The Values Americans Live by - Kohls

L. Robert Kohls, Executive Director for The Washington International Center discusses the American cultural values and how they may be seen through the eyes of international visitors. In his article he provides a list of thirteen ingrained values that most, if not all Americans have and share. He also explains how American actions through these values are very strange and unsettling in comparison to foreigner's values.

He calls these values "The Values Americans Live By" a list of thirteen values that explain how Americans act and what they deem as important to American society. He tries to explain this in a way that will assist international visitors understand the nature of American culture and how it may differ from theirs. He begins to explain that Americans cannot put their finger on their own values and are not able to identify what they believe as a whole. He also explains that the list is viewed by Americans as positive meaning that all the values listed are looked on as very favorable and advantageous to its culture.

The list starts with how man has the right and should control nature and uses the example of space travel and landing on the moon. He explains that Americans do not rely on fate and will go so far as to criticize and demean people that do. Americans at all costs will do whatever it takes to control nature. Change is the next on the list and is inevitably a good thing that brings progression, advancement, and evolution. He suggests that Americans do not find much value in the heritage and traditions of more mature societies. The first two values are what he considers American truisms, they are because that is what is believed. Americans through hard work and change can make it happen. Time and controlling it is one of the most important to Americans, at every turn they are insistent of its value. Setting appointments, being on time and never wasting a moment are all ways to make more happen in a shorter amount of time. Americans live in a 24/7 world and do not plan on stopping anytime soon. It is vital to have everyday planned out with a schedule that is full at all times making Americans more productive and happier people, or so this is what they believe.

Americans have faith that all men are "created equal" no matter where you are from or what you look like or even how smart you are. They are certain that we all start off the same and through hard work anyone has the opportunity to become the riches man/women on earth or even president. This is proven with many of the societal civic and governmental rights and is one of the most prized values that Americans hold. Kohls describes this as very disturbing to international visitors with strong conviction in class structure. The next value tackled is individualism of the very special American. Most view themselves as exceptional and diverse from everyone else in the same group. They hold a strong Self-help Concept and view this as the model way to achieve success in America. It is very apparent when you walk into any bookstore you find rows upon rows of self-help books, numerous classes on the self, and TV shows based on self-improvement.

Competition is the foundation for American free enterprise and what ultimately drives the whole of their economy. It challenges them to work better,

...