CHAPTER 1: Cross-cultural Contact with Americans

Is it possible to describe an American? movies television pictures newspapers

North America AMERICAN Central America South America

Native American Americans Immigrant Refugee group

STEREOTYPES AND GENERALIZATIONS Stereotypes are exaggerated beliefs and images about groups of people and are often based on a lack of information or contact. It is easy to overgeneralize and apply the actions and behavior of a few people from a particular group to the entire group.

society we they positive negative

Melting pot Mosaic A society in which ethnic group blend and become one group. A society in which ethnic groups retain their separate identities but together form the larger community.

Mainstream American Values As you know U.S. society is made up of a diversity of ethnic groups and cultures that have helped shape American values. The behavior of the groups based on its values and beliefs.

>< American values Personal control over the Fate environment Change Tradition Time flies Time walks Equality and egalitarianism Hierarchy, rank, status Future orientation past or present orientation >< Action and work orientation “being” orientation Materialism spiritualism Individualism and privacy Group orientation Self - help Birthright inheritance Informality Formality Directness, Openness, Honesty Indirectness and "saving face"

Personal control over the environment Fate People can determine the direction of their lives. They believe every single individual should have control over whatever in the environment might potentially affect him or her Some believes that what happens in life is a result of a grand plan and destiny.

Change Tradition Change is seen as an indisputably good condition. It is strongly linked to development, improvement, progress and growth. Many older, more traditional cultures consider change as a disruptive, destructive force.

There is no need for people to feel so pressured on time. Time flies Time walks People should not waste or kill time. They must follow their schedules to be productive. There is no need for people to feel so pressured on time.

Equality and egalitarianism Hierarchy, rank, status Most Americans believe that Gods views all humans alike without regard to intelligence, physical education or economic status. People’s role are defined in terms of their relationships to other people .

past or present orientation Future orientation past or present orientation look to the future and not to the past. people should live for today or for their ancestor; they should live according to tradition.

Action and work orientation “being” orientation work often defines people; their identities come from what they do. work is not the center of people’s identity; it is acceptable not to focus on work, accomplishments, and achievements.

Materialism Spiritualism tendency to be more concerned with material than with spiritual or intellectual goals. the philosophy that all reality is spiritual and that nothing material is as important.

Individualism and privacy Group orientation Each individual is seen as completely and marvelously unique, that is, totally different from all other individuals and, therefore, particularly precious and wonderful. So, individual needs are considered primary. The individual sacrifices his or her needs to those of the group.

Birthright inheritance Self-help Birthright inheritance Americans have the belief that people can "pull themselves up by their own bootstraps" People are born into either wealth or poverty, they can't change their status in life.

Informality Formality First name usage, casual clothes, and the lack of formal ritual are typical in American life. Use of titles and last names are common. People are retrained and polite with each other. Americans seem to be extremely informal, and will probably feel that they are even disrespectful of those in authority.

Consider one another's feelings when deciding what to say. Directness, Openness, Honesty Indirectness and "saving face" Having always preferred the first approach. People should express themselves openly. It is not considered good to "beat around the bush" Consider one another's feelings when deciding what to say. Honestly is not always the best policy.