Cross-Cultural Training

Lesson 2: What is your culture?

The Typical American Position

If you completed the activity in the previous lesson, you'll know your views regarding the thirteen aspects of culture that are to follow. Now you'll discover the typical American views.

Attitude Towards Age

Americans do not really value age for two basic reasons:

1. Americans value accomplishments and getting things done. The older you are, the less you are perceived to be able to get things done.
2. Americans value "newness." Older Americans are seen as not being "with it." They may be less likely, and less eager, to adopt something new than younger generations.

Concept of Fate and Destiny

Americans don't leave much up to Fate and Destiny. They believe in self-determination. You can do whatever you want to do with your life and, most importantly, you are the one in charge. If you don't succeed, you have no one, and nothing, to blame but yourself.

View of Human Nature

Americans basically consider people to be trustworthy and good. Because of this, they are pretty friendly to strangers. They tend to look for the reasons why people go bad.

Attitude Towards Change

Americans love progress and are constantly seeking perfection. You can't have either without change, so change is a good thing. Traditions have their place, but they should not be the ruling force.

Attitude Towards Taking Risk

One of the things that I took comfort in when starting my own business endeavors was the fact that many of the successful businessmen we know of today had their share of failures and disappointments. But that was ok. They simply learned from their mistakes and moved on. That exemplifies the American view towards taking risk. Failure is seen as a temporary setback. You will only improve your product via trial and error and if you don't succeed at one endeavor, there are plenty of other opportunities just waiting to be tackled.

Concept of Suffering and Misfortune

If you are unhappy, it's your own fault. You are the one in charge of your life and destiny, so find what it is that makes you happy and do it.

Sources of Self Esteem/Self Worth

In America, you are the maker of your own self worth instead of being born into it or being given it due to your position, rank, or age. You earn your own self esteem.

Concept of Equality

One of the things that the first settlers wanted to leave behind was the disabilitating class structure that was found in Europe. Because of this, American culture revolves around the notion of egalitarianism. Everyone is of equal value regardless of birth, power, fame, or wealth.

Attitude Towards Formality

Basically because of the concept that everyone is of equal value, Americans are usually pretty casual and informal when it comes to social and professional interactions. Americans don't stand on ceremony and don't really use titles or pay much attention to rank.

Degree of Realism

Americans are optimistic. One of the reasons could be the fact that they see themselves as being the ones in control. Americans tend to see things better than they are at times.

Attitude Towards Doing

Not only do you achieve because of what you do, but your survival is based on it. You can't depend on others. Mere talk gets you nowhere and while the arts are nice, it's the activities that lead to concrete results that are of the highest value.

View of the Natural World

There's nothing unnatural about the natural world. It can be studied, predicted, and even manipulated and controlled.

How did your views compare? Even if you personally don't agree with all of the typical American views, it's important to remember that these are the views that those from other cultures may think you have before they get to know you. In the beginning they will identify you only as an American, not as an individual.

For Discussion:

Can you think of any actions in American society that exemplifies these attitudes? For example, American's attitude towards age is exemplified by the images of physical beauty and youth we see in the media.

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