Characteristics of American Culture

12/04/2020

“Individualism”
Individualism is the core of American culture. Americans advocate the supremacy of the individual, strive for themselves, believe in personal dignity, live for themselves, pay attention to personal characteristics, and pursue self-expression.
“Straightforward” and “Euphemistic”
Americans like to be honest and straightforward. Between friends and colleagues, they must be sincere. They don’t like flattery, dare to express different opinions, and hate circumstances. For example, Chinese people always like to ask “Have you eaten?” when they meet each other, and they often understand it as an invitation to eat together. Another thing is to be a guest at an American home. When they ask you “Would you like some coffee?”, if you want to drink, don’t be polite, otherwise, you will have to go back thirsty. But Americans are very tactful when they speak. They often talk about “thank you”, “sorry”, and “please”. Try to avoid using hurtful words when speaking, respect others, and don’t overpower others.
“Independence” and “Cooperation”
Americans have a strong sense of self and independence and do not like to be overly dependent on others. You must have confidence, self-discipline, and continuous self-improvement in everything you do. Parents in the United States begin to cultivate their independence and self-reliance since their children are very young. Children must learn to think independently and do it themselves. They think for themselves, make judgments, and make decisions. The suggestions and opinions of their parents are for reference only. It is up to them whether to adopt them or not. When the children reach 18 years old, the parents let them support themselves. Only in this way can they survive and stand out in a highly commercialized competitive society. However, Americans also attach great importance to the spirit of cooperation. They follow the principle of “the minority obeys the majority”, and even the disagreeing minority will seriously implement the decision. In the workplace, everyone works together for work and will not be discriminated against because they are gay, celibate, or alcoholic. Such a cooperative atmosphere is very pleasant.
“Money” and “Spirit”
Americans don’t like people asking them how much they earn, mainly because in the US, money is an important measure of a person’s success, and the level of income naturally becomes a symbol of success. The rich do not want to show off, and the poor do not want to mention it. The relationship between American bosses and employees is largely based on money. The employee believes in “how much do you pay, how much effort I contribute”, and the boss believes in “how much effort you contribute, how much I pay”. Everything is done in accordance with the contract signed by the employer and the employee in advance. If overtime is required, the employee can refuse. Once there are better opportunities and better treatment, job-hopping is also commonplace. But the United States is not a “money-oriented” society. The vast majority of Americans believe in religion, with Christianity as the mainstay. For Americans, religion is not only a belief but also a spirit. It permeates all aspects of American life. Americans’ values, attitudes to life, and moral standards are influenced by religious thoughts to a considerable extent. Such as equality and freedom, friendship and mutual assistance, sympathy for the weak, respect for others, self-respect and self-reliance, and self-reliance are all derived from the value standards and life philosophy advocated in religious beliefs.
“Multi-ethnic integration” and “racial discrimination”
The United States is a multi-ethnic melting pot. There are not only Native Indians but also descendants of European and African immigrants, as well as descendants of Latin Americans and Asians. There are hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world every year. Legal or illegal immigrants flooded into the United States. Various cultures and religious beliefs continue to blend between different races. Various cultures and religious beliefs continue to blend between different races. But hidden racial discrimination still exists. Most blacks are still at the bottom of American society. Some Americans are also skeptical about the political credibility of people of color. People of color are also more difficult to get promoted than white people, and the percentage of important and senior positions held by people of color is low.