USA

Introduction

The United States of America (USA) is one of the most influential nations of the world. Due to this particular factor, various other nations have started adopting the USA’s culture in one way or the other. Culture can be defined in terms of various mannerisms and behaviors that are inter-related to each other. Culture is an integrated pattern of people’s knowledge, behavior, and belief that come from their social interaction. Thus culture is a term which takes a number of factors into consideration in order to define this particular feature in a complete manner.

History

US culture is basically influenced by European culture and is thus known as Western culture. Presently the USA has its own specific cultural and social characteristics like music, social habits, dialect, arts, cuisine, and folklore. It is also one of the most highly diversified both ethnically and racially. This is due to the fact that it was formed by large scale immigration from various other countries throughout its entire history.

Demographics

As of 2012, the total resident population of the USA is 312,842,000 which make it the third most populous country of the world. Unlike various other countries, a large part of its population (82%) lives in urban areas as compared to the global average of 50.5%. This particular fact means a large part of the USA is uninhabited. The two most populous states are California and Texas and New York City is the most populous city.

Despite this fact, the USA has one of the highest population growth rates amongst industrialized countries. As of 2009, US had a higher number of females (155.6 million) as compared to the number of males (151.4 million).

The USA encountered a population growth rate of 1.3% a year during the entire 20^th century in which its population more than tripled. America’s population was 76 million in 1900, while it became 281 million in 2000. It also crossed the 300 million marks on October 17, 2006.

The most densely populated area of the USA is New Jersey with a density of 433/Km². Below is the population density of the entire USA (light to dark, i.e. yellow to blue representing an increase in density),

Below given is the distribution of US population according to race and ethnicity as per 2010 stats.

Race / Ethnicity	Number	Percentage of U.S. population
Not Hispanic or Latino	258,267,944	83.7 %
White	196,817,552	63.7 %
Black or African American	37,685,848	12.2 %
Asian	14,465,124	4.7 %
Two or more races	5,966,481	1.9 %
American Indian or Alaska Native	2,247,098	0.7 %
Some other race	604,265	0.2 %
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander	481,576	0.2 %
Hispanic or Latino	50,477,594	16.3 %
White	26,735,713	8.7 %
Some other race	18,503,103	6.0 %
Two or more races	3,042,592	1.0 %
Black or African American	1,243,471	0.4 %
American Indian or Alaska Native	685,150	0.2 %
Asian	209,128	0.1 %
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander	58,437	0.0 %
Total	308,745,538	100.0%

As per the Washington Post, there were about 11 million immigrants that came to the USA illegally by 2010. As per 2006 statistics, the median household income of the USA was $46,000. Factors affecting this particular parameter are race, marital status, educational attainment, and number of income earners.

 

Cultural Diversity

Founded upon the principle of equality and freedom for all, the USA is one country where people from any race, religion or ethnicity have found a home. It is in the making of this country which has resulted in it being a multicultural nation. People from all over the world usually come to the USA to earn a livelihood and often to settle down. The onset of globalization and multinational organizations further led to the USA being a melting-pot of various cultures.

Amidst this confluence of cultures, USA still has many important cultural aspects of its own, which can be recognized as typical to the country. Also, the westernization-effect which took the world under its spell in the late 90s is another example of the power and influence of USA culture.

Cultural Aspects

As is known famously, the USA has a ‘western culture’ having strong influences from the Roman era and Christianity. It is a modern and evolving culture, and is suitably understood as a source of ‘modernization’.

The USA is a mix of urban and sub-urban culture, where people from different economic and work backgrounds live in harmony.

A quick glance at its culture reveals the following as its key identifiable characteristics:

·         Highly patriotic people, who have a firm belief in the First Amendment and the government.

·         Education system promotes the research oriented study-pattern.

·         Work and career-growth is first priority, family being second.

·         Individualism in work and achievement oriented performance. They are thus, not considered to be very good team-players.

·         Huge emphasis on work efficiency, rather than doing it for the sake of doing.

·         A materialistic and status oriented society. The higher the status of a person, the more is the respect he earns in the society and amongst peers.

·         Meetings and conversations are pre-fixed and conducted at the appointed time and venue.

·         Focus on finding new ways of doing things in a better and effective manner.

·         Spending on loan basis.

Conclusion

An in-depth study and understanding of this culture leads to the conclusion that the USA is one country where people from different origins and ethnicities can co-exist peacefully and hope for prosperity.

Another important aspect of American culture is promotion of research and development. The education system in America is based upon the pillars of practical approach and streamlined/ focused study of subjects. This helps in the development of a child’s brain in a manner that makes him learn by way of doing something. However, not every aspect of this culture can be accepted or adjusted to. Also the involvement of the USA in various war-like attacks and army control in various weaker countries puts the USA in a questionable position and leads to a growth of hatred towards Americans.

In conclusion, it can be said that the USA is one major hub for learning about various cultures, all at one place. Globalization, being the need of current times, makes the USA a global village and a hotspot for various economic activities.

Bibliography

Demographics. (2011). Retrieved January 13, 2012, from http://www.indexmundi.com/united_states/demographics_profile.html

USA Culture. (2011). Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/usa.html

USA History. (2011). Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.usahistory.info/

USA Official Portal. (2011). Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.usa.gov/