What is American Culture?

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 There are many cultures in every country. The United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. People have their own traditions, and celebrate their own holidays differently than other people. Everyone is completely different, and do each thing differently due to their culture and what that person grew up doing. There is no official language in America. Every language in the world like Spanish, Chinese, Aerobic etc. are all spoken by a variety of individuals. Some states have official languages like, English and Hawaiian is the official languages in Hawaii. Religion is also a big part of American culture nearly, every known religion is practiced in the United States. The religion in the United States was founded on the bias of religious freedom. The number of people who identify with no religion seems to be increasing. 

 For international students American Culture can be difficult for that certain person. Many suggested that you may want to familiarize yourself with American Culture before your departure. There is also many values such as Independence, Equality, Informality, and Directness. A way to learn about a culture is to participate in the traditions like April Fool's Day, Valentine's Day etc. Independence is also very important in American Culture, the idea of being self-sufficient is valued highly in the United States. Many American kids, and teenagers leave home for a good amount of time due to going to summer camps, or traveling. Americans also choose colleges and universities far from home , so that they can pursue careers and studies on their own. Also, the American cuisine was influenced by Europeans and Native Americans in its early history. There are many foods that are identified as American, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. In many cultures there is also many types of foods that are specific to many regions. Southern-style, Tex-Mex, Spanish and Mexican are very popular dishes and is also very good food. People make different dishes due to their culture and what that person was brought up preparing (a certain dish). 


 Basically after stating all this information, American Culture is primarily Western, but is influenced by African, Native Americans, Asian, Polynesian etc. And also social and cultural characteristics, like dialect, music, arts etc. Many individuals can speak different languages or just even one language.  Everyone is different in their own way. Just as cultures around the world have influenced American Culture, today American Culture influences the world. The American culture is also a collective identity that is constantly changing, evolving, and of course always growing. It is also a source of strength appeal as well.  








Comments

  1. I enjoy how you mentioned American cuisine because while I was brainstorming, I was truly wondering what could constitute as purely American food. It's funny realizing that even though the concept of hot dogs are known primarily as American food, it's origins can be traced back to Germany. It just goes to show how America has been influenced in many ways by so many different cultures. I agree that American culture will continue to grow gradually in the years to come!

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  2. I'm a bit confused in paragraph 1--you say the numbers of people identifying as not religious are decreasing. Isn't it actually the opposite? Take a look at this data from the PEW Research Center: http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise/

    Can you go into more detail about American culture? You have an overview here that hits on some of the points--dialect and slang, for example. My mom was from Massachusetts, and whenever we visited relatives there, they spoke in a way that my sister and I had to adjust to. For example, my cousins said everything was "Wicket cool" in which they meant "wicked" as an adjective. My mom never pronounced her "R"s, either, so the word "car" sounded like "caah." This is really different than my Afghani and Ghanian immigrant neighbors, and even friends and family who have lived in Virginia for generations. The way words are pronounced are different, and the holidays celebrated the food shared is quite different, too. But what I've noticed recently is that family is primary, food is shared, and celebration is universal.

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