American Culture

• What Americans generally believe
a. All people are equal and deserve an equal opportunity in life
b. Everyone should be treated fairly and with the same level of respect
c. Everyone is free to be an individual
d. Not everyone has to conform to a single ideology or behavior
e. Individuality and self expression are encouraged
f. Competition brings out the best in people and in business
g. Everyone is responsible for taking control of their own life and in determining their own future
h. Change is good and necessary for progress and improvement
i. Tradition is not as valued in America as it in other cultures
j. It is best to be honest and direct.
k. Rationality is more important than emotion when making decisions
l. Americans are most interested in “the bottom line” – the best decision is the one that has the most productive outcome, usually measured in dollars and cents 

• What Americans love
a. Their country. Americans are very patriotic. Americans are proud of their country and their way of life
b. Americans value their free time. They will spend their free time doing something for themselves, their family, or their community.
c. Americans are very charitable
d. Americans love outdoor activities and sports – play sports, watch sports or go to sporting events