What do you consider to be the defining attributes of modern American culture?

[^_^ 5,021]

I found this question asked on Facebook Questions. I'm pasting the answers (so far) below (minus identifying information), but am interested in hearing what this crowd thinks about this.

Individual freedom and responsibility.

A belief that through hard work we can attain a better life for ourselves.

Everyone is created equal.

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Entitlement Culture, Living beyond our means (credit), unbridled materialism, American Idol and taking most, if not all aspects of our fortunate existence for granted

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Actually the defining aspect of American culture is a tendency to overdo things. Irrational exuberance and dramatic hubris during a boom. Followed by operatic lamentations of the end of the world and ritualistic self-flagellation during a bust. Look at the answers above for a demonstration. I think this is because America is still a very young nation.

That, and also I think the computer, and what it represents in general. Practicality, getting to the point and being very result oriented.

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Super-sized Big Mac Combo meals

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Modern American culture is not monolithic. But if I had to describe it would describe it as millenialism. This idealized view of the world and the exaggerated impact we can make by taking token steps to improve it. Unfortunately it is not practical and has been to some degree hijacked by commercialization to make it more self serving than anything.

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Antique American culture

1- Individual freedom

2 - A belief that through hard work we can attain a better life for ourselves

3 - Everyone is created equal

Modern American culture is the failure of all these ideals.

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Narcissism, lack or substance, distorted sense of patriotism, lack of effort (we like things to be easy, we don't want to have to think, nor does our government want us to think), assumed privilege.

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Modernity and all other cultural epochs (post-modernity, industrial age, medieval, enlightenment, awakening) are, firstly, in reference to religion. Or specifically, the changing tides of Christianity.

Modern American culture is characterized by the principle values and beliefs that man has all that is in his power to progress. Science and technology are capstones of this attitude. Modernity was a cultural period when one believed that good, hard work will procure all that matters in life: a life of leisure, advancement and satisfaction.

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Consumerism- the consumption of cheap, low quality goods. This ranges from our news- tabloids and cable news- to our food- McDonalds, Carls Jr., etc.

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Beer and Football.

[TBoneTX 46,348]

There are some thoughtful answers there. I too will be interested to hear what others here think.

I believe that our culture is defined by the opening words of our national anthem: "Oh-oh, say: can you si?"

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Malls, 7-11's, McDonalds, Taco Bell, NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, Fake Wrestling, Cell Phones, Over Priced Apple #######, Laptops, MTV, Amazon.com, Walmart, Tax and Spend, Gutless Presidents, World Police, Fried Foods, Super Marts, Metro Sexuals, New Cars, Feminist, HBO, ESPN, Walt Disney, Botox, Bottled Water Drinkers/Morons, Light Beer, Wall Street, New Yorkers & Californians, Bass Fishing USA Channel, FOX News, Tea Party, College Sports, Little League, Freeways, Pick up trucks, Texting, Chick Flicks, Infomercials, RAP, Late Night Talk Shows, Fat Kids with Xbox-Play Station - Wie, Soccer Moms, TV Evangelist, Reality TV, Beauty Pageants, Game Shows, Jerry Springer, Oprah, etc...

Some good, some not so good.

Edited April 3, 2011 by Why_Me

[TBoneTX 46,348]

You (and, temporarily, I) forgot wedgies, oof man.

[^_^ 5,021]

There are some thoughtful answers there.

Yes, there are. These are the ones that felt right to me.

... the defining aspect of American culture is a tendency to overdo things. Irrational exuberance and dramatic hubris during a boom. Followed by operatic lamentations of the end of the world and ritualistic self-flagellation during a bust.

... if I had to describe it would describe it as millenialism. This idealized view of the world and the exaggerated impact we can make by taking token steps to improve it.

You (and, temporarily, I) forgot wedgies, oof man.

If only it wasn't temporary. I like you dude but the wedgies thing weirds me out

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Yes, there are. These are the ones that felt right to me.

... the defining aspect of American culture is a tendency to overdo things. Irrational exuberance and dramatic hubris during a boom. Followed by operatic lamentations of the end of the world and ritualistic self-flagellation during a bust.

... if I had to describe it would describe it as millenialism. This idealized view of the world and the exaggerated impact we can make by taking token steps to improve it.

If only it wasn't temporary. I like you dude but the wedgies thing weirds me out

I would think the defining act of American culture would be typing two paragraphs of so called intellectual bs that could be said in one simple sentence.

[^_^ 5,021]

Yes, there are. These are the ones that felt right to me.

... the defining aspect of American culture is a tendency to overdo things. Irrational exuberance and dramatic hubris during a boom. Followed by operatic lamentations of the end of the world and ritualistic self-flagellation during a bust.

... if I had to describe it would describe it as millenialism. This idealized view of the world and the exaggerated impact we can make by taking token steps to improve it.

I would think the defining act of American culture would be typing two paragraphs of so called intellectual bs that could be said in one simple sentence.

Both those paragraphs communicate very different ideas.

Edited April 3, 2011 by \

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Both those paragraphs communicate very different ideas.

meh...this is better suited for "Off Topic". Your sounding like my wife now.

[Dakine10 5,452]

Consumerism- the consumption of cheap, low quality goods. This ranges from our news- tabloids and cable news- to our food- McDonalds, Carls Jr., etc.

That one was pretty good for a one liner.

[^_^ 5,021]

Consumerism- the consumption of cheap, low quality goods. This ranges from our news- tabloids and cable news- to our food- McDonalds, Carls Jr., etc.

That one was pretty good for a one liner.

Except when it comes to healthcare. Then it's all about high-quality, high-cost. Junior hit his head? Mom demands an MRI, the cowed physician requests it and the PPO plan pays.

But yeah, definitely hit BK on the way home. I hear they're running a promotion this week, get 2 classic chicken sandwiches for the price of one!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

1. Being able to do everything by remote control

2. Want it all, want it now and want it for FREE

3. I'll text you the rest of the list.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I believe that our culture is defined by the opening words of our national anthem: "Oh-oh, say: can you si?"

I have to admit that I loled

[Karee 4,191]

Jersey Shore.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Anime!

... wait what culture?

[Dan and Judy 614]

Fake Wrestling,

It's not fake