Getting to Know Americans

(Adapted from “Building Cross-Cultural Connections”; Luiza Dreasher, Stephanie Loeschen, Michelle Szabo, Sidi Tandia; Iowa State University, 1998)

Do you think everyone around the world is pretty much the same? Sure, people everywhere are born, go to school, fall in love, get jobs . . . But in every culture, people have figured out different ways of looking at life. They eat different food, speak different languages, even their traffic laws are different. A nod may mean “no” instead of “yes”, and;a wave of the hand may mean “come here” instead of “go away.”

So, what’s the best way to learn about other cultures? Start with your own. Of course, not all these generalizations will apply to you, but here is what anthropologists say makes the U.S. culture what it is:

Before we can begin to understand another culture, it is important to understand our own. This will help the traveler appreciate differences and similarities, and it will help prevent misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences.

When we talk bout cultures, we tend to generalize or even stereotype. In some respects, this is helpful in understanding patterns of behavior. However, it is wrong to assume that everyone in a given culture will display these characteristics.

As an American: you may recognize some of the qualities described in information below. You may even display some of the characteristics, or you may argue that you are “not like that”, and you may not be! Remember that this is simply a guide to consider and discuss. It may be helpful in identifying areas that are most problematic between the U.S. and many other cultures.

Individualism

• Most Americans think they are responsible for their own destiny. They feel one should live one’s own life and interfere with other’s lives as little as possible. They a believe that individuals are born with inalienable rights and freedom that no government, social institution, or person should take away. Americans admire individuals who are self-reliant, independent, productive , or successful despite adverse circumstances including physical disability.

• Consequently,, it is not wrong for one to take care of oneself and one’s property before that of a community.

Privacy

• Most Americans have a highly developed sense of privacy. It is assumed people need time to be alone and need private space for themselves and possessions. Also, Americans believe private thoughts that no one should force them to disclose.

• Disturbing an individual’s time and space is viewed negatively.

Self-Help and Achievement

• Americans believe individuals should help themselves and strive for a better life. Individuals are assumed to be capable of improving themselves physically, intellectually, and emotionally if they have strong motivations to succeed.

• Thus, Americans take pride in their personal accomplishments, not necessarily in their family’ lineage of achievements.

• Competition is considered good because it brings out the best people and rewards them for their achievements.

Work and Materialism

• Americans admire people who work hard an successfully complete tasks. A good worker is one who begins the task without delay, works quickly and efficiently, and completes the task in a way that meets the standard of high quality.

• Americans view accumulation of quality material possessions as a sign of success. People are often defined by their job types (for example, blue-collar, white-collar, etc.) or by how much wealth they have. Private possessions are respected and used only with the owner’s approval.

• Greater accumulation of material goods insures a better future for individuals and their family members.

Informality

• Americans tend to be informal in their speech, dress, and posture. For example, they tend to use first names or given names in conversations even with people of higher or senior status. Hierarchy is recognized but not idolized.

• People of higher status usually consider themselves average persons. Bosses may roll up their sleeves to help their workers.

Assertiveness and Honesty

• Americans value frankness, openness, and directness in dealings with other people. They believe that people should explicitly state what they think and want from others. People who plainly and directly express their feelings and requests are considered to be assertive. Parents encourage their children early in childhood to be assertive by involving them in activities that develop this skill.

• Americans also believe in being honest with others and telling the truth even if it may embarrass the other person. They believe that openness and honesty will be better for relationships in the future.

• Americans often settle conflicts by talking directly to the people involved.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

• Americans regard a clean workplace, a clean living space, and a clean look as positive qualities. Personal hygiene is important to most Americans. It is common that they use scented laundry detergents, softeners soaps, deodorants, and perfumes form themselves after showers.

• “Looking good” and “feeling good” are terms that one can hear in daily conversations.

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