mass often delineate America as a " thaw can " since the American population is a blend of so many different grouping , each one with its own history , tradition and customs . This get the United States one of the most culturally various res publica in the world , with this diverseness reflected in every facet ofAmerican civilization .
That said , some aspects of American refinement have combined to make it a thing that ’s all its own , and certain practices in America may not be standard in other countries . These ethnical differences range from small oddities tostrange American traditionsthat international student may find downright confusing .
have ’s take a look at some key aspects that make the third largest country in the human beings so unequaled .
Diversity and Equality
The term " melting deal " aptly describes how various heathen groups , include Native Americans , Latin Americans , Black Americans and others , blend into the extensive American society . Yet , each keep unique cultural traits .
From the Indigenous Americans , whose front foredate the founding of the country , to the newest arrivals from nearly every neighborhood of the globe , the the great unwashed who call this country domicile are continually reshaping and enrich the American identity .
However , just because America is a diverse nation does n’t intend it ’s a sightly one . Minority chemical group , such as Indigenous Americans , Latin Americans and Black Americans , have struggled to exert the same rights and freedom that white citizens do .
In 1776 , the country ’s founders drafted theDeclaration of Independence , state that " all men are created equal . " Although there has been progression made toward the adequate treatment of all American citizen , complex organisation of oppressiveness continue in place today , affecting individuals on account of their sex , race , social condition and other factors .
Cultural Symbols
American culture is know for its symbolization . Political symbols let in the stars and stripes of the country ’s flag , the Statue of Liberty , Uncle Sam , the White House , Mount Rushmoreand thebald eagle(the interior animal ) .
Landmarks
Certain landmark or point of involvement have also becomes symbol of America , such as theGolden Gate Bridgein San Francisco , theHollywood Signin Los Angeles , the Hoover Dam on the border between Arizona and Nevada , the Grand Canyon in the American Southwest , the Strip inLas Vegasand theEmpire State Buildingin New York .
Foods
Iconic intellectual nourishment in America includeapple pie , potato chips andhot dogs . Hamburgers and blistering dogs , in particular , are staples at every football game game and federal vacation gathering ( hello , Fourth of July cookout ) , along withbeerand other alcohol-dependent beverages .
Pop Culture
Encompassing television shows , American music , and Hollywood films , papa culture serve as both an exportation and a mirror of the societal values in the United States . Pop culture symbols can change frequently , as TV shows , Sung dynasty and picture go in and out of fashion .
However , some people have had long - lasting appeal , such as Michael Jordan , Marilyn Monroe , Elvis PresleyandBabe Ruth .
Personal Space and Social Interactions
Americans hold dear their personal distance and value nonverbal cues , such as facial expressions and basic signal in communication . For outside students and others from different cultures , it ’s important to understand these subtleties to make American friends and , in world-wide , foster connections with Americans .
For instance , Americans like to keep eye tangency during exchanges so they can accurately render the other mortal ’s facial expression . But outside of conversation , asterisk is consider rude . Also , Americans lean to bristle if people outside their crime syndicate members stand or sit too closelipped — unless , of course , the situation expressly phone for it .
The American position toward societal fundamental interaction often includes a horse sense of nakedness and ease . pocket-size talk is a major part of social etiquette that close acquaintance and newfangled conversancy alike practice .
theme like sports , the weather and pop culture are common and aid bridge gap between different background . However , bring in up topics like faith , politics , personal finances and other personal matters with people you are n’t very tight to might be weigh crude . Americans generally view these subjects to be more private .
Federal Holidays
The calendar in America have a mountain range offederally recognized holidays :
Each holiday is intended to reflect the account or economic value of the American citizenry and marks a time for folk members and the great unwashed in the residential area to meet .
Many Americans fete these holidays with a extra evening meal or party . For exercise , people often cook and corrode together on or aroundMemorial daytime , Independence Day , Labor Day , Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day .
Traditional meal change from family to family but could include sugared potatoes during Thanksgiving or barbecue on Labor Day , highlighting the diverse culinary heritage from dissimilar regions and cultures . Other holidays , such as Veterans Day , have few association with specific foods .
In American culture , it ’s traditional to revel aChampagnetoast and partake a kiss with a loved one at midnight .
Other Special Days and Observances
unlike groups of Americans celebrate various days throughout the yr beyond just the federally realise holiday . These Day have a specific cultural , political or religious significance . A few admit :
While none of the above are official holiday in the U.S. , they are wide bed and lionise among those who prevail them significant .
Educational Systems
A traditional public breeding in America consists of kindergarten through high school ( the 12th grade ) , cross approximately ages 5 through 18 . parent also have the choice of send out their nestling to secret school or educating their children at home . Some children also attend what citizenry bear on to as pre - kindergarten ( " pre - k " ) or preschool .
High schools and universities toy a meaning role in set students for various career , let in those in military service , professional vocations and even roles in a professional league as an athlete . Beyond this , many Americans debate locomote to college to be a rite of passage and a quintessential American experience .
English is the country ’s official language and therefore the prescribed spoken language in America ’s public schoolhouse system . However , most high schools and university need students to canvass a second language , with themost pop optionsbeing Spanish , Gallic , German and Latin . few schools offer Japanese , Chinese , Russian or other languages .
Community Structures
From a young age , many Americans learn the grandness of community serve , often take part in activity through school and local organisation . Many children are also introduced to athletics when they ’re vernal , with children participating in their schoolhouse ’s sports teams .
This fosters a sense of residential area in America ’s untested people and , in many font , reinforces their loyalty to the area in which they turn up .
Churches are another dominant component of American polish , with many churches having built - in community web . These might admit shared mealtimes , gathering for worship , military volunteer events or educational opportunities .
With each passing twelvemonth , few and fewer Americansbelong to a church , synagogue or mosque . However , just under one-half of the multitude in the nation ’s population still identify as churchgoers , and organized faith continues to influence many aspects of American refinement and high society at enceinte .
Fast Food in America
degraded food restaurants are an emblematical facial expression of American food and demonstrate both the tight - pace lifestyle and the entrepreneurial spirit that ’s prevailing in the body politic .
Fast food has traditionally include the following menu :
In late years , the category has exposit to also embrace foods like tacos , burritos , pitas , Cuban sandwich sandwich and other item .
Global Influences on American Cuisine
In addition to fast food , Americans sleep together dishes that have origins outside their home state . By and large , American food is a reflection of the country ’s ethnical diversity , with many trend of cooking available .
Some chef even combine the culinary influence of two or more finish in a style known as fusion cooking . These are just some of the other cultures from which Americans enjoy or take over culinary elements .
Traditional American Food
There are sealed styles of cooking that Americans name with a especial region of the country . For example , southerly cooking , which is particularly pop in voice of the southeast U.S. , feature battered and deep-fried intellectual nourishment , cornbread , fruit pie and other sunbaked trade good , jams , dulcify ice afternoon tea , and other dishes .
Another deterrent example of American food is Cajun cuisine , which people heavily associate with the region in and around Louisiana . Although Cajun cooking has its roots in French and African cookery style , the area ’s early settlers evolved this type of cuisine into something wholly alone . Popular Cajun ravisher in America include gumbo , boudin , jambalaya and boiled crawfish .
tight related to Cajun cuisine is Creole cuisine , also called Louisiana Creole culinary art . interchangeable to Cajun food , Creole food is mold by French and African preparation , but it also blend in in chemical element from many other finish and isnot quite as spicy .
Specific dishes are popular in certain region , such as baked beans in Boston , spam musubi in Hawaii and Texas goner in Texas , to name just a few . Additionally , barbecue is a popular American food in nearly every area in America , although the preferences regarding ingredients , flavors and cooking method acting can differ reckon on where you are .
Music and Entertainment
American medicine genres like nothingness , blues , and rock and scroll , have ascendent in the Black communities but have a ecumenical following . Country medicine and pop medicine are also popular in the U.S. , with the most successful singers and musicians make legions of fast rooter .
likewise , professional sports league , peculiarly American football , not only predominate the sports landscape painting but also suffice as communal festivities that bring together American multitude of all social statuses and backgrounds .
The most popular sports in America arefootball , basketballandbaseball . In late decennium , hockeyandsoccerhave increase in popularity . Events for NASCAR , the American car racing serial publication , may drawas many as 175,000 viewer .
In addition to concert and sports events , entertainment in America includes play , musicals , stand - up comedy , dance and art exhibitions .
We make this clause in concurrence with AI applied science , then made trusted it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
