Individualism as an American Cultural Value Essay

Ameri washstand culture is of tenner associated with some images related to to general stereotypes such as assertiveness, optimism, boldness, a sense of enterprise, and a inviolable handshake. further, these characteristics argon only general observations about the American society. Given this, the mentioned characteristics may be present to only some Americans and cannot be attri thoed to everyone. precisely in that respect is one value that nearly every American possesses and that is individualism. In specify the American culture, individualism is the immediate concept that comes to mind.Because of this, aliens like immigrants, foreigners or plenty from different coveringgrounds will have a difficult time to cause accustomed with this kind of culture. In fact, in the early period, outsiders found it dense to adapt to the American value of individualism because of the differences in cultural values. The thinker of a family often poses as the source for confusion or see between cultures. In the US, bringing merriment to every family member is the principal(prenominal) purpose of having a family. This can be carried out by give each family member the right to express themselves and pursue their dreams and passions in life.However for otherwise cultures, the emphasis on the achievement of an individuals happiness without the abet of the others may be perceived as rude or inappropriate. It could be a sign of disrespect or lack of love. But for many an(prenominal) Americans, it is simply just an act of encouragement for a mortal to reach his or her utmost potential. For instance, a typical American would ordinarily start to live breakawayly after highs cool by sledding to college and financial support in campus dormitories. Also, Sponsol had a similar experience when he go to a summer camp for the East-West Center participants.One of the supervisors brought his wife and kids. The ten month old son of the supervisor acquired the most attent ion because of his prettiness so everyone wanted to play. During this interaction, the kid fell down and everyone tried to help him set up up. But the parents became and asked the students to leave the kid alone who howevertually got up on his own and stopped crying ( Sponsol 423). Moreover, privacy is definitely other aspect that an outsider would bring forth unusual in the American culture. volume of the American population value their privacy.It has been observed that most Americans just read hello and seldom pursue a conversation with other people. For outsiders, this can be a sign of being impolite particularly for those who grew in a setting wherein asking private questions are accepted. Because of this, many find it hard to be friends with Americans. Sponsol explained that in the book, Americans do not like to be asked in with private questions or pried on their personal affairs. For instance, asking questions like, How massive have you been divorced? Or Are you going to marry a Thai again or American?Or How much do you earn? or How long have you been married? , can be recognized as an invasion of ones privacy (421). A lot of people could experience having cultural shock when they visit the US for the very first time. As a result, it would be difficult for them to get used to the American culture. There are many reasons why this happens but cultural background plays a major role in plan the line between the Americans and outsiders. Some may have a inside(a) life in their home lands but when they migrated to the US, they had to work in revision to sustain their daily living.Furthermore, in the US culture, an individual has to be independent and hardworking to earn money in order to pay for the bills and other necessities such as food, home and education. In other cultures, some individuals do not have to work in order to survive because their parents are the ones taking care of their finances. It is very hard for an outsider to adapt and dra w off the American Culture. In the experience of Hanan Al-Shaykh, a Lebanese, she was filled with shock when she visited her baby in the US. Their family was accustomed to the good life in Lebanon but in the US, her sister lived a minimum wage earned.She felt pitiful for the living condition of her sister in the Land of Milk and Honey. Her sister even found it hard to get a job in the US even though she has a good educational background (Hanan 287). As a foreigner, I also experienced some difficult measure in getting immersed and accustomed with American society and culture. In Saudi-Arabian Arabia, my life was easier. In my native land, dependence to others is a common practice. For instance, my family occupied helpers to take care of all our needs at home. Their duties mainly evolved on domestic chores such as cleaning clothes, cooking food and many others.Because of this, easy and carefree lifestyle, I had trouble adapting to the American culture when I moved there. I had to le arn to look after myself wherein all the duties of our helpers back home, I had to them on my own in the US. Finally, because of the cultural values of the Americans, an outsider will find it hard or at least will need a longer time to adapt to theses values. Besides the assertiveness, optimism, boldness, a sense of enterprise, and a solid handshake, individualism will always be a crucial value of the Americans that will aid in develop and achieving their dreams and passion.