10 Things You Should Know About American Culture
13 August 2024
At aparto we like celebrating the diversity of our student body, which includes people from all over the world. With over 330 million people and a huge area of about 3.8 million square miles, the United States brings its unique flavour to our community. Our American students share their traditions, customs, and experiences, making aparto a truly global and welcoming place for everyone. Follow us to discover more about American culture!
Table of contents:
What is American culture?
American culture is a mix of different traditions and values from many backgrounds. Important values like freedom, equality, individualism, hard work, and innovation are key to American life. Religion is also important and influences many customs and celebrations.
Popular parts of American culture include music, movies, sports, and fast food, which are known worldwide. Americans love to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, showing their national pride and community spirit.
In daily life, family, education, and community involvement are very important and help shape the culture. Keep reading to learn more about the different parts that make up American culture.
What defines American culture?
1. Historical background
American culture has grown and changed over many years, influenced by Native Americans, European settlers, African slaves, and immigrants from around the world. Important events like the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement have also helped shape it. In this section, we'll look at the history that has made American culture what it is today.
American culture has been shaped by a variety of people and significant events. It started with Native American tribes, who had their own unique traditions and languages. When Europeans arrived in 1492, they began establishing settlements, with the Spanish, French, and English playing major roles. The arrival of the first African slaves in 1619 added new cultural influences.
The formation of the 13 British colonies in the 1600s eventually led to the American Revolution and independence in 1776. In the 1800s and early 1900s, waves of immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe brought new ideas and customs, enriching the cultural landscape.
The Civil War (1861-1865) ended slavery, and the Reconstruction era aimed to integrate freed slaves into society. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw industrial growth and more immigration from Europe and Asia. The 20th century was marked by World Wars I and II and the Civil Rights Movement, which sought greater equality.
Today, ongoing immigration from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, along with global connections through technology and media, continues to shape American culture.
2. Official and spoken languages
While the United States doesn't have an official language, English is the most widely spoken and used for most government, education, and business activities. Spanish is the second most common language, reflecting the large Hispanic population.
The country is also home to many other languages spoken by immigrant communities, such as Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, Korean, and German. Native American languages also contribute to the country's rich linguistic heritage.
3. Core values and beliefs
American culture is built on several core values and beliefs that shape the nation's identity and way of life. These principles guide how Americans live, work, and interact with each other and the world. Here are some of the most important values that define American society:
Freedom: In America, freedom means having the rights to express oneself, practise any religion freely, and take part in the democratic process. It emphasises personal freedom and the chance to follow one's ambitions without interference from others.
Individualism: Individualism in American culture stresses the importance of self-reliance and the belief that success comes from personal effort and initiative. This value encourages people to innovate, grow personally, and contribute diverse perspectives to society.
The American Dream: The American Dream is the idea that everyone should have the chance to achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. It promises economic and social mobility, allowing people to improve their lives regardless of their background.
Pursuit of Happiness: The pursuit of happiness means individuals have the right to seek personal fulfilment and wellbeing in their lives. This can be through career achievements, education, or other personal goals, emphasising the importance of personal satisfaction.
Equality: Equality is a key American ideal, highlighting that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities under the law. This principle has driven movements for civil rights, gender equality, and social justice, ensuring fairness for all individuals.
Democracy: Democracy in America is based on the belief that the government should be accountable to its citizens. People have the right to participate in decision-making through voting and civic engagement, ensuring that their voices shape the nation's policies and laws.
4. Etiquette
In the United States, good manners show respect and consideration for others. Here are some simple rules that guide polite behaviour in American society:
- Respecting privacy: Personal boundaries are important. Asking about someone's private life or finances is considered rude unless they choose to share.
- Tipping: In restaurants, it's normal to tip servers around 15-20% of the bill for good service. This is an important part of their pay.
- Queue etiquette: People are expected to wait their turn in line. Cutting in line is seen as impolite and disrespectful.
- Greetings and politeness: Common greetings include handshakes or saying "hello." Using polite phrases like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" is important to show respect and consideration.
5. Religion and spirituality
In the United States, people follow many different religions, like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. These beliefs shape moral values and help build strong communities. Many Americans find comfort and support through their religious practices and rituals.
Religion is important in many people's lives, but the government stays neutral and does not favour any religion. This separation of church and state ensures everyone can practise their faith freely. This mix of religious diversity and government neutrality is a key part of American society, influencing culture and ethics.
6. Popular culture
American popular culture has a big impact in the United States and around the world. In this section, we’ll look at how American music, movies, TV shows, and sports influence people everywhere. We'll highlight famous artists, actors, and athletes who have shaped entertainment and trends globally.
American Music:
- Jazz: Originated in New Orleans, known for rhythmic variations and improvisation. Famous artists include Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis.
- Rock: Emerged in the 1950s with energetic and rebellious sounds. Influential figures include Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.
- Hip-Hop: Born in New York City, it features storytelling and rhythmic beats. Key artists include Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, and Eminem.
- Modern Pop and Country: Encompassing a blend of pop, country, and folk influences, modern American music has seen the rise of artists like Taylor Swift, who is known for her storytelling, evolving musical style, and significant cultural impact.
Hollywood:
- Movies: Classic films like "Casablanca" and "The Godfather" are known for their storytelling and cinematic excellence. Popular franchises include Star Wars and Harry Potter.
- TV Shows: Series like "Friends," "Game of Thrones," and "The Simpsons" have become cultural staples. They influence fashion and everyday conversations.
- Celebrities: Stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Dwayne Johnson are famous worldwide, showcasing Hollywood's impact.
American Sports:
- Baseball: Known as America's favourite pastime. Legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson have left lasting legacies.
- Basketball: Invented in Massachusetts, with global icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant celebrated for their skills.
- American Football: Popular for its strategic complexity and physicality. Major events like the Super Bowl feature stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
7. Food and cuisine
American food is a mix of different flavours and traditions from around the world. Immigrants brought their recipes, adding to the variety of dishes enjoyed today.
Italian Influence: Pasta dishes and pizza are now favourite American foods.
Chinese Influence: Dishes like chop suey and dim sum are popular.
Mexican Influence: Tacos, burritos, and salsa are enjoyed across the country.
Popular American dishes include:
Burgers: Served with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and various toppings. A favourite at barbecues and diners.
Hot Dogs: Typically eaten with mustard, ketchup, and relish in a bun. Common street food and stadium snacks.
Apple Pie: Known for its flaky crust and cinnamon apple filling. Often served with vanilla ice cream, it evokes a sense of home.
American cuisine keeps evolving with new influences, creating a dynamic mix of flavours that shape its food culture today.
8. Celebrations and Holidays
Celebrations and holidays in the United States are full of traditions and customs, showing the country’s cultural diversity and history. Here are some major holidays:
- Thanksgiving: Families and friends gather for a big meal with roast turkey and pumpkin pie. It’s a time to give thanks and enjoy togetherness.
- Fourth of July: Marked by fireworks, parades, and barbecues. It celebrates the country’s independence with community and patriotism.
- Christmas: Combines religious observance with festive cheer. Families decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and enjoy holiday meals.
These holidays bring people together, creating moments of joy, reflection, and shared traditions throughout the year.
9. Everyday Life
Everyday life in the United States is shaped by hard work, education, family, and community involvement. These values influence how Americans live and interact with each other, showing their commitment to personal and community growth.
Hard work is highly valued in the United States. Many Americans take pride in their dedication to their jobs, believing it leads to personal success and fulfilment.
Education is very important. Prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford symbolise high academic achievement and career advancement. Getting a good education is seen as key to personal growth and future opportunities.
Family gatherings are special moments in American culture. Sharing meals at Thanksgiving or celebrating milestones together helps strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Community involvement is also common. Many Americans volunteer and participate in local events to give back and support their neighbourhoods. This shows a strong spirit of helping others and building strong communities.
10. Symbols of the United States
Symbols of the United States have important cultural and historical meanings. They represent core values and national identity.
- US Flag: Stars and stripes symbolise unity, freedom, and democracy.
- Statue of Liberty: Stands in New York Harbour, symbolising hope and opportunity for immigrants.
- Bald Eagle: The national bird, representing strength and independence.
- White House: Located in Washington, D.C., it represents the presidency and American government.
- Mount Rushmore: Features sculptures of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, celebrating national pride and leadership.
- Liberty Bell: Located in Philadelphia, it symbolises American freedom and the quest for justice with its inscription.
These symbols are lasting representations of American ideals and history, shaping the nation's culture and identity.
To Sum Up
We hope you enjoyed learning about American culture and its many aspects. From music and movies to food and holidays, these elements showcase the diversity and richness of life in the United States. Stay tuned, as in the future, we will explore and share insights about other cultures around the world.
