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LECTURE 9 AMERICAN CULTURAL TRAITS In this lecture the attempt is made to show what Americans do in the areas of life in which you are most apt to meet them. If you know what their customs and traits are like, you will find your encounters with Americans both more fruitful and more pleasant. I will speak on the following:
Key Words and Proper Names: abundance of resources, “be your own boss,” “can-do” spirit, casual personal style, contentment, cultural pattern, do-it-yourselfer, harmonious, homogenous, individualism, mobility, mystifying, nuclear family, privacy, profit-oriented, prosperity, self-sacrificing, small talk, suing, transient society, volunteerism; Protestantism, Puritan, Samaritan, Spanglish, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Survival experiences explain why Americans idealize whatever is practical. In America, what works is what counts. Most pioneers who went west had not trained themselves in prairie farming or sod house construction, but they trusted they would be able to devise workable solutions to the daily problems and dangers they faced. Inventiveness was necessary for survival. American practicality is usually the most important consideration when decisions are to be made. As a result, Americans place less emphasis on the subjective, aesthetic, emotional or consensual decisions. Material goods are seen as the just rewards of hard-work, the evidence of "God's favor." Americans are seen as caring more for things than people or relationships. The “can-do”spirit is something that Americans are proud of today. They like to think they are natural-born do-it-yourselfers. Only in the U.S.A. you find such a variety of “how-to” books and self-service opportunities. There are do-it-yourself books on everything from how to build and repair your own engine to how to be your own best friend. Americans prefer whatever is quick and practical. Volunteerism: The do-it-yourself spirit is also known as volunteerism in American community and political life. Volunteerism means people helping people through privately-initiated, rather than government-sponsored, agencies. Volunteers, usually unpaid, are highly motivated workers who organize themselves and others to solve a particular community problem or meet an immediate social need, rather than waiting for someone else — usually the government — to do it. Volunteerism reflects Americans’ optimistic pride in their ability to work out practical solutions themselves. Mobility: The pragmatism of Americans and their trust in an abundance of resources relates to the American habit of mobility. As a nation of immigrants, Americans have always shared the assumption that the practical solution to a problem is to move elsewhere and make a fresh start. After all, this is the attitude that settled the West. Change is seen as positive and good. This means progress, improvement and growth. Americans are an established transient society geographically, economically and socially. Mobility in America is a sign of optimism. Pioneers made the arduous journey westward because they believed they could establish a better life for themselves and their children. Now, Americans move from place to place with the same sense of optimism, hoping to secure a better job or enjoy a warmer climate. Moving about from place to place is such a common and accepted practice that most Americans take it for granted that they may live in four or five cities during their lifetime, perhaps buying a house and then reselling it each time they move. When Americans go house-hunting, their foremost concern is usually how profitably they will be able to resell the house. A comfortable, well-designed house is desirable if it has a good resale value. Americans hate to feel that buying a house might immobilize them forever, thereby inhibiting their chances of bettering their lives. Future Outlook: Americans are profoundly future-oriented. Whereas other societies look to the past for guidance, Americans cast their nets forward. They have a nearly exclusive respect for the future and what it will bring. It's the belief in a brighter future that gives them optimism. Whereas most peoples see their histories as cycles of good times and bad times, Americans see theirs as ones of constant improvement. Americans trust that they have the power to affect the course of events. Even these days, when not all progress seems positive (nuclear weapons, air pollution, unemployment, loss of world power, etc.), the belief remains that for every problem there is a rational solution. If it's themselves they must change, they do so. The notion that the present can always be improved accounts for Americans being in such a hurry. The contemplative man accepts the world as it is; the active man changes it. It is change that Americans believe in. Consequently, to say that somebody is "very energetic" (no matter in what cause) is one of American highest compliments. Self-Improvement: It is doubtful whether there are anywhere else in the world people so intent on improving themselves. Americans' nearly unique belief in progress includes the proposition that individuals can change their natures - or failing that, at least their bodies. Foreigners tend to be skeptical of these American efforts. Russian (Slavic) people may think of the kinds of self-improvement, which Americans go in for, as just superficial fads (прихоти). Russians understand the idea of self-improvement as moral. But in the U.S., it is true that not many people are intent on becoming better (i.e., more loving, self-sacrificing). Few of Americans want to live for others. Psychologists have made sainthood unfashionable by determining that it's the maladjusted or badly adjusted person who wants to be a saint. Americans say that they must love themselves before they can love other people. So Americans are trying to. But foreigners may mistake the outer bluster for the real thing. Actually, the competitive atmosphere in which Americans live makes people very critical of themselves. Depression is a major problem, particularly among women. Furthermore, the belief in progress suggests that life ought to be constantly getting better and better. As it usually isn't, Americans believe that they must find what's wrong and repair it. Many foreigners claim, that Americans simply make problems for themselves. With plenty to eat and a good job, what could be wrong? But even abundance brings problems of its own, when one realizes that money isn't everything. We may suspect that there is some grave difficulty in American culture that large numbers of people are searching with some desperation for self-fulfillment. It is likely that in the single-minded pursuit of achievement, some very important aspects of life are neglected. Choice in education: Freedom determines freedom of choices. Education is regarded as the key to many choices and opportunities, including financial security. Americans take a pragmatic approach to learning, so what one learns outside the classroom through internships, extracurricular activities and the like is often considered as important as what is learned in the classroom. Consequently, lifelong learning is valued which results in many adult and continuing education programs. Americans have many choices. In school they decide their major field of study, perhaps with or without their parents’ influence, and students select some of their courses. These “elective” courses often confuse foreign students who may expect a more rigid curriculum. The belief that Americans should “be all that you can be” arises from their Protestant heritage. Since the majority of the early settlers were Protestants, they believed that they had a responsibility to improve themselves, to be the best they could be, to develop their talents, and to help their neighbors. These convictions have not only influenced the U.S. educational system, but are often reflected in the U.S. foreign policy. What some might consider meddling in other people’s affairs, others believe is fulfilling a moral obligation. Privacy: Privacy is associated with the value of freedom. It includes freedom from outer world interference in private or family matters. On the other hand, the notion of individual privacy makes it difficult for Americans to make friends and adapt to other cultures’ customs and habits. Because Americans respect privacy, they may not go much beyond a friendly “hello.” The right to privacy is a notion that runs deep in American culture. Both respected and defended, privacy is considered fundamental to a free society. Americans carry this right like a shield; while they are often very warm and welcoming hosts, their homes are considered quiet places where they can think and recharge their energy. In the U.S., it is inappropriate to visit even close friends without calling ahead. Even though Americans often tell guests to make themselves at home, this invitation should not be interpreted literally. Some Americans have difficulty understanding those who always want to be with others or who dislike being alone. Because U.S. culture is rather informal, it is sometimes difficult to know where privacy boundaries lie. Three questions that you should not ask Americans are: How old are you?; How much money do you make?; and How much do you weigh? Generally, Americans will only ask these questions of close friends and in private, and even then, they might be considered too forward. Americans are what is known as a "non-contact people." Outside of hugs given while greeting and parting, touching - among adults - is generally limited- to occasions when its sexual connotations are acceptable. If in a moment of warmth, a Russian man rests his hand on an American man's thigh, the American is stricken. Could this be an improper advance? Likewise, two American men would never hold hands. Nor would two American women, although they would not be as put off by the whole idea as men are. Many Americans are envious of people who can reach out freely and affectionately, but their strong sense of the private space around each person inhibits them. In conversation, Americans usually stand at least an arm's length apart and are made uncomfortable by people who press closer. They are careful not to breathe into people's faces. Directness and openness: Americans value their privacy, but they are also taught to be open and direct. If they think you aren‘t being open and honest with them, then they may believe you are hiding something. They may be quite uncomfortable dealing with individuals who are reserved and less direct. Many Americans equate directness with trustworthiness. Newcomers may be relieved to know that in the U.S., unlike in other cultures where what is said can be quite different from what is meant, no usually means no and yes usually means yes. Americans will often speak openly about things they dislike. However, they will try to do so in a respectful manner. One can only trust people who "look you in your eyes" and "tell it like it is". Truth is a function of reality not of circumstance. People tend to tell the "truth" and not worry about saving the other person's "face" or "honor". Criticism should be delivered constructively—in a manner the other person will not find offensive or unacceptable. If Americans do not speak openly about what is on their minds, they will often convey their reactions in nonverbal ways, like facial expressions, body position, and gestures. Americans are often reluctant to speak openly about sexual functioning and personal inadequacies. They may avoid saying ― no to a request because they don‘t want to offend or hurt someone‘s feelings. Americans might not speak feely when they are not well acquainted with someone and they are not confident that the discussion will be understood in the way intended. Despite these limitations, Americans are generally direct and open. To them, being honest is usually more important than preserving harmony in interpersonal relationships. Americans are not taught, as in some other countries, to mask their emotional responses. It is considered proper to display their feelings, at least within limits. If they are tired or unhappy, you will hear it in their voice, or see it in their face. You can see this in the face of television newscasters when they deliver unpleasant news. Even in a highly public and professional context, speakers take the honest direct approach and are not afraid to appear shaken by tragedies or disasters. Friendliness:One distinguishing characteristic of Americans is openness to strangers. Practically everyone agrees that Americans are friendly. Very few Americans care to put on snobbish airs, even if they secretly regard themselves as far above the crowd. The President of the U.S.A. permanently emphasizes what a regular guy he is. A college professor who goes fishing with plumbers will boast about it; he too is one of the boys, not an intellectual in an ivory tower. Thus, the friendly "Hi" to whom-so-ever is a demonstration that Americans subscribe to the code of democracy and the creed of equality. It's an acknowledgement that whoever you are, you have rights. Foreigners find it striking that on city streets, people will nod and smile to them. Not to say hello to a neighbor is a breach of etiquette. Friendly - Not Friends: Saying hello doesn't commit you to anything. Friendliness should not be confused with friendship. Many foreigners slip up here, and mistakenly think that that boundless cordiality means they're going to have lots of friends. Then they become disillusioned and think Americans are terribly superficial and shallow in their friendships. But most of the people Americans refer to as "friends" are really acquaintances. Emotions:Americans do not consider it necessary to hide their emotions. On the contrary, they often seem to be exaggerating them. Enthusiasm, for instance, rises to levels of seeming unbelievability ("It's great to see you- You look fabulous. Let's have lunch soon.") For a girl, it is desirable to have what is called a "bubbly" personality. The above glad sentiments don't mean much more than, "It is agreeable to be having this exchange on the street corner, and I may or may not be serious about lunch." The pleasantries are not phony as they leave both parties with a nice glow. Americans will even verbalize their warmth in statements such as "I like you" (which convinces the Asian that Americans are excessive for sure). Happiness can be loudly proclaimed in big smiles, gestures, and statements: "This is marvelous, best news I've ever heard." But unlike many Asians, Americans smile only around good news or happy feelings. An American often smiles, but not when embarrassed or confused, nor would an American deliver bad news with a smile. Expressing sadness does not come easily to Americans. Sorrow interferes with their upbeat, optimistic view of life, and people who are sad do not find ready acceptance. Talking: Americans can be very exuberant, warm people. They often speak fairly loudly compared to speakers from other cultures, because they believe it is important to be assertive. To international visitors, it may seem as if they are angry. They may be simply expressing their opinion as clearly and directly as possible. Anger is more acceptable in the U.S. culture than in some other cultures. If Americans believe they have been wronged, they think it necessary to let their feelings show. Stand your ground is common advice in an unfair situation. An out - of-control temper tantrum is never looked upon favorably, but is it expected that an individual will not be afraid to strongly stand by a point. Americans are taught to look into the eyes of the person with whom they are speaking. Looking down or elsewhere is considered a sign of dishonesty or untrustworthiness. Still, American speakers do not stare continuously into each other‘s eyes – they look away from time to time. When they are being reprimanded by a superior such as a parent, boss or teacher, they learn to look down or away from the speaker. To do otherwise is considered disrespectful. Americans are not comfortable with pauses in conversation. Research has shown that they are uncomfortable with silences that last longer than three seconds. In other cultures, conversational pauses can last seven seconds or longer. Americans learn to fill these silences. If they ask a question and an answer is not immediately forthcoming, they will begin speaking again. As a newcomer, if you have difficulty responding to a question right away, you should feel free to say Hmmmm or let me think in order to hold your place in the conversation. You could also rephrase the question. When Americans first encounter another person, they often engage in small talk. They may discuss the weather or their physical surroundings such as the room or building they are in. The conversation often proceeds to common experiences such as television programs, travel to other places, or eating in local restaurants. Personal finances, religion, and politics are topics that are generally avoided in polite conversation. Listening to American small talk could lead you to conclude that Americans are intellectually incapable of discussion topics more complex than weather, sports or their social lives. It is important to understand that, in America, small talk is often used to break the ice; in other words, it is a way to allow people to become acquainted. |