What Defines American Culture?
What defines the American culture is no easy question to
answer. America consist of multiple communities that have their own set of
customs, ideals, traditions and beliefs that make them who they are. Aside from
what each community practices, when they come together as Americans, natives or
inhabitants of the United States they form, the closest picture of what the American
culture can be seen as.
Merriam-
Webster defines culture as the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social
group. All communities in the United States have their own beliefs, forms, and
traits. From the way they dress to the way they celebrate holidays. For instance, African American
culture is more group
oriented, an example being that on celebrations and special occasions, family
and friends from everywhere gather together. Hispanic or Latino American
culture has a “nucleus”.
That nucleus being family. Pacific Islanders'
cultures follow customs and traditions based on ancient principles that promote
living an honorable and noble life, full of fun and family communication. These
are examples of how each community has their own “true” way of being an
American. However, culture goes far beyond the line of race or ethnicity. It can involve sports or even politics, with each community having their own set of ideals. This does not mean that one community's ideals and traditions can not influence that of another. Over time different cultures evolve and grow based on these influences.
As of 2017, the
United States Census Bureau estimated the U.S. population to be 325,719,178.
That is over 300 million people with different backgrounds, stories, and histories.
That is over 300 million people with different beliefs, customs, and
traditions. When people bring together their own versions of what it is to be
an American and fulfill traditions that have been in place for years such as, standing
when the Star-Spangled Banner is being sang, or putting our hands on our chest
when saying the Pledge of allegiance, it is proven that regardless of all the differences
between each community there is always some common ground.
All things considered, the ideal American does not exist,
therefore there can not be just one plain and simple definition of the American
Culture.
Thank you for this post. I think what's interesting is that we all are part of multiple American cultures concurrently. There is the genetic family culture that you mention here--what your family identifies as, and who belongs by birth or adoption). Then there are other cultures: musical interest, sport, political affiliation, the arts, etc. that people can "cross" over as they gain access too over time.
ReplyDeleteEven your note about "hands on chest" when saying the Pledge of Allegiance is a recent convention, as is the "under god" part of the pledge. Cultures adapt and change over time. This just makes me wonder--where are we going from here?
I find the point you mentioned that there are more than 300 million ideas and beliefs very interesting and I have never thought to think of it. I also find it interesting that in all that many people there is a common ground and agreement.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very interesting about American cultures. Could you add what cultures have different beliefs and etc? I agree, each community has their own way of being an American. What changes in the cultures over time? You did a great job explaining the few communities above. Overall, great blog post!
ReplyDelete