American culture in modern context
The American culture has been shaped largely by European ideologies and beliefs such as l l l Democracy Christianity Civil liberties American culture including such aspects: language, popular culture (fashion, television, music etc. ), sports, religion, and national holidays.
language • English is the primary language of most Americans • Spanish speakers are fast becoming a prominent part of America • French is also a much-spoken language especially in the state of Louisiana
Popular culture (television, music etc. ) Television shows like l The Simpsons l Family Guy l Two and a Half Men l Desperate Housewives are some of the most popular television shows across the world.
In the music industry • Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Jonas Brothers
Religion in America • Christianity is the main religion of America, with 78. 5% of the population • 1. 7% of the population are Jewish • 15% did not specify a religion or were not religious.
National holidays • Independence Day (July 4 th) • This is one of the most popular dates on every American’s calendar, and the day is filled with fireworks, barbecues, parades, parties, and carnivals. • Halloween In every suburb in the country you will find children (as well as adults!) dressed up in a whole range of costumes attending Halloween parties and visiting neighbors for some ‘trick or treating’. • Thanksgiving • In American culture positive feelings are very important. This culture fosters and encourages cheerfulness. It could be seen first and foremost in the American most common mottos: “Cheer up, things could be worse”, “Smile, look on the bright side!” American parents usually say to their toddlers: „Smile! Look cheerful when you go out in public!”
Features • individualism Americans are rude and loud • privacy In America, food terrible • capabilities America - the country of corruption • Work • Activities Americans are racist
Race and Ethnic Relations statistical information on a wide array of topics. Americans think about race and ethnic relationships is deeply influenced by their cultural assumptions and values. Some examples : • the percentage of black males aged twentyone to twenty-five who are unemployed, as compared with the unemployment rate among whites in the same age range • the average college-entrance examination scores of members of different racial or ethnic groups • the frequency with which various diseases (such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and anemia) occur among blacks • the portion of managers or executives in a business who are not white
Some aspects of American life • • • Excessive individualism • Weak family ties Treatment of older people Materialism Competitiveness Rapid pace of life Divorce “Free” male-female relations Impersonality • • Opportunity for individuals to raise their station inlife • • Efficiency of organizations • • Hard work and productivity • • Freedom to express opinions openly • • General sense of freedom
Thanks