Question

Can American culture be clearly defined? Why or why not? (not psychology but the closest subject)

Can American culture be clearly defined? Why or why not? (not psychology but the closest subject)

Homework Answers

Answer #1
  • There's no singular thing as American culture, obviously. There are several variants depending on where you go. Some places inherently have more conservative values, some places are politer, some places are more "liberated".
  • That said, an overarching umbrella representing the American culture would likely involve the following attributes: liberty, individualism, autonomy, ideas/thoughts/rationale over sensitivities/feelings/emotions, consumerism.
  • Liberty: One of the three "inalienable rights" mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, and possibly the only indisputable item on this list. It is the freedom to not have to answer to a tyrannical entity, not being dictated what to do, and instead the freedom to pursue what you choose to of your own volition, being free to face the consequences.
  • Individualism: Elevation of the self over community; personal freedoms take priorities over community needs. Matriarchies/patriarchies are muted compared to other cultures. You work for yourself, your children earn their keep. Even if your marriage is not working out, your sanity and needs are paramount.
  • Autonomy: The idea of being in self-control of your own future. You're personally free to do what you please, but you also enjoy/suffer the consequences of your own actions. If there's anyone to blame for the state of your own life, it's yourself and none other. The system exists to support your autonomous functioning in the best way possible.
  • Ideas over sensitivities: Most of the time, the best idea wins. Of course, politics cannot be completely eliminated, but hierarchical relationships are suppressed in the professional atmosphere. And everyone is expected to question and root out bad ideas, regardless of whom it may offend. You have the right to offend as well as the right to (not) take offense. This quality is one of the drivers of innovation as understood in the American culture.
  • Consumerism: The culture largely promotes consumerism - although this may seem negative to an outsider, it is the driver of "producerism" too. i.e. innovation. Everything is geared around having more money in circulation in the economy. Hoarding money is de-emphasized and considered to be contrarian to the economic principle of capitalism.
  • With only minor variation in these core principles, even mainstream Americans come in all shapes and sizes, with hugely differing beliefs. But quintessentially, it is these core values that forms the glue that binds Americans together.
  • In general American culture promotes real diversity, not the cultural war that is so often called diversity by the Left. Want to eat a style of food go for it, even if your ethnicity is not the same as the food. Follow your taste buds not your heritage. Listen to music that moves you not music prescribed too you by somebody else. Most other cultures in the world have strong social pressure to act, dress, speak and act in certain ways.
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