesake”, utilizing Ashima Ganguli as a medium to voice her opinions on American culture, curtails it to only their clothing and their preference to keep affairs between a husband and wife mostly private. This is in vast contradiction to the traditional Indian society, where Ashima was raised in. Affairs between a husband and wife would be discussed by almost every member in the family, as it was a custom for the bride to reside in the house of the groom after marriage. This represents the close-knit societies that mostly exist in India, and this is further understood when Ashima’s parents decide her partner for her, while in America, the choice would have been entirely hers. 

As Ashima attempts to navigate through this foreign world in which she feels alienated, she longs for home. Everything about the country and its lifestyle, seems unfitting to her as she is laden with a complete set of different, uncommon norms. 

Although this depiction of American culture is not holistic or even approximately accurate, it is essential to helping the reader understand the stark contrast between Indian and American cultures.

American culture isn't only about these public displays, however from an outsider's point view, it may seem this way. This emphasises the cultural differences that lead to Ashima feeling alienated, evoking empathy from the readers. Even though it may seem that Americans have a very liberal lifestyle, they believe in the idea "each to their own." This means that they feel free to do whatever they please and don't feel the need to explain themselves or the need to judge or be judged. 

Although this description may not be an accurate depiction of American culture, the media does portray it as such, focussing on American's public displays of affection. This further allows the readers to understand Ashima's thought process and the cultural shock she faces. 

 

While Lahiri’s generalization of American culture might not be exactly true, the reader has to keep in mind that she is presenting it such a way as to highlight the many contrasts it presents to the Indian culture that the major characters in the play are familiar with. In this way, she also explores the culture shock that is evident in Ashima’s first interactions with American society, and the divide of cultures is something that is apparent throughout the rest of the novel, highlighting the themes of culture and personal identity as a whole.