Unique Features and Cultural Values ​​of America [Part 2]

The "shock" of the future: The title of Alvin Toffler's (1928-2016) famous book can be used to describe Americans living in a state of "shock" due to the fast-paced, hectic rhythm of life, constantly striving to keep up with events. Technology is changing daily life at a rapid pace (microwave ovens, video , fax machines, computers... are commonplace).

The book "Future Shock" by author Alvin Toffler.

Optimism: Optimism governs the outlook on the future; tomorrow can only be better than today if we know how to seize opportunities. Personal progress leads to social progress. Strong economic growth, a high standard of living, more opportunities for success than elsewhere, relative social equality—all these conditions reinforce optimism. However, I find some Americans quite pessimistic about unemployment, economic difficulties, foreign debt, etc. Is this situation temporary or does it have a profound impact on the fundamental optimism of Americans?

Democracy: For Americans, democracy is not simply a principle of the minority submitting to the majority, when that majority expresses its will through representative bodies or directly through referendums. To prevent the abuse of the majority principle, Americans seek to affirm certain fundamental principles through supreme law, while also establishing institutional mechanisms to monitor, regulate, and use the powers (legislative, executive, and judicial) to check each other at all levels.

Independent mindset: Cowboys (cowboys), though increasingly rare in America, can characterize the American ideal in many ways: confidence, adventure, toughness, masculinity, and facing danger alone. Individual decision-making is paramount. Children are trained to do everything themselves. Around age 18, young people can live independently, separating from their families. Young people must try to find their own housing, even though their parents can help… The concept of "privacy" must be highly respected. From a young age, children are instilled with the awareness that their belongings, homes, and thoughts are private and no one, not even their parents, can violate them.

Individualism and Pluralism: Individuals are prioritized. This is not selfishness; Americans believe that individuals have a duty to succeed in order to advance society. Literary masterpieces that celebrate individual rebellion include: Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn (1835-1910); Herman Melville's Moby-Dick or The Whale (1819-1891)... In America, individualism emphasizes the meaning of: "The affirmation of human rights," "The defense of small cultural entities against large cultural entities." It originated from the founding fathers, who left their homeland to escape oppression (after 1620).

Individualism is accompanied by pluralism: all ideas and tendencies can be expressed and implemented; ensuring opportunities for individual citizens, groups, or localities. All segments of the population, religions, and localities must be respected.

Authority: America was born after gaining independence from the British monarchy. This historical context left behind a pattern of thinking. Authority is respected based on practical ability, not on title or age. The elderly are often considered outdated. In a rapidly changing society, experience is not as valuable as in countries with stable, traditional civilizations.

Puritan influence: Although society had shifted from rural to urban, many American traditions of Puritan European immigrants (17th century) still lingered: self-confidence, diligence, simple living, personal conscience, and the belief that establishing a career and accumulating wealth was in accordance with God's will (businessmen were highly respected; the elderly continued to work to conform to Puritan ethics and to earn extra money rather than retire).

Hard work is the most highly valued virtue. Americans work like crazy. People judge a person by the amount of wealth they accumulate through their labor. This materialism is deeply ingrained in American culture.

Time is money: That's a typical American adage. Automobile magnate Henry Ford is considered a hero for inventing the time-saving assembly line. Supermarkets are quintessentially American because they save both money and time. Fast food is ready in a minute; McDonald's restaurants are quintessentially American. Daily schedules are mechanical. Efficiency is the highest standard. Americans don't even have time to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

A society without fixed positions: In America, people are always striving for advancement; they are less dependent on social groups, including family. They are always dissatisfied with their current position. An East German was very happy to do business in America because, in America, you don't need to be a doctor to be respected; people don't care who your father is. If you have money, you can buy a Mercedes, a mansion, and easily climb the social ladder. Foreigners criticize Americans for being overly materialistic, saying they haven't fully grasped the symbolic value of money in representing personal success.

Public opinion: Although very personal, Americans value public opinion highly. Being liked by the public and friends is a sign of success. It takes a lot of time to gain the likes and support of many people.

Full of contradictions: Listing the characteristics of American culture reveals numerous contradictions. There is freedom of thought and the press, yet readers are still not well-informed. The wealthy still have poor people sleeping on the streets. Neighbors are friendly but don't talk to each other. The most fertile land in the world , yet the food is not delicious. Despite having many machines and tools, life is not refined. Equality sometimes leads to mediocrity. Television content has low mass appeal.

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