Facts About Americans and Our Culture

by Nate Shenk November 23, 2011

What does it mean to call yourself an American? Besides the obvious of actually holding American citizenship, what qualifies you to be able to say, “I’m an American” and not have any doubt about it? Sure, anyone can attempt to immigrate to the United States and eventually become a citizen, but obtaining the official documentation is only half of it. The other half, and arguably more important part of being/becoming an American, is identifying with and understanding its culture.

Here’s a short list of ten facts about Americans, or something like that. You probably already know some of the following facts about Americans in the list below, but I bet you haven’t seen all the ridiculous pictures before.

1. We don’t like our ‘bubble’ being popped.

Facts About Americans: Personal Space is Necessary

As Americans we expect, and believe, it is our God-given right to each have our own personal space and consider it highly offensive when someone invades that space, or ‘bubble.’ We feel extremely uncomfortable if someone, who is talking to us, gets closer than 2 feet – especially if we don’t know them very well.

Americans consider their bedrooms their private sanctuaries and we can’t imagine entering one’s sanctuary without being invited. While I was studying in Germany, I had a friend ask me what the deal was about Americans and the no entering the parent’s bedroom thing.

Apparently, she had no idea that [in America] we rarely ever go into a friend’s parent’s bedroom. It’s a cultural thing, we just don’t and even when we are invited into a parent’s bedroom (such as when given a tour of one’s house) we feel somewhat uncomfortable. We may be friendly, but don’t pop our bubble, or we’ll cut/fork you.

2. We all know/watch Sesame Street, Saturday Night Live, the Flintstones and Star Trek.

Facts About Americans: If you don’t know Sesame Street, you’re not American.

I don’t think I have ever met a fellow American who didn’t know what Sesame Street was. Can you imagine? It would almost be disturbing…everyone knows Cookie Monster, Count Von Count and the rest of the gang.

Even though I’ve probably only seen a couple of Star Trek episodes, I know exactly what it is. And life without the Flintstones just wouldn’t be normal…I wonder if this is still true for little kids today?

I’m not sure how long Saturday Night Live is going to last because many believe it’s nowhere near as humorous as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean its not extremely American and will always be.

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 1167