美國人的儀容整潔與個人衛生(2)

美國人的儀容整潔與個人衛生

There used to be an old joke in America that people should take a bath once a week, whether they need one or not. In fact, though, Americans generally take a bath-or more commonly, a shower-every day. But in contrast to some cultures, most Americans get their shower in the morning, so they can start the day fresh. And instead of going to a beauty parlor for a shampoo, many Americans prefer to wash and style their own hair. So if Americans have a "bad hair day," they have no one to blame but themselves. But most people in America do head for the beauty parlor or barber shop occasionally for a haircut, a perm or just some friendly conversation.

　　Americans are known for having very sensitive noses. In America, "B.O." (body odor) is socially unacceptable. For that reason, Americans consider the use of deodorant or anti-perspirant a must. Ladies often add a touch of perfume for an extra fresh scent. Men may splash on after-shave lotion or manly-smelling cologne. Another cultural no-no in America is bad breath. Americans don't like to smell what other people ate for lunch-especially onions or garlic. Their solution? Mouthwash, breath mints and even brushing their teeth after meals.

　　以前在美國有一個老笑話，說不管人們需不需要，他們至少每個禮拜該洗一次澡。不過事實上，美國人每天會洗一次澡，或者更普遍的作法是每天淋浴一次。但是不同于某些文化習慣的是，美國人在清晨淋浴，以使他們展開清新的一天。而且美國人不上美容院去洗頭，他們寧可自己洗頭和整理發型。所以美國人如果有一天頭發很丑，除了怪自己之外就沒什么好抱怨的了。然而大部份的美國人偶爾會到美容院或理發廳去，剪頭發、燙頭發，或是去跟人聊聊天。

　　美國人的鼻子是出了名的靈。在美國，體臭在社交上是不被接受的。因此，美國人會認為使用除臭劑或止汗劑是必須的。女士們通常會再抹點香水以增加清香;男士則拍一些刮胡水或是男性古龍水在臉上。在美國文化里的另一項禁忌是口臭。美國人不喜歡聞別人午餐后留在口中的味道--尤其是洋蔥或大蒜。他們怎么解決這問題呢?漱口、吃薄荷糖、甚至飯后刷牙。

　　Some of the cultural variations in grooming practices result from physical differences between races. Whereas many Asian men have little facial hair, Westerners have a lot. As a result, most American men spend some time each day shaving or grooming their facial hair. Beards and mustaches are common sights in America, although their popularity changes from generation to generation. Most American men who wear facial hair try to keep it nicely trimmed. American women, on the other hand, generally prefer not to be hairy at all. Many of them regularly shave their legs and armpits.

　　Americans put great value on both grooming and personal hygiene. For some people, taking care of themselves has become almost a religion. As the old saying goes, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Whether or not being clean and well-groomed brings one closer to God, it certainly brings one closer to others. Americans look down on people who don't take care of themselves, or who "let themselves go." To Americans, even if we don't have much to work with, we have to make the best of what we've got.

　　有些儀容整潔方面的文化差異是源自于種族間生理條件的不同。亞洲男性面部的胡髭長得并不多，但西方人卻長得多，因此美國的男性每天得花些時間去刮除或整理他們的臉毛。在美國，男人在下巴部份或嘴唇上方留胡子是很普通的，不過不同時代胡子受歡迎的樣式不相同。在美國大部份留胡子的男性都會試著將胡子修剪整齊，但另一方面，美國女性通常不喜歡毛茸茸的，很多人會定期地刮除腿部和腋下的毛。

　　美國人非常看重儀容整潔與個人衛生。對某些人而言，打理自己幾乎成了一種信仰，如一句古老的諺語說：清潔是僅次于圣潔第二重要的事。不管整齊清潔是不是能使人更接近上帝，但它的確能拉近與人的距離。美國人輕視那些不在乎打理自己或讓自己隨隨便便就好的人。對美國人而言，就算我們沒有非常好的先天條件，但至少該盡力將已有的好好發揮。