Unique Features and Cultural Values ​​of America [Part 1]

Americans excel in traditional cultural fields, contributing to other civilizations and keeping them vibrant.

The Smithsonian Museums complex in Washington DC (Source: baoquangnam.vn)

Historically, wealthy Americans purchased many works of art, resulting in a rich collection of museums in the country. In the 20th century, America also attracted many European artists. In the latter half of the century, many outstanding American artists emerged, such as singer Barbara Hendricks (born 1948) and Grace Bumbry (1937-2023), who were eagerly sought after by opera houses worldwide .

Architects like Leoh Ming Pei (1917–2019), who built the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum; novelists like John Winslow Irving (born 1942) or William Styron (1925–2006); screenwriter, director, and actor Woody Allen (born 1935)… they are all famous in both Europe and America.

Americans excelled in traditional cultural fields, contributing to and enlivening other civilizations. Traditional culture, of course, was geared towards the "elite," not aligning with the aspirations of the majority. From the late 19th century onwards, America developed a truly popular culture, catering to the tastes of the emerging middle class and integrating immigrants.

Popular theater, exemplified by Buffalo Bill's (1846-1917) Wild West Show in the late 1880s, Barnum's giant circus targeting a large audience, or musical comedy that was acclaimed on stage before being shown on screen—these are truly American genres, nothing unusual.

Cinema is also an achievement of American popular culture. American filmmakers and film companies understand this, because they know that the audience is very diverse. They focus on the quality of the story, sometimes excessively so. Among countless film titles, let me just mention: A Nation Born (1915) by David Wark Griffith (1875-1948), Gone with the Wind (1940) by Victor Lonzo Fleming (1889-1949), or Now Until the End of the World (1979) by Francis Ford Coppola (born 1939).

For a long time, the strength of American culture stemmed from its direct contact with contemporary society, as exemplified by John Steinbeck (1902-1968), Ernest Miller Hemingway (1899-1961), and William Faulkner (1897-1962).

Jazz music is particularly representative; it's a unique genre with many ties to folk pop. It originated with Black people, resonated with their emotions, and wasn't subjected to any cultural filtering. Jazz's success is immense because it seems to resonate with emotions almost worldwide.

American culture is unique and diverse, and it is indeed popular culture. This explains why directors and actors adapt so easily to television. Widespread public exposure has always been a long-standing concern. Therefore, Americans have devised television programs that cater to fairly common needs and are well-received even beyond the borders of the United States. From Buffalo Bill to Dallas, not to mention Walt Disney or the parades of young women in military uniforms.

Value is a "philosophical and sociological concept that describes the meaning of material and spiritual phenomena capable of satisfying human needs and serving human interests." In simpler terms, "value" refers to ideas about what is right and wrong, what is desirable or undesirable, normal or abnormal, appropriate or inappropriate.

From birth to adulthood, people are taught and instilled with cultural values ​​through their parents, relatives, teachers, books, newspapers, television, etc. Growing up in a culture, people absorb some of its values; however, this does not mean that everyone absorbs all the cultural values ​​of their community equally.

A culture can be considered a system of values. Formulating a list of a culture's values ​​is highly relative. American culture is often considered to have begun around 1607, with the stable immigration of the British. It's quite possible that later, with the rise of other ethnic groups, American cultural values ​​may not be as strong as they are today.

Based on the research of Gary Althen, Esther Wanning, JP Fichou, AR Lanier, and others, here are some of the key American cultural values:

Equality: The greatest belief of Americans since the founding of the nation is that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. This concept may even be prioritized over "freedom," or at least complements it. Because the country is vast and resources are abundant, everyone is free to compete on equal terms. In 1782, the French writer Crèvecoeur observed that the process of becoming a "servant" to a "master" is the process of becoming an American. In reality, many people are still disadvantaged, and racial contempt persists daily, but the myth of "equality" still exists in the collective consciousness, at least among the white population in general.

In a liberated society, there is equality of "opportunity" but not equality of income; inequality exists because those with the ability will rise to the top. To some extent, the political system also contributes to the existence of this belief, often in a rather naive way.

Americans are uncomfortable when foreigners treat them with excessive reverence, as if they were gods. Women should be treated with the same respect as men, but this respect should be expressed subtly, not overtly.

Looking towards the future: Asians often use the past, history, and tradition as a benchmark. Arab, Latin, and Asian cultures tend to believe in fate, leading to a passive attitude. American immigrants, having left their countries with no hope of returning, are therefore only attached to the present and the future.

Americans only think about a brighter future, hence their optimism. Even today, that state of mind persists despite America facing many difficulties (nuclear weapons, environmental pollution, unemployment, its role as an economic superpower is shaky). Americans believe they can change the status quo, so they are always in a hurry. The highest compliment is one given to someone with perseverance.

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