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You certainly have heard stories, good or bad,
about American people. You also probably have preconceived
ideas from having met Americans before or from films and television
programs that color your impression of what Americans are
and what they do. However, American society is enormously
diverse and complex and cannot be reduced only to a few stories
or stereotypes. Important differences exist between geographical
regions, between rural and urban areas, and between social
classes. In addition, the presence of millions of immigrants
who came to the United States from all corners of the world
with their own culture and values adds even more variety and
flavor to American life.
The characteristics described below represent that image
of U.S. society that is thought of as being "typically
American."
Individuality
Probably above everything else, Americans consider themselves
individuals. There are strong family ties and strong loyalties
to groups, but individuality and individual rights are most
important. If this seems like a selfish attitude, it also
leads Americans to an honest respect for other individuals
and an insistence on human equality.
Related to this respect for individuality are American traits
of independence and self-reliance. From an early age, children
are taught to "stand on their own two feet," an
idiom meaning to be independent. You may be surprised to learn
that most U.S. students choose their own classes, select their
own majors, follow their own careers, arrange their own marriages,
and so on, instead of adhering to the wishes of their parents.
Honesty and frankness are two more aspects of American individuality,
and they are more important to Americans than personal honor
or "saving face." Americans may seem blunt at times,
and in polite conversations they may bring up topics and issues
that you find embarrassing, controversial, or even offensive.
Americans are quick to get to the point and do not spend much
time on social niceties. This directness encourages Americans
to talk over disagreements and to try to patch up misunderstandings
themselves, rather than ask a third party to mediate disputes.
Again, "individuality" is the key word when describing
Americans, whether it is their personalities or their style
of dress. Generally though, Americans like to dress and entertain
informally and treat each other in a very informal way, even
when there is a great difference in age or social standing.
Students and professors often call each other by their first
names. International students may consider this informality
disrespectful, even rude, but it is part of American culture.
Although there are times when Americans are respectful of,
and even sentimental about, tradition, in general there is
little concern for set social rules.
Competitiveness
Americans place a high value on achievement and this leads
them to constantly compete against each other. You will find
friendly, and not-so-friendly, competition everywhere. The
American style of friendly joking or banter, of "getting
in the last word," and the quick and witty reply are
subtle forms of competition. Although such behavior is natural
to Americans, some international students might find it overbearing
and disagreeable.
Americans can also be obsessed with records of achievement
in sports, in business, or even in more mundane things. Books
and movies, for example, are sometimes judged not so much
on quality but on how many copies are sold or on how many
dollars of profit are realized. In the university as well,
emphasis is placed on achievement, on grades, and on one's
grade point average (GPA).
On the other hand, even if Americans are often competitive,
they also have a good sense of teamwork and of cooperating
with others to achieve a specific goal.
Measuring Success
Americans are often accused of being materialistic and driven
to succeed. How much money a person has, how much profit a
business deal makes, or how many material goods an individual
accumulates is often their definition of success. This goes
back to American competitiveness. Most Americans keep some
kind of appointment calendar and live according to schedules.
They always strive to be on time for appointments. To international
students, American students seem to always be in a hurry,
and this often makes them appear rude. However, this attitude
makes Americans efficient, and they usually are able to get
many things done, in part, by following their schedules.
Many Americans, however, do not agree with this definition
of success; they enjoy life's simple pleasures and are neither
overly ambitious nor aggressive. Many Americans are materially
successful and still have time to appreciate the cultural,
spiritual, and human aspects of life.
For more information on American society and values, visit
http://usinfo.state.gov/USA/socval.htm.
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