what do you think is the most distinguishing quality of americans?

Question

i think its our sense of humor

Answer 1

This American bashing is really inappropriate. Some are: fat, loud,arrogant, ignorant ,greedy, but those un-qualities do not describe all Americans. How many Americans do these bashers know? Do you go to church with us, go to picnics, ball games, school and council meetings? Its easy to relate our arrogant leaders, (with whom we do not agree), with the average American. Our most distinguishing quality is to rise above negative criticism and carry on.

Answer 2

Fanatical Idealism!

Like humor (possibly moreso), our idealism cuts across all other ideological lines, which is why we are always trying to make the world a better place according to our ideals, whether that be the spread of democracy, or of other human rights (I'm trying not to insert my own bias here!) ;)

My limited experience with people from other societies has shown them MUCH more devoted to the idea of 'live & let live' regardless of how appalling they may find certain traditions in other cultures. This was highlighted in a recent dicsussion of 'unique' laws from other countries (most of which would be considered demeaning and/or oppressive by American standards). The Americans (and one Israeli) did not hesitate to voice their opinions, but the one European was offended that we would even presume to have the discussion, and defended the other cultures' rights to these laws even while emphasising that she did not want to be read as endorsing them either.

Americans seem much more inclined to 'evangelize' their ideals, whichever they may be.

(Humor was a good answer, too; and that was not only evident in the same discussion, but helped keep the discussion light enough that no one had to blow a gasket.)

Answer 3

American citizens try to be true at their hearts but do not like or invite big troubles, ever ! That is the most distinguishing and important quality of Americans. The secret behind their success in spite of ups and downs of the world events ?

Answer 4

lpaganus:
"This American bashing is really inappropriate. Some are: fat, loud,arrogant, ignorant ,greedy, but those un-qualities do not describe all Americans. How many Americans do these bashers know? Do you go to church with us, go to picnics, ball games, school and council meetings? Its easy to relate our arrogant leaders, (with whom we do not agree), with the average American. Our most distinguishing quality is to rise above negative criticism and carry on."

I could not have said it any better myself. Bravo!

Answer 5

Love your question, as it can be applied to all sorts of cultures, etc.

The most distinguishing thing is our ability to distinguish.

Answer 6

The most distinquishing quality of Americans is that there is no distinquishing quality. America is such a melting pot of cultures and beliefs that I don't believe there is any one characteristic that defines us. I think that is a good thing.

Answer 7

drhdylan88 nailed it. We are a society full of people that are simply appalingly and alarmingly IGNORANT. Ignorant of history, ignorant of world affairs.... and please excuse my endless supply of cynicism.....about the only thing Americans are wholly competent at is the use and abuse of their remote controls (am I wrong or is just about everyone in this corporate nation a tv addict?)

Whew! That was nice top get off my heaping bosom! I can't wait to expatriate!

Answer 8

Avarice. Who in America doesn't want to become rich, or dream of winning the lottery or having a lot of money?

Answer 9

Government: Double standards in world politics.
People: Friendly, straightforward and open-minded.

Answer 10

AMERICA IS WORLD'S GREATEST BULLY. I THINK THIS REALLY DISTINGUISHES THEM FROM THE REST