When contemplating what aspect about American culture I would cover for this blog, I experienced some trouble. The reason for this trouble is because throughout my twenty years of life in Florida, I have witnessed various different cultures influenced by who I was surrounded by. Ultimately this very “problem” is exactly what I will be discussing in my first blog post. The United States is so diverse that there is no one behavior or attitude that encompasses all United States citizens. Take a look at Florida’s population for example. Nearly fifty percent of the population is made up of minorities. The cultural aspect that trumps over all others in my opinion is the amount of diversity in America. However, digging deeper into this fact, there is a universal value that is shared. That universal value is freedom. Freedom to behave how we please without infringing on the rights of others. This value of freedom is what supports the hundreds of subcultures that currently exist.
As a United States citizen, I take pride in this value. I take pride in this value because it is what has allowed for me to experience the various recreational and occupational activities I participate in. For example, shooting rifles at the range and working as a supervisor with my family in our general contracting company. On top of my experiences, the freedom we all value has not only benefited my life but the life of other citizens and residents. Unfortunately though, there are always extremes and vices. The same way Americans have the freedom to increase their level of education, hobbies, and status, they also have the freedom to remain ignorant and arrogant. As much as these vices can be an issue and potentially harmful to others, it does not taint the importance of this American value.
I believe those who live outside the United States would share the same opinion as me although their beliefs might be skewed more toward the latter of what was expressed earlier. Traveling internationally before, specifically to Colombia, South America, I have seen how much influence the United States has on the rest of the world; how bordering countries view our culture in admiration. However, these are countries which have poorer standards of living and are not as economically strong. If I were to visit an eastern country, such as Spain I presume opinions would be more judgmental toward the freedom we value so tenderly. I think this opinion would be rooted in how our value of freedom trumps over the value we place on efficiency and equality.
Participating in this exorcise has aided my awareness of the culture which has molded my interests and behaviors. It provides a deeper understanding of why I passionately debate controversial topics with my friends, partake in the hobbies that I do, and why I am patriotic about my country. Additionally, its mentally prepared me to face potential backlash as an American in a foreign country and be conscious of different perspectives that may oppose mine.