A Glimpse of American Culture and Values 摘 要： 在当今时代，英语已经成为一种象征性的世界语言。而对于英语专业学生来说，深入地学习美国文化与价值观对于更好的了解美国人以及学好英语这门外语有着极为重要的意义。本文作者对于美国文化和价值观的观点主要基于美国历史。美国传统文化和价值观塑成美国人的态度和行为举止，并促使形成一个多元化的民族。其中，个人自由主义和自立作为美国文化的中心，发挥着重大的作用，同时也是整个美国文化的基础。关键词：文化；文化休克；个人主义；美国精神；唯物主义观；本国中心Abstract: At present days, English has become a symbolic global language. For English major, to profoundly learn American culture and values is of importance to get a better understanding of Americans and to learn English as a foreign language well. In this paper, all the authors points about American culture and values mainly base on American history. American traditional culture values help shape the Americans attitudes and behaviors, and forms a land of diversity of nations. Individualism of freedom and self-reliance are at the core of American culture, play an important role in between. Meanwhile, they are the foundation of whole American culture.Key Words: culture; culture shock; individualism; American Spirit; materialism; ethnocentrismContentsAbstract.1Key words. .1I. Introduction.2II. Literature Review32.1 Individual Freedom.32.2 Self-Reliance.42.3 Friendship pattern and privacy.52.4 Direct and Assertive.62.5 Choice in Education.62.6 The Family.72.6.1 The American Family Structure and Relationships82.6.2 Living Together and American Views of Marriage.82.6.3 The High Divorce Rate in the U.S.82.6.4 Obligations Towards the Elderly .92.7 Time and Efficiency.102.8 Equality of Opportunity and Competition .112.9 Material Wealth and Hard Work.122.9.1 Americans Materialism.122.9.2 American Spirit.132.9.3 Hard Work.142.10 Goodness of Humanity and Improvement.14III. Conclusion.15Reference.15I. IntroductionThe United state of America is a land of diversity of nations. Due to the large-wave immigrants of early years, American culture has been enriched by the values and belief systems of virtually every part of the world. Here is something about the values that shapes the Americans attitudes and behaviors.1) U.S. society is made up of a diversity of ethnic groups and cultures that have helped shape American values.2) Some individuals and groups have a set of respected values that are quite different from those of mainstream America.3) Peoples attitudes and behavior are based on their values.If any one word can begin to capture the essence of the United States of America, it might be diversity. Spread across a continent of great geographic variety, culturally enriched by successive waves of immigrants from nearly every corner of the world, and decentralized into 50 politically and often culturally distinct states, the United States defies easy generalization.Every culture has their own system of values and beliefs. American culture and values is closely related to their religions. On June 28, 1999 Prof Tommy Koh spoke on “Differences in Asian and American values” (http:/61.135.132.62/education/html/article-4632.html). Americans emphasize the importance of success, personal achievement and helping others.1) On personal values, Americans emphasized achieving success in life, personal achievement and helping others.2) On societal values, Americans emphasize the importance of personal freedom and individual rights.In this aspect, the poem on The Statue of Liberty which is located on 12-acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor is the best reflection.“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, New York City, 1883Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles.From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries sheWith silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”(http:/xroads.virginia.edu/CAP/LIBERTY/lazaruspoem.html)It was a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy.II. Literature reviewWhat is culture?Culture is shared beliefs and values. It is s