Understanding American Cultural Values

Read about some attributes of Americans that are often misunderstood by foreigners. Then use the dialogue above as a model to speak about Americans.

Shared history and geography often give rise to the perceptions that become incorporated into a nation's identity. Although America's communal history is relatively short, many U.S.- born citizens inherently display values that are rooted in historical events. As with any culture, Americans have distinguishable values that international students should try to understand so they can successfully adjust. While there are many American perceptions and behaviors that are worthy of discussion, the focus of this article is on five attributes of Americans that sometimes result in confusion or even clashes with members of outside cultures.

1. Equality - Considered important enough to be written into the U.S. Declaration of Independence, this concept has given rise to some of the nation's deepest beliefs, aspirations, and rights. Although it is not always achieved, Americans strive for equality. We commonly use the first names of our elders, professors, and lawyers - a lack of deference to age and authority that is commonly mistaken for disrespect or laziness by foreigners. Similarly, our sensitivity to disparity and unfairness causes us to be outraged when someone receives special privilege due to their family's wealth or notoriety.

2. Hard Work - Americans believe that through hard work and human endeavor, one can improve their status in life. Values such as thriftiness, hard work, and ingenuity go back to a time when pioneers began settling the western United States. There was so much land and so many opportunities, but it was dangerous and difficult. These conditions led to an adopted mentality of "work hard or perish" that has withstood the test of time and been passed down through generations.

3. Directness/Transparency - Americans are often perceived (sometimes negatively) as bold, especially in their professional dealings. One theory about this phenomenon is that, because the earliest U.S. citizens had vastly different backgrounds, languages, and expectations, they adopted a very direct approach so as to avoid misunderstandings. This characteristic can be seen as overbearing or rude in certain contexts.

4. Time-focused - Punctuality is another American quality that was likely transmitted from our northern European ancestors who resettled in the 1800s. Time-focused societies think that people who show up late are being disrespectful or unprofessional. Americans believe in deadlines and sticking to the agenda.

5. Individualism - This is also most likely rooted in America's history of immigrants who left families and support systems behind to start a new life. They needed to rely on themselves in order to be successful and thus became independent minded. Many Americans believe that this individualism translates directly to the freedoms outlined by the U.S. Declaration of Independence - the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." While the dogged pursuit of happiness can be viewed as childish or foolish in some cultures, Americans cherish the right to live according to one's own ideas of success and satisfaction.

Understanding the history behind common American values helps to put them into perspective. Schools can help their incoming foreign students by matching them up with a cultural mentor - another student from the local culture - who can explain the cultural roots of the American qualities that are often difficult to understand.

(Источник: http://www.usaeducationguides.com/guidance/articles/100125-understanding-american-values.jsp)

5. Have you ever been to Mexico? Have thought of visiting it? What do you now about this country and its people?

Work in pairs.

Student A has lived in Mexico for some time. (Read the information below if you don't know much about the country.)

Student B wants to visit this country soon and needs some information on the following: attitude to time, crime, racism, relationship with the USA, forbidden topics for conversation. (Think of possible questions.)

Mexicans have a more relaxed sense of time, so arriving 15 minutes later than scheduled is OK with them - not so in business environments when they are the customer, as they could get pretty upset if you arrive late.

Many foreigners think Mexico is 'wild country' where no laws are respected; it is a common mistake that often can land you in jail, specially if you are a foreigner.

While overt racism is uncommon, one of the inherited traits from Spanish rule is that the 'whiter' a person is, the more power and privileges are associated with him or her.

A related cultural conception to this is also the believe that beauty is a product of race, so people with European features can expect a lot of attention. However, people of Asian or African backgrounds can also be expected to receive more attention than when they were back home - specially women, see Machismo.

Machismo or male chauvinism is common in small towns and villages, but not so in larger cities. On such places, whistles and inappropriate comments directed to unaccompanied women are common as well.

Most Mexicans have a love-hate relationship with the United States: they love the huge success and resourcefulness of American people, but hate the US government policies that were used to reach such success: mainly the Mexican-American War lost territories and countless incursions into Mexico by the American military.

Most Mexicans are very conservative with traditional values but sympathize with liberal leaders such as JFK or Barack Obama.

Topics like sex, politics and anti-church ideas are a huge no-no when talking to a Mexican, unless you are talking to a young Mexican and have a closer relationship with him/her.

(Источник: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_some_cultural_values_in_Mexico)

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