Why do Americans smile so much?

Question

Some other cultures regard a serious face as more desirable than the "grinning monkey" look of a person smiling, especially in a photo. What does the smile say about American culture?

Answer 1

Because we are happy, free, and have more opportunities in America.

After all, we are called the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Answer 2

First off, I'd just like to note that after a lot of searching profiles on 'meeting people' sites, I'm not left with the impression that smiling for photos is quite as universal as the question suggests. Maybe I'm just not using the correct culture as a frame of reference. Anyway:

Some 'cultures' may consider a serious face desirable, but all the studies I've ever heard of indicate that HUMAN BEINGS are drawn toward smiling faces, even as infants (who presumably would be mostly immune from cultural influences.)

So, one might say that the smile says that American culture is more in touch with our instinctive desires for human contact. At which point I would ask back: What does a culture of not smiling say about that culture? :)

Answer 3

why we smile? I dont see many people smiling in america. You must have a television on or something. Most americans are mad because of all the bullshit going down with corporate scandals, opinions of war, government taxing, fuel prices, inflation, unemployment rates, etc. Everyday i drive down the street and look at others at intersections, and its not the happy 80's no more where loud music, shouting, or groups of kids having fun. The police breaks up alot of **** in my town. I travel alot and only time peope are seen smiling is at an event. Concerts, block parties, or festival. If your on television or taking pictures then your gonna throw the hollywood pose on with a big smile and a peace sign or something. Dont trust media because they making you feel like we are happy, but honestly only a handful. Another reason i believe americans are considered happy is because the abundant supply of entertainment, where jokes are just a few button pushes away. If we do go to these entertainment sources then we smile faster off of the happy vibe. Other countries are more serious, they work hard to conquor a much harder goal. They are family oriented and role models, they are stern and show power thru facial expressions and appearance. We dont care and have an individualistic perspective of being included into society. I dont know where you ge the stats on a person smiling, but thats my two cents.

Answer 4

The fad of smiling per photo came about when it became popular for photos to show your "happy" side. A smile is supposed to be a person's essence, or when they look their best. If you look at old American photos, no one ever smiled. As well, I've heard that in Russia no one ever smiles...So, maybe because Americans are used to instant and constant satisfaction, while others have to work for what they get more often. I don't give huge grins when I get my photo taken. A slight smile is fine, or at least to look in the mood to have your photo taken. To always be frowning just to be "gangsta" is kinda nerdy, I think.

Answer 5

i guess tht being Americans and also being inordinately proud of the image tht the world has of America, i.e. a gr8 nation without any problems like bribery, corrupt govts, etc - makes the americans want to smile to the world and want to maintain this reputation. live up to it for the sake of patriotism... hyposrisy? i dont think so. it is just natural to defend ur nation's reputation.

as for the photo part, no1, unless he/she is extremely joyful tht day, beams when any1 clicks the camera. A slight smile does wonders to the features.
Believe me, there r some ppl who look better with a serious face. They dont smile at the photographer.

The part abt photos is OK coz each of us wants to look good if we know tht our features will be inanimated in a photo and frozen in time. So, we smile or frown, whatever suits us best.

Answer 6

Nah, most smiles in photos are fake. It's to try to make people think we're enjoying things when we may or may not be.

After spending some time in Europe, there's certain things I like better about being in the States, and this whole "Say Cheese" is not one of them.

God bless America. . .criticize us again, and get the bomb!
LOL

Answer 7

Ah, so which you are the guy who have been given to the Yahoo nickname i needed first! i do no longer understand. luckily, because of the fact the Sixties, they seem to have realised how stupid capped enamel look. If I had a mouthful of dentures, i'd a minimum of have a sprint circulate at them with a scalpel and a record and a few tannin stains from tea and nicotine to offer up them looking so damned unreal. i understand The Simpsons' dentist scared Ralph Wiggum with the 'vast e book of British enamel', yet because it become a kindly ribbing, I laughed my head off. I purely love those little imperfections in enamel. An ex of mine's canine grew out in front of her general line of enamel hugely and that i enjoyed the way her fangs caught out each so often whilst she did no longer understand it. purely think of! If we would have observed the Yanks with their obsession with 'suited' enamel, we would by no potential have had Johnny Rotten, we would have had Johnny considerable Orthodontological artwork or Johnny Braces.

Answer 8

As Americans, smiling is one of our signiture picture facial expressions. It shows that we're happy, and glad to take a picture. That we are proud of ourselves, and happy with ourselves.
The serious look is great and all, but I think anyone would like at least one picture of their children or grandchildren smiling and having a great time instead of being so serious.
Smile! =)

Answer 9

We have alot to be happy about. Would you smile if you lived in India or some other place like that?

Answer 10

it makes others feel like they care about them,,,, some are just happy people....it says we know life is to be enjoyed & smiles are a way to show kindness & our joy about being alive.....a sour puss is a big turn off & makes people think you have no joy or happiness in your life....who wants to be around someone who can't enjoy life?
Guess I'd be the ugliest one in those countries....sure glad I was born in America !!!