On the final day of class, my professor gave a presentation
on a study conducted by a European organization on “How American Culture
Works.” The class laughed at me as I took meticulous notes on every detail, but
I wanted to make sure to share them with you. Once again, I think looking at
American customs from an outsiders perspective reveals a lot both about our culture and about those different from ours. It is not a matter of one being right or wrong, but a matter of recognizing the differences do exist.
- The three core beliefs of
American society are democracy, freedom, and consumerism. They support
each of these beliefs with strong Judeo-Christian values and a protestant
work ethic that favors progressing the society.
- American’s believe that
the hardest workers must be the best workers. If there is an important job
to do, Americans will give it to someone who is already busy because the
fact they are busy proves they are good at their job. This is reflected by
the popular American sayings, “No rest for the weary” and “Early to bed,
early to rise.”
- Most Americans (not all,
but most) are very ethnocentric and xenophobic. Most do not want to travel
because they think their country is superior to others and don’t want to
risk the danger of the rest of the world.
- Most Americans are very
opposed to immigration. They like their culture and do not appreciate
other groups trying to change it or challenge it. New practices and
behaviors scare them and they do not like anything that is different from
their routine way of life.
- Small talk and social
niceties are important to Americans. If you have a serious or
confrontational matter to discuss, American’s prefer that you talk around
the issue rather than confront it directly. It is polite to open with an
unrelated topic to star the conversation before focusing on the actual
matter you wish to confront.
- Americans feel free to
disagree with each other and usually do so bluntly. In conversation, it is
not uncommon for them to announce they do not like an idea being presented.
They will open debates with their friends and family and do not see
anything rude about having these conversations. They will even have them
in public or allow them to continue at length.
- Business cards are
unimportant in America. Rarely will people carry them for personal use.
They are almost always limited to professional relationships. It would be
unusual for an American to casually offer you his or her business card
unless he or she is interested in pursuing you as a client.
- American’s establish rules
and policies for everything. The US has more laws than any other country
in the world. They believe that the same rules apply to everyone and
exceptions are rarely made, even for family members or close friends.
- Consensus among a group is
not as important as progress. Americans would rather make a decision than
work through the details of trying to get everyone to agree. They do not
care if a minority (or sometimes even a large group) disagrees with a decision. As long as a decision is made,
Americans will be satisfied.
- American life is fast
paced. Their lunch hour is usually short and many professionals do not
even stop work for lunch. They plan lengthy activities for their kids
every day after school. It is important to Americans to always be busy. Their
busy lives are not private in any way. They frequently share how busy they
are with their friends and even with their acquaintances.
- Experts are highly valued
in American society. They will often do a lot of research before making
decisions. In order to introduce a product to an American, it is important
to have the proper experts support it (ie: doctors, dentists, etc.)
Science is seen as absolute truth in American society and they rarely
question new scientific findings.
- Rarely are Americans
receptive to touching. They will not embrace you nor enjoy being embraced.
Hugging among family and close friends is often acceptable, but it is not
common among casual friends or colleagues.
- In comparison to the
previous point, Americans strongly value handshakes. The firmer your
handshake indicates your professionalism and experience. Business people
especially are expected to have firm handshakes. Weak handshakes are
frowned upon and will usually earn you a lack of respect from Americans.
- Eye contact is also very
important to Americans. They will look you in the eye when they are
talking and when you are talking. If you break eye contact with an
American, they will assume you are being rude or dishonest.
- The question, “What do you
do?” in America always refers to occupation. This is a frequent topic of
conversation among Americans, and tends to be a safe subject to bring up.
- Americans typically look
relaxed when sitting. It is not uncommon for them to cross their legs or
elevate their feet to get comfortable. They have even been known to sit on
tables or rest their feet on desks. They also consider it very “suave” to
put your hands in your pockets. Crossing your arms is not seen as relaxed,
but rather as defensive.
- Americans almost always go
by their first name. Many will even have a nickname to make their first
name even more casual. It is usually polite to refer to an American by
their title (Mr., Mrs. , Ms., or Dr.) until you have been told their first name, however it is not
exceptionally taboo to just move to the first name.
- Americans frequently
complement each other. It is not uncommon for them to give casual
compliments to friends or even strangers. A man, for example, may
compliment a woman’s dress or appearance without implying anything sexual.
Additionally, members of the same gender will often complement each other.
It is considered polite to thank someone for a compliment and then respond
with a compliment for the other person.
- American’s love to laugh.
[At this point he singled me, the only American in the room out, and noted
that I was the only person who had audibly laughed at his jokes during the
three days of lecture.]
- Smoking is very frowned
upon in America.
- The five most taboo topics
in American conversation are: Religion, politics, abortion, race, and sex
- The five most acceptable
topics in American conversation are: Job, sports, travel, music, and
movies.
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