I just came across a really interesting article that provides an overview of some distinctives of American culture. I think the author hit the nail on the head... Reading it definitely made me recognize the things that I will not be able to assume when I live in Austria. I can confidently say that I value everything on this list...sometimes to a fault.
Here is the list of things that the author says are valued in America (I would encourage you to read the article for a more full explanation):
- Personal control over the environment; Personal responsibility
- Change is seen as natural and positive
- Time and It's Control
- Equality/Fairness
- Individualism/Independence
- Self Help Initiative
- Competition
- Future Orientation
- Action/Work Orientation
- Informality
- Directness/Openness/Honesty
- Practicality/Efficiency
- Materialism/Acquisitiveness
What aspects of American culture have most impacted your values?
Neat article- short and to the point- easy to read-
ReplyDeleteYou might also check out Storti's Figuring Foreigners Out for simple explanations on many of those and self assessments as to where you fit, explanations where other cultures tend to lie and the possible misunderstandings that often take place because of such differences. Also American Cultural Patterns has quite a bit but is more academic. Storti was definitely one of my favorites from intercultural. -K
thanks for your thoughts! crossing cultural barriers is always an adventure and misunderstandings are bound to happen. Thanks for sharing those other resources!
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