Why is it that Americans seem so different from what is called "American culture"?
368335
I'm American.The individual people or the ones that they meet they find agreeable/likable however if you come from a place with more structure or is not quite so fast paced,American culture could be daunting in its immenseness and/ or lack of traditional culture(perception-compared to other countries). My mom was from Bay Springs, Mississippi and came to visit me in San Diego,California. It was a little scary for her.Image what it must look like to a person from a whole different country. It mostly depends on what you are use/accustomed to. We are a country of immigrants so our culture is rich and varied.
1064086
obviously Europeans\nthey are more civilized\nu av a dinner wiv an American family and an European family u would knw\nAmerican knot is different den European\nEuropeans use the two buttons on shirts cuff closer one for winters and other for summer, \nbut I think Americans are funny, talkitive, and more open hearted
42673
You can't put America in such simple terms. We are a nation that is by definition a melding of cultures from around the globe. We are everyone. Good, bad, smart, stupid, rich, poor, black, white, and everything in between. There are awful people here and there are incredible ones as well. It is as hard to explain it as it would be to explain the nature of the people on the planet Earth.
960475
Culture: culture has to do with pretty much anything & everything it seems. It is everything from the music you listen to, the food you eat, the holidays you celebrate, how you celebrate those holidays, why you celebrate them, how you dance, or even sing, your mannerisms, the way you approach a situation, how you dress, etc. A lot of this can also sometimes just be individual personality traits; however, our cultures do have a large impact on how we think and act.\n\nAs far as can they change, I would definitely say yes. Look at how so many modern day European countries ( as well as the U.S.) were influenced culturally by how the ancient Greeks lived. I also think that, for example, when someone from another country emmigrates to the U.S. they take their culture with them, but a lot of times end up blending it with American culture as well and it becomes its own.  To me anyways, Asian-American culture is a lot different, but also very similar, to that of just an Asian or American culture; and so on. I hope you know what I mean ;-)
114778
There are differences in the way non-Americans express themselves (and it's not all due to poor English!). \nBut come to think of it, I'm not sure if those differences represent our different countries. I'd rather say that we're all 'aliens' in a product that is basically US-targeted, and maybe we're eager to please and give a good impression (many US users just don't seem to care). Some cultural differences are apparent, especially with respect to the perception of humor and irony; that's when the common sociocultural background becomes more visible, I think. \nI have no idea if I project something of Argentina in my Q&A, and I don't know what a "typical" Argentine person is like. We're said to be pedantic and think ourselves too cool, but that's just a stereotype... or is it? There was another user from Argentina here that sounded really silly, and I didn't want this person to be associated with 'my' country!\n\nI guess this question was directed at US users...I wanted to add my contribution anyway. I have to say that the mere fact that you call yourselves "Americans", as if the rest of us lived in Oceania or quite another continent, makes me smile. And I think that says a lot about the US too!\n--------------------\nUpdate: Hola Rantrax!! No, it was not you. Glad to know more of us are joining this :-D
577844
The US and UK are very similer in culture in many ways. The US tends to be far less formal. We are also a bit unrefined compared to the UK. As for the accuracy it would be like an American thinking Benny Hill accurately reflected British life. It's a comedy that makes fun of aspects of American life. \n\nAmerica except for the NE and really urban areas is spread out. In the West and midwest you can literally drive for hours without seeing another human being or sign of one in some places. Cars are a huge part of our lives. We tend to be rebelious towards authority and convention compared to other nations. We tend to be warmer to forigners than any other nation on the Earth except maybe Australia. We can also be very self centered socially while being very giving individually. Many European nations can be downright cold towards forigners, especially Americans. \n\nThere are some minor linguistic differences. Somebody with a deep Cockney accent might have a little trouble talking to somebody from Maine or Alabama who had deep Main or Southern accents. For the most part language would not be an issue. \n\nThe space and how isolated the neighborhoods are might be shocking to somebody from an urban UK environment. Neighbors in the suburbs often do not even know the first name of their imediate neighbors much less the people down the road.  The pub scene is not really in the US except for pubs for ex-UK/Australians. Bars here tend to be for a purpose/scene rather than gathering points. Think more of a European disco except the music style/scene is different. A Metal bar, Biker bar, dance bar, gay bar, etc. The bars tend to be specialized and have distinct flavors towards that culture/scene. \n\nThe US is also still a nation that values freedom and lack of intrustion. The highly organized UK tends to have a great deal more survalence. It also has a much stronger reverance for law and order. The US can be rather chaotic and such organization/intrusion doesn't sit well with Americans. \n\nI think you'd probably like it in the US. Hard to say not knowing more about you. Best way to find out is to come visit. The UK is an ally so a visitation visa would probably be easy to obtain. What part of the US to visit is a whole different story. America unlike the UK doesn't really have a consistant culture. Just an overiding sense of nation. So the South is very different from the NE which is very different from the Mid-west which is very different from the West coast which is very different from the South West. Then places in a given area tend to identify with specific areas. New Orleans for example is pretty unique in the US. Austin is more like California than Texas while Dallas and Houston tend to be Texan in culture. Miami has a different culture than the rest of Florida. Tallahassee for example tends to be more Southern in general than Floridian. Get to know Americans from all over the country. Don't take one's word about an area, get to know several from an area. We are easy to find and more than happy to brag LOL.
330543
American people isn't an ethnic group, the American people consist of multiple ethnic groups.If you're referring to other nationalities, England, France, Spain, etc.. then we're not exactly responsible for how they feel about us. Some of their outlook may be justified and some may not be. It's the same with a personal relationship, one person can't make for a good relationship it takes both individuals involved to do this.
975749
Not all Americans are this way just like in every culture there is good and evil.  We have some really great and giving Americans that have a good heart with intentions of being a positive force in this world.  Unfortunately the only people that get recognized are the evil ones.
114268
I don't think the majority of this country has a superiority complex. Government might... ha ha. Americans are self-involved and don't seem to care what goes on in other parts of the world. That might fuel the superior stereotype.
1132419
You're right, to Americans if it isn't about America they really dont care. Single mindedness is what it's called. They are taught virtually nothing about the rest of the world at school, so I guess that is where it starts.
175268
That's quite an ignorant statement on your part. The majority of people in the U.S. come from every country in the world, and are of every race. Unlike in other countries.\nIt's rather hard to be blind to other cultures when your neighbors come from around the world.\nAs far as entertainment and culture go. We're separated from most of the world by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. We don't know what you're watching on television, or whose music you're listening to, or what you're wearing. Or if you choose to try to speak in American slang or whatever.\nAnd quite frankly, we don't care.\nSo will we feel stupid? No. Do whatever you want. It won't bother us one way or the other.
655234
i agree. American culture has such in influence on all other countries that they think they know us better than we no ourselves. Idiots oh and God bless America
645666
Do you mean mainstream culture?  Depends on where you are.  If in the USA, mainstream is basically the kind of western culture you see on TV...in fact and unfortunately mainstream types get their lives from TV and movies b/c we are such a lacking and deprived culture.  I prefer to have a more natural and balanced way of life.  It fills me and makes me happy...that is why I am Pagan and not the standard white milk Judeochristian mainstream type of westerner.  Lots of reasons for this great devoid we have.  I tend to blame it on Huge Corporations: Corporate America.  Green Party has some wonderful and effective answers to solve that problem but not enough people are listening...too busy keeping up with their soaps, the Friends TV or whatever is equivalent to fill the big gap left by corporate America...Stop voting Democrat or Republican: vote Green Party....or at least check em out on the web.
145555
Because they feel the name "American" makes them superior to others and as a results they do not feel the need to educate themselves or learn about other people and their cultures/religions.  It's a me, me, me society we live in.  Money doesn't help the situation either.  Also, people can be educated and still be ignorant.\n\nCommon sense...is it really all that common?
948474
You don't understand being an American.
422159
i'm american and for the most part i'd have to agree. why? maybe it is a "center of attention" complex or something, but for the most part we are loud and obnoxious as a culture.
862183
Some people say that since there is a Central, South, and North America, people in the US aren't the only Americans. It is annoying because we have been called Americans forever, and I don't know why this word is popping up now.