First, the characteristics of American culture
Cultural openness, cultural tolerance and cultural enterprising are the three characteristics of American culture, and they are also the advantages of American culture. The openness of American culture is conducive to the advancement of American modernization; The inclusiveness of American culture is conducive to the formation and development of American multiculturalism and the richness of American culture; The enterprising nature of American culture is conducive to the American people to overcome difficulties and pursue a better life. In a word, the advantage of American culture is the driving force of American development.
(A) the basic form of American cultural openness
1. Cultural exchange through personnel flow.
Newspapers, printed materials and audio-visual products are the most common forms of cultural exchange.
3. School education, especially higher education, is the basic way to realize cultural opening.
The widespread use of computer networks, satellite communication systems and telephones is becoming the most promising form of cultural opening.
(2) The tolerance of American culture is reflected in three aspects.
1. Various political ideas can exist in the United States.
2. The United States contains the essence of the cultures of various countries, and various cultures permeate and blend with each other. In the United States, there are European culture, Asian culture, Latin American culture, African culture, Indian culture and so on.
3. American culture is tolerant, and American religion and refugee policy is a good embodiment.
(C) the characteristics of American cultural progress
1. Americans dare to explore, which is reflected in geographical investigation and venture capital investment in enterprises.
2. Americans' pursuit of rights and superiority is reflected in their pursuit of civil rights and the American dream.
Second, the American cultural model.
American culture is based on "individual freedom" and "equality for all", and the concept of equality runs through all kinds of social relations in the United States. The American concept of equality is based on human nature, emphasizing that everyone is born with a value that cannot be underestimated: "After all, we are all human beings." In the United States, "equality" refers to equal opportunities, that is, regardless of color, gender, ethnic origin, and religious beliefs, everyone has the same opportunities in life, not the same situation. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson proposed to defend the natural human rights and the right that all men are born equal.
Individualism is the main content of American cultural model. Individualism here is not egoism. Americans' individual concept is rooted in the philosophical tradition represented by British philosopher Locke. Individualism is a beautiful word in the west.
Individualism, as a social philosophy and political philosophy, emphasizes the independence and creativity of individuals and their free development, and is not restricted by social, political and religious forces.
Individualism makes Americans accustomed to self-struggle, independent survival and development, and independent of others. Larry A. Samwa, a scholar of cross-cultural communication, said: "In western culture, the individual is supreme, and individualism is the first and affirmative value. This value may dominate in the United States. "
China people attach importance to group consciousness and overall value. Individuals should make contributions to society, individual interests should be subordinate to the overall interests, and group interests should be higher than individual interests. Confucius said, "A gentleman means justice, while a villain means profit." For a long time, China people have emphasized collectivism, believing that collective interests are higher than individual interests. When the two conflict, individual interests should make necessary sacrifices to protect collective interests.
Third, China people's misunderstanding of the United States.
China people think that the United States is a country full of racial discrimination.
Indeed, the United States once had a history of slavery and racial discrimination, which is a shame in American history. However, this is also the glory of Americans, because Americans have not only solved the slave problem, but also basically solved all kinds of discrimination such as racial discrimination through their own century-long struggle.
Discrimination is a very sensitive topic and a very serious crime in the United States. In the United States, you can't ask about gender, age, place of origin, family situation (including whether you are married or have children), and you can't use skin color, race or nationality as recruitment conditions. Otherwise there will be suspicion of discrimination. Unless you can prove that this job must be done by a certain type of person, you will be sued for discrimination.
(2) The cost of education in America is so high that poor children can't afford it.
When it comes to American education, many people in China have a deep misunderstanding. In fact, education in the United States is very fair, and equality of educational opportunities is very good. The United States strictly implements the K- 12 compulsory education system, that is, the United States implements free compulsory education from kindergarten to high school graduation. Students don't have to pay tuition or other fees. In America, no matter what children can go to school nearby. Although universities charge fees, it will not lead to the phenomenon of dropping out of school with talent but no financial ability. Because there are more than 40,000 foundations in the United States and many large companies and enterprises, they will look for talented students from poor families in these universities in advance and give them financial assistance. So in the United States, all admitted students have a way to finish their studies.