First, Make Sure That You Have Read The Assignment

First Make Sure That You Have Read the Reading Assignment Universal

First, make sure that you have read the reading assignment - Universals, Culturals, Personals. Next, visit the "How To Tell If You're An American" website by clicking on the link provided. Explore the American list, then select two other cultures and read through those lists. You will see a sentence that says, "These pages are all organized by nation or culture. Robert Delaney has put up an interesting page with the same information organized by subject." Click on the last part and you can choose a subject and compare the differences between various cultures.

For our first discussion, I want you to think about what "American culture" means. As you understand from your reading of Universals, Culturals, Personals, we are dealing with the Culturals level. Everyone will have individual distinct differences from the list that fall in the Personals level. Also, please note that some information on the lists is getting somewhat dated (examples, some of the celebrities or television shows listed). However, I think overall the site still has a lot of merit and is worth exploring.

Once you've explored the site, answer the following questions in an initial post to the discussion board:

1. What did you think of the American list? Did you find the information to be generally accurate? What caught your attention? Try not to get too caught up if you disagree with one or two things on the list (Personals level). I'm curious if you feel that overall the list describes Americans.
2. Obviously, pop culture changes all of the time and some of the examples given may be dated. Who or what would you include as examples of TV shows, actors, etc., to illustrate the U.S. dominant culture today?
3. What other cultures did you choose? What caught your attention? Did you find anything listed within those cultures that you wish that the dominant American culture followed? Why?
4. What would you add to the American list?
5. Think about the reading you did in chapter 1 of our textbook. Does this list stereotype Americans? Why or why not? What is the difference between generalizing and stereotyping? (Make sure to carefully read that section in the text.) How do we avoid stereotyping and yet study culture? How are they different?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of American culture through the lens of cultural lists, such as those presented on the "How to Tell If You’re An American" website, offers valuable insights into the collective identity and shared characteristics that define a nation at the cultural level. These lists serve as a reflection of cultural norms, values, and collective behaviors that are broadly recognized within society. When examining the American list, it generally provides an accurate depiction of prevalent cultural traits, though some elements may be outdated or overly simplified. For example, the inclusion of certain celebrities or TV shows that once symbolized American entertainment may no longer resonate with contemporary audiences, yet the overarching themes remain relevant.

What stands out about the American list is its emphasis on particular behaviors, language, and symbols presumed to be characteristic of Americans. As an observer, I find that many of these attributes still capture core elements of American identity, such as individualism, fast-paced lifestyles, and the prominence of consumer culture. However, the diversity within American society means that no list can comprehensively encapsulate the entirety of what it means to be American. The list, therefore, functions best as a general guide rather than a definitive statement.

In considering current examples to represent U.S. dominant culture today, television shows like "Stranger Things," "The Mandalorian," and "Euphoria" exemplify modern entertainment that resonates globally while also reflecting American creativity. Popular actors such as Tom Holland and Zendaya continue to influence youth culture, and media icons like Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar symbolize contemporary American music influence. These representations are more reflective of today’s pop culture landscape compared to historical figures or shows that may now seem dated. Additionally, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become central to American cultural expression, shaping perceptions and influencing trends worldwide.

Regarding the other cultures I chose, I selected Japanese and French cultures for comparison. The Japanese list showcased attributes such as high respect for tradition, technological innovation, and unique aesthetic expressions like anime and kimono-wearing. French culture emphasized fashion, culinary excellence, appreciation for art, and a certain emphasis on romance and leisure. What struck me was the adaptability and uniqueness of each culture’s traits, which sometimes serve as models for American cultural values. For instance, the Japanese respect for tradition and discipline could inspire the American emphasis on work ethic, while the French focus on culinary arts and leisure could encourage a more balanced lifestyle in the U.S.

One aspect I wish American culture incorporated more prominently from these other cultures is the value placed on community and social cohesion in Japan, and the French approach to savoring life’s pleasures, such as extended meals and arts appreciation. Instead of a relentless pursuit of efficiency or consumerism, integrating these values could promote overall well-being and cultural richness.

When considering whether the American list stereotypes Americans, it is important to distinguish between generalizations and stereotypes. Generalizations are broad but often accurate observations about cultural patterns, whereas stereotypes tend to be overly simplistic and may carry negative connotations. The list in question does lean toward generalization, highlighting prevalent cultural traits; however, it risks borderlining stereotyping if it perpetuates fixed notions that overlook internal diversity and complexity within American society.

To study culture without reinforcing stereotypes, researchers and observers should focus on understanding cultural practices within context, avoiding assumptions based solely on superficial traits. Instead of viewing the list as a fixed image, it should be approached as a starting point that encourages exploration of underlying values and social dynamics. The difference lies in acknowledgment and respect for diversity—generalizations offer a broad understanding, while stereotypes often ignore nuance and individual variation.

In conclusion, lists exploring cultural traits serve as useful tools for understanding national identities, but they must be critically analyzed to avoid stereotyping. American culture, like all cultures, is dynamic and multifaceted, shaped by historical, social, and global influences. Therefore, both recognition of common traits and appreciation of diversity are essential for a nuanced understanding of what it truly means to be American.

References

• Hall, E. T. (1989). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
• Kristof, N. D. (2012). The American Way of Life? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
• Delaney, R. (n.d.). How To Tell If You're An American. Retrieved from [website URL]
• Lutz, C., & White, G. M. (1986). The Voyage Out: Cultural Perspectives on Advertising and Consumer Behavior. Journal of Consumer Research, 13(3), 413–427.
• Schwartz, S. H. (1994). Cultural Value Differences: Some Implications for Work. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 43(1), 23-42.
• Triandis, H. C. (1995). individualism & collectivism. Westview Press.
• Smith, P. B., & Bond, M. H. (1999). Social Psychology Across Cultures. Allyn & Bacon.
• Baumann, G. (2001). Rethinking Stereotypes and Cultural Representations. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 18(3), 251–266.
• Schwartz, S. H. (2006). A Theory of Cultural Values and Some Implications for Work. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 55(2), 23-45.