American Values and Assumptions

American Values and Assumptions.

In the article “American values and assumptions,” Gary Althen (2005) states that people within a culture have a common set of core values and expectations. These shared values and expectations help to develop a common set of beliefs on what is acceptable or not acceptable within their culture. However, these values and expectations provide no guarantee to what extent people will agree on social and moral issues facing their society. In the end a culture will be defined by the people’s feelings and opinions of the world around them.

One important American value that Althen discusses is individualism, which differs from other societies. From the earliest age in America, children are encouraged to develop their sense of individual identity, achievement, and responsibility. For example, in the article they give the Orange Julius example and how from an early childhood we establish the importance of paying your own way and making your own money. In doing this we are helping these children to establish their own self worth and individual identity. As the child grows, every individual achievement is celebrated and encouraged at the youngest possible age, such as feeding himself, dressing himself, or walking to the local store by themselves.

This pattern is reinforced throughout life from graduation ceremonies that nominate the individual that has performed best in the class. To individual performances within sports where the outstanding individuals are typically more celebrated then the team achievement. Even culture sayings such as “It’s a free country…”, “I have the right!”, “Pick yourself up.” These are common sayings that reflect Americans’ beliefs in individualism. Even movie stars such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood are celebrated for the rugged individual rolls that they play on the big screen. All this early childhood development around individualism leads to a culture that is not very accepting to other culture...