How to Understand American Culture

American culture is a diverse one shaped over the centuries by a number of other cultures including British, Native American and Italian, to name just a few. As a result, cultures, ethnicities and social practices in America are varied. However, a few simple steps can help you get your footing in American culture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Maintain the personal space of yourself and others. Personal space requirements vary largely by country, but it's of great concern to many Americans. Personal space is generally around four to five feet around an individual. Intimate space, reserved for close friends, family, and pets is about 18 inches. Intruding on an American's personal space causes great discomfort.
2. Understand social classes in the United States. While Americans don't observe any strict class rules, there are typically three classes recognized and dictated by education, income and professional affiliations. The upper class is typically considered well educated white collar professionals. The middle class usually holds a Bachelor's degree and a steady, comfortable job (or some combination thereof), and the lower class is typically lacking in education and holds blue collar jobs.
3. Race and ethnicity play a key role in understanding American culture. Throughout its history, the United States has been plagued by a history of slavery and racial tension. However, generally called a melting pot, the United States generally welcomes legal immigrants, and many races and ethnicities choose to live together in areas that attract various groups.
4. Get a taste of the foods Americans call their own. Just as the general American culture is influenced by a number of outside cultures, the food is no different. Many types of food including German, Italian and Mexican have been claimed by United States residents and "Americanized."
5. Work hard and work often. Americans generally work an average of 42 hours per week and take an average of 16 vacation days per year. These averages are far lower than most industrialized countries, and as a result, Americans are often considered workaholics by the rest of the world.
6. Live the American dream. The "American Dream" is a term used to describe an idealized American life including a steady job, a family, a home and other amenities considered desirable. Americans tend to admire rugged individualism, or a person's ability to make a successful life out of the poorest beginnings.