National Character of America

The national character of America is difficult to define as it is changing with the times. Americans tend to be independently-minded people, ever protective of their civil rights and freedoms. Because of massive immigration into the United States, the population is made up of people of such diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities, that to define an American character is almost impossible. Though all these people come to America in search of freedom, and a chance to have a good life, many of them stay embedded in their own cultures and traditions once they arrive here, rather than blending in with the rest of the population. Some of this is because of language difficulties, some of it is due to racial prejudices, but it keeps a lot of them apart from the average American and so distorts the definition of the American character.

The American character is based on freedom: freedom of speech, freedom to pursue their own interests, freedom from persecution, freedom of religion, freedom of movement within the country.

Working hard is greatly valued in the United States. Americans respect doers, problem solvers and achievers. Great importance is attached to such qualities as efficiency, punctuality and practicality. Self-improvement is very important to any American. Idleness is considered to be shameful. Americans can't afford to waste time, to daydream, or to do nothing. There are many workaholics and people who are addicted to their work in the USA. Such people think constantly about their job and feel frustrated if they are kept from it, even during weekends and holidays. Americans see as heroes those people who have overcome a great number of obstacles in order to succeeded in life.

In the USA the words "This is a self-made man" are the best praise. Americans are individualists. They consider themselves as separate individuals who are responsible for their own lives. Americans value privacy and personal space.

Americans seem to be constantly in a hurry. They are extremely punctual and well-organized and hate to be late for meetings. Americans often say that "time is money". They become quite irritated if they have to wait more than 15 minutes beyond the scheduled time for appointments.

Americans like to be open and honest. They ask direct questions and expect "straight" answers. But at the same time, they are reluctant discussing financial and health matters or talking about their private life. Americans hate to argue or to refuse. Instead of saying "no" directly, an American will say something like "it is not convenient now".

Many Americans know very little about other cultures and the world beyond the borders of the USA. They are sure that their country is superior, probably the "greatest" country in the world. Americans don't like foreigners and they tend to think that people born in other countries are not as lucky as they are. Most Americans are proud of their political system and they believe that it has advantages, which other political systems lack. Democracy has become a synonym for the American way of life.

Task 3. Answer the following questions:

1. Why the USA has long been known as a "melting pot"?

2. Where from were the first immigrants in America?

3. What did attract the migration flow to America?

4. Who were the first inhabitants in America?

5. Which city of USA has the largest black population now?

6. What do you know about Americans' behavior in public?

7. What kind of person is respected by Americans? Why?

8. How can you describe a typical American workaholic?

9. What do Americans think about other countries?

10. What are Americans especially proud of? Why?

Task 4. Without looking at the phrases above, give English equivalents for:

1. быть известным как «плавильный котел»;

2. прибыть со всего мира;

3. создавать дома на новой земле;

4. первые жители;

5. захватывающий;

6. расовые предрассудки;

7. экономические возможности;

8. жить на Западе;

9. население;

10. рассеивать;

11. гражданское право;

12. соответственно;

13. трудно определить;

14. время – деньги;

15. независимо мыслящие люди;

16. прямой вопрос;

17. преодолевать препятствия;

18. тратить время;

19. деятель;

20. свобода.