by this I mean, what are some things that embody America (United States) or are archetypal American things, for example the open highway or diners. What is American and embodies America to you? Please, no snide comments, positive or neutral things only. I'm not trying to start up any trouble.
2007-03-20 15:12:12 · 8 answers · asked by retropopzero 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
In the U.S. we have a very broad area because we have such a diverse population. However, we do have a national identity.
Our identity is embedded in what we believe and what we value. Americans value individuality, believe in hard work, we are known for identifying with freedom, and progress.
If you are American, reading the list above may lead you to think positively toward these traits, but other cultures don't necessarily agree--and for good reason.
For example, take individuality. As Americans we would never attribute any negative meaning to feelings of individuality, but exam some of the negative attributes it carries. At work you try to prove your the best because your looked at (and feel like) an individual. When this happens there is no team work, resulting in a "winner" and a "looser."
In cultures like China or Japan, they don't see themselves as individuals but as a group. Sociology studies have been done to see how people will work at there top performance. In the U.S. we show the greatest performance when working alone. In Japan and China, people perform the best working in groups, because that is how they identify themselves--as a group.
When you get a team working together, compared to a grouping of people working alone, the outcome is almost always better. (i.e. why many things we buy says, 'made in China'.)
If you want to learn more about American Identity look up how other cultures assimilate to American culture.
2007-03-20 16:45:48 · answer #1 · answered by septermber206 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quintessentially American
2016-11-01 23:27:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
American Football NFL, College, and High School, Super Bowl Sunday over 90million people watched, NASCAR-DAYTONA 500-rest of world likes open wheel racing, 4TH of July, Thanksgiving-whole turkey dinner with all the trappings, Western cowboy, finally peanut butter and root beer not very popular overseas I know.
2007-03-20 15:23:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow!!! I would say apple pie,cowboy's, Harley's,road-side diner's,red white and blue Americana items. Fireworks in the summer, turkey in the fall and the ability to travel across state lines without "papers" . Blue jeans, super models, and nuclear weapons. Home coming queens, prom night,and the Bald Eagle.
2007-03-20 15:43:15 · answer #4 · answered by Rayne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truck stops, Trailer parks, Comfort food such as meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Velveeta cheese with macaroni. The freedoms given to me in the constitution.
2007-03-20 15:47:13 · answer #5 · answered by bomullock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me, anything from the hundreds of indigenous cultures here in the US. Those are as American as it gets.
2007-03-20 15:22:35 · answer #6 · answered by Danagasta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me (and I am not from there) it is the Rocky Mountains. I love those high places. It just feels very free out there.
2007-03-20 15:19:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mcdonald's.
(I'm serious.)
2007-03-20 15:24:16 · answer #8 · answered by onheadphones 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋