I chose to take a Cross-Cultural Psychology class while abroad, as I felt it would provide an authentic perspective of the similarities and differences of American culture versus European culture. One of our assigned readings was L. Robert Kohls' article entitled The Values Americans Live By (https://careercenter.lehigh.edu/sites/careercenter). Truthfully, I don't always read for class, but I decided to be consistently engaged with this class in particular, in order to give myself the best opportunity to learn about different cultures. I'm glad I made this pact with myself because this article really opened my eyes to our values as Americans and how they are contrasted by the values held by Europeans, Italians more specifically.
Kohls begins by introducing Americans as very individualistic, unique beings. If asked to generalize the values held by Americans, one would have a hard time, as we each hold the belief that we are so unique and one list of values cannot apply to everyone. I found this intriguing as I had never considered the values held by Americans as a whole, but only those held by myself and my family. Kohls progresses to name 13 values held by most Americans, many of which are viewed in a more negative light by those of other cultures:
1. Personal Control Over the Environment
2. Change
3. Time and its Control
4. Equality and Egalitarianism
5. Individualism and Privacy
6. Self-Help Concept
7. Competition and Free Enterprise
8. Future Orientation
9. Action and Work Orientation
10. Informality
11. Directness, Openness, and Honesty
12. Practicality and Efficiency
13. Materialism and Acquisitiveness
How many of these values apply to you? I found many correlations between this list and the list of values I internalize to be my own. As Americans, we tend to believe that we are unique and separated from the majority, as if in a hierarchy created by our own imagination. What makes us better than one another? According to Kohls it's simply a self belief that we've created. European culture differs from this list, as it is a more collectivistic and community-driven perspective on cultural values.
Kohls translates each of the American values to what other countries would view it as. For example, Personal Control Over the Environment would be considered Fate in other countries. Specifically Italy, where their culture firmly believes that ones life has a decided fate, and all events that take place are part of their pre-determined journey. They believe that what happens, happens for a reason while Americans tend to believe that they have control over everything that occurs in their life.
This article really opened my eyes to the values I hold as an individual and allowed me to realize that many others hold the same values for themselves. I am not strictly an individual, but part of a family and community that shares some of these values. I have unique characteristics that make me who I am, but as a whole I am very similar to many others. In realizing this, I feel that I am more connected with the community I identify as being a part of. This means my family, friends, school, town, etc. I believe being more group-oriented can be beneficial, and as Americans we should realize that we are not alone. While we do hold some control over our lives, we can be more successful in seeking help from others or simply being in the company of our peers. Life is more fun when you have people to share it with. Be openminded, be optimistic, be with those who make you better.
