American Values

• Individualism and Independence  : Individualism is probably the most highly esteemed in theAmerican culture and an importan key  to understanding American behaviour. In the historical development of the country individuals expanded the fronties and rugged individuality was crucial survival. If you asked Americans to characterize the ideal person, they would use adjectives suchas autonomous, independent, self reliance. Person tend to be viewed as individuals rather than as representative of a family or group.
• Informality : In some ways the scenes on the individual rahter than the family or gorups has led to a more informal society. Sometimes this lack of formality is viewed by members of other cultures as a sign of lack, but that is not the intention in Americans value system. This informality is even more predominant on the University campus than in other segments of society. Some ways in which you might to see this value expressed in behaviour are :1. You will generally be on first name basis with other students, in spite of any age differences.2. Language is informal and sometime confusing. Phrase like "see you later" and 'drop by any time" are not meants literally, they are informal ways of saying good bye.3. Dress are very informal on campus.
• Directness :Americans are direct, honesty and frankness are more important to Americans than saving face. They may seem blunt at times and they may bring up in polite conversation topics and issues which you may find embarassing, too controversial or even offensive Americans are quick to get the point and do not spend much time on formal social amenities. This directness encourages Americans to talk over dissagreements and try to patch up misunderstanding  themselves, rather than ask third party to mediate disputes.
• Time consiousness : Great value is attached to time in the U.S. Punctuality is considered an important attribute. as with all values, there are  different rules of accebtability in different cultures.
• Achievment and Competition : The american style of friendly joking or banter of getting the last world in and the quick and witty reply are subtle forms of competition. Although such behaviour is natural to Americans you may find it overbearing or disagreeable.
• Materialism : Americans are often accused of being materialistic, succes is often measured by how much money person has, how much profit a bussiness deal makes, how many material good an individual accumulates. However there are many Americans who do not share this mania inordinately ambitious nor aggresives. Many Americans are materially succesful and still have time to appreciate the cultural, spiritual and human aspects of life. Also many Americans who have not achieved material succes are rich indiviuals and completely content.