1.

THE AMERICAN CHARACTER

A Land of Diversity
- The USA is always known as a huge nation of people from everywhere, from different
background, so the first question is posed about America that “ in USA, is there really national
character?”. To answer this question, today, on behalf of my team, first of all, I will provide a
sketch of the American character.
- If described about typical American character, we can generalize by 5 words: self-reliance,
independence, resourcefulness, pragmatism and novelty. And these character is always
expressed and apply in most of aspects by Americans from thought, values to attitudes and
beliefs. In America, the new is better than old, taking charge is valued over playing it safe,
making money is superior to inheriting it, education and merit are favored over family ties.
- In conclusion, the most important characteristic of the USA can be stated in one word:
diversity.
- Most Americans take pride in the great variety of geography and population of their
country. The total area of the USA is about 3.8 million square miles, and it’s the fourth
largest nation in the world by total area, only after Russia, China, and Canada. Because of the
vast nation, so the climate in American covers all kinds of and there are also differences in
climate between this state versus others. In southern Florida, visitors come to swim and
sunbathe in December. In nothern Alaska, winter temperatures may drop to -54 Calcsius,
it’s very cold.
- About population, with roughly 275 million people, the U.S is the third – largest nation in
population, after China and India. And the US has one of the world’s most varied populations
in terms of national ancestry. This diversity is also highlighted along with the variety in ethnic,
the USA is about 82% white, 13% black, 4% Asian and Pacific IsLander, and 1% Native
American. In the USA, racism and prejudice are still problems, however most Americans
believe in the ideal of equality and mutual respect.
- Nowadays, three significant population trends may change the American character to some
extent. First, by the year 2050, the country’s population will be 394 million. Second, in
recent years, the average age of American has been increasing from 28 to about 35 and this
trend is expected to continue. And demographers say that by 2023, about 18% of American
will be 65 or older and even reaching to 34% by 2038. And why when the average age in
American increase will impact a lot the American character? Maybe the answer lies in
Americans’ perception, they have believed that “American is a country young man and
Americans have often been accused of worshiping youth and undervaluing their elders”, so
now the typical American is approaching middle age, “what will happen to the youth culture
then”. Third, the nation’s ethnic and racial minority groups are growing much faster than
the general population and according to the prediction, by 2050, these groups will combine
and make up the majority of the population and this change will affect attitudes, values, and
customs.
- Regional variations also add diversity to the American character. There are differences in
attitudes, behaviors, language, diet, recreation and even regional character from place to
place. For example, attitudes and behavior differ from one region of the country to another; as
New Englanders are commonly described as serious and self-reliant, Westerners as casual
and friendly. Californians are said to be eager to try new fads, or Midwesterners are
considered more conservative than Californians and less sophisticated than New Yorkers.
Demorcacy in Action
- American democracy is based on the principle of majority rule, it means decisions are
made by voting. In the USA, voting is not just a tool for selection politcal leaders and passing
laws, it is also a way of making decisions everywhere from in business world, in social groups,
etc…
- “All men are created equal,” cited to the Declaration of Independence. This means that all
people should be treated equally before the law and given equal privileges and
opportunities.
- Because the American commitment to equality of opportunity inspires what is commonly
called in America dream – the belief that anyone can achieve success through honesty and
hard work. That’s the reason, in the USA, there is a popular trend called “social mobility”
means movement from one social class to another by improving one’s educational level,
occupation and or income.
- A democratic, representative government gives citizens an opportunity to encourage
positive social change. “Grassroots” movements can bring about changes in laws and
policies to improve citizen's living conditions.

2. Marriage: American Style

Before the Wedding
- In the USA, the institution of marriage continues to be popular b/c American seems willing to
take the bad with the good in their marriage. By middle age, about 92% of Americans have been
married at least once.
- However, the country’s single adult population is almost as large as the married population.
Only 56% of American adults are married and living with their spouse. Besides today’s
Americans are marrying at an older age. Why are many people staying single longer? Maybe
many young adults want to get their careers well establish before marriage or also many couples
live together without marrying
- In addition, when Americans choose a spouse, the decision is usually based upon feeling of
love rather than on pratical consideration although, they try to be practical in most matter.
Besides, in the USA, parents don’t arrange marriages for their children.
- When a man and woman become engaged, they must prepare something before the wedding.
At this time, traditionally, the man has to give his fiancee a diamond engagement ring. Besides,
during the engagement period, the bride and her fiance meet each other’s relatives and they also
plan their wedding and rent or buy an apartment or house.
- In addition, it is common for engaged couples to go to a department store bridal registry and fill
out a list of items they would like to receive, then wedding guests can choose gifts from the list
and have sent to the bride. Also, shortly before the wedding the groom and his close friends and
relatives celebrate at a party called a bachelor or stag party.
The Big Day
- Most wedding customs in the US today are based on old superstitions about ways to bring the
couple good luck and many children and promise of lifelong devotion.
- About clothing, the traditional American bride wears a long white gown and a veil, people
thought the veil would protect the bride from evil spirits. The white gown and veil also
symbolize innoence. While, the groom usually wears a tuxedo – a formal suit with a bow tie.
Besides, Tradition says that the groom should not see the bride’s gown before the wedding.
- The wedding ceremony may be held in a church, synagogue, home, hotel, or nice outdoor area.
The wedding ceremony usually includes the bride and groom and their closest relatives and
friends. During this ceremony, the bride and groom exchange identical wedding rings. The ring,
a circle with no beginning and no end, symbolizes unending love and loyalty and it’s worn on the
fourth finger on the left hand because supposed that a vein and nerve runs from this finger
directly to the heart.
- After the ceremony, there is a reception- a party with food, drinks and dancing. And after the
meal, the bride and the groom will cut the cake and it’s served to the guests. Some people believe
that if a single woman sleeps with this piece of cake under her pillow she will dream of the man
she’s going to marry.
- Before the bride leaves the reception, she throws a bouquet of flowers backward over her head
to a group of single women standing behind her and the person who catches the bouquet will be
the next to marry, the groom throws his bride’s garter to the single man.
- About wedding expenses, who pay for the wedding? Normally, expenses are often shared by
the parent on both sides, of course, some couple can pay for their weddings themselves.
- In the US, children under age 16 are not allowed to marry. And marriages between first cousins
or people more closely related are prohibited in many states.
3. American Etiquette
American Attitudes and Good Manners
-Etiquette refers to the proper way to behave in social situations. To be honest,
Americans are rather casual, still, there are many social blunders that will offend them.
Most American attitudes about good manners relate to showing respect and consideration
for others.
- As we've known, the USA is a democratic country, so Americans believe that all
people are entitled to equal opportunity and respect, no one is privileged and no one is
worthless. So here, a polite but assertive manner is socially acceptable. You have to feel
free to look directly into his eyes and speak your true feelings. Often, if necessity, you
should tell a "white lie" and compliment s.o on s.th you don’t like. But most of the time,
you should express your true opinions, if you disagree you only show respect for them
and their ideas.
- Here are some suggestion that may help you make friends in the U.S:
+ DON’T BE NOSY: means that you don’t ask for extremely personal information such
as age, weight, income…. Because in the American thinking, asking these kinds of
questions sound “nosy” and is an insult, so you don’t poke your nose into other’s
business.
+ DON’T SMOKE WITHOUT PERMISSION: Nonsmokers don’t want and don’t like
the smell or the health risk of secondhand smoke. In the US, many offices, restaurant and
other public places are smoke-free enviroment, so if you don’t see ashtrays, means that
you are not allowed to smoke.
+ DON’T GET TOO CLOSE: When in the US, notice the distances between people in
public situations. Because when standing too close may give the impression of forced
closeness or an attempt to dominate. Standing too far away seems formal and cold.
+ DON’T TOUCH: Americans don't usually touch people if they don’t know well, except
for some cases, so hands-off!
+ DON’T MAKE ETHNIC SLURS: The U.S is a multi-ethnic, multi-racial culture, so do
not say anything negative about an ethnic group, since in the future no one knows your
new friend's spouse or brother-in-law may be a member of that group.
Introductions and Titles
- In the U.S, there are traditional rules for making introductions (presenting two strangers
to each other) properly. When introducing people of different sexes, we should say the
woman’s name first. For example, Mrs. Lisa, this is my assistant, Mr. Kim. If two people
of the same sex are introduced, the older person is named first: “Grandfather, this is my
friend, Lisa.
- Americans usually respond to an introduction by saying: “How do you do, It’s nice to
meet you, Hello”. When introduced to a stranger, Americans usually shake hands and
using the right hand. And the custom of handshaking is also used when they meet
acquaintances and when they conclude a conversation. And according to tradition, the
older person, the woman or the more important person is expected to extend a hand first.
- About form of address, people in the same general age group such as coworkers,
classmates tend to call each other by first names. Those people working as doctors,
lawyers, teachers,,,, is often called by their titles and last name.
Mr (mister) is a title of title of a man, Miss is used for a single woman. Mrs (missus) is
the form of address for a woman who is married, divorced or widowed, however, if you
don’t know the marital status of the woman, you can call by Ms (miz). And remember,
it’s rude to call a man mister without the last name or a woman lady. In the U.S, very few
titles without the last name can be used alone include Doctor, Professor, Captain,…
Congratulations, Condolences, and Apologies
- In general, in the US, when a person has accomplished s.th, we can say
“Congratulation”. And especially, when you’re invited to a birthday, graduation,
wedding, beside congratulation, it’s also appropriate to give a gift.
- We will indicate a popular expression in the U.S, it is RSVP, come from the French
expression meaning “respond, please”. If RSVP is written on an invitation, it means the
host has requested that the guest respond to say whether you can come. If the invitation
says, “RSVP regrets only”, it means “respond only if you can’t come”.
- A person is considered to have good manners when they behave on sad occasions. If a
coworker, classmate or neighbor experiences a death in the family, it is appropriate to
express sympathy, and especially, you should avoid saying “die” or “death”, it is best to
say “I was so sorry to hear about your loss” or you can send a sympathy card but please
remember that be sure to select a card without religious symbols.
- About way to apologize, the simple words are “I’m sorry”. It has two main uses:
+ express sympathy to someone who had a bad experience
+ express regret for bothering s.o or causing a problem
Other expressions of apology are “Excuse me” and “Pardon me”. You can use these
expressions when you want to get out of a crowded elevator or stopping a stranger to ask
directions
Dinning Etiquette
- When invited to an American friend’s home for dinner, try to arrive on time, but not
early, it’s okay to be 10 or 15 minutes late. When you go to somone’s home for a meal,
you should bring a small gift.
- In situations you are served food you don’t like or can’t eat, eat whatever you can and
hope that no one notices what is left. If questioned, admit you can not eat but say you’ve
enjoyed the other foods.
- When you invite s.o out to dinner, be prepared to pay and reach for it when it arrives. In
most American restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip, normally about 15% of the bill
is standard. However, in expensive restaurants, you can leave a little more.