American Culture Change
The United States is a country that is culturally diverse. However, there is a dominant culture with a set of beliefs, values and norms (Chapter 7). Some of the United States’ cultural patterns are similar to my values. For instance, I believe that humans have the power to control plants and animals on the earth. In the American culture, individuals should and can control nature, destiny and their environment (Liu & Alley, 2019). I believe that change is good and people can change their behavior. Similarly, in the American culture change is viewed as good and positive. Change means improvement progress and positive growth. Americans view time as valuable since the achievement of goals depends on the productivity of time (Chapter 6). While Americans believe that competition brings out the best in people, I believe that we should work in unity for better outcomes. Americans believe that practicality is critical in making decisions. However, I believe that it is critical to make decisions based on what my mind tells me.
One value that is most important to me is having an identity based on myself and not other people. Self-identity means accepting myself for my thoughts, ideas, actions, strengths, and flaws, but always strive to improve to become my best self. It is who I am in terms of personality, culture, and other characteristics. Another important value is that works give me a feeling of accomplishment. If I want something, I have to do everything in my power to get it. Not because I feel entitled to it, but because I know that I can put in the work to make it happen. The last value is that I believe I can decide goals for myself. I trust myself and I believe I am not in charge of anyone but myself, I am the determining factor in where I take myself in life.
These values significantly affect how I communicate and my intercultural communication. Since I believe in myself, I can effectively communicate with others. I can also decide to learn how to communicate with people from other cultures to achieve effective communication. Self-identity enables me to understand that I may be different from others. therefore, every person has a different way of communicating. This will help me communicate effectively.
References
Chapter 6. Dimensions of Nation-State Cultures. Class Reading.
Chapter 7. Origins of U.S Cultural Patterns. Class Reading
Liu, S., & Alley, F. (2019). Learning from the historical culture of American people for the current society. Linguistics and Culture Review, 3(1), 32-47.
