2. What Are Some Emerging Symbols Associated With American Culture
Ch. 2a SG (p. 40-49)
“Natives who beat drums to drive off evil spirits are objects of scorn to smart Americans who blow horns to break up traffic jams.” - Mary Ellen Kelly
1. What nation is the most multicultural in the world? Why is that?
2. What is culture? How does it differ from human nature?
3. Describe specific cultural patterns or practices in the U.S. that might shock people living in other parts of the world? Explain why?
4. Do you agree with the statement “no way of life is “natural” to humanity (37)”?
5. What did Stanislaw Lec mean when he said, “Is it progress if the cannibal uses knife and fork?”
6. What are some emerging symbols associated with American culture? What are some diminishing symbols that have
been passed on through your parents and grandparents?
7. What are values and beliefs? How are they different?
8. What cultural value is expressed in Benjamin Franklin’s belief (often attributed to the Bible): “God helps those who help themselves”?
9. How do you see values and beliefs coming from and being influenced by society (i.e. family, peers, entertainment, religion, etc.)?
10. How are these values and beliefs similar to those mentioned as the Key Values of U.S. Culture on p.43?
11. Do any of these values contradict each other? If so, which ones?
12. How does our cultural emphasis on individual achievement blind us to the power of society to give some people great advantages over others?
13. What does Figure 2-2 on p.44 tell us about cultural values of various countries?
“Natives who beat drums to drive off evil spirits are objects of scorn to smart Americans who blow horns to break up traffic jams.” - Mary Ellen Kelly
1. What nation is the most multicultural in the world? Why is that?
2. What is culture? How does it differ from human nature?
3. Describe specific cultural patterns or practices in the U.S. that might shock people living in other parts of the world? Explain why?
4. Do you agree with the statement “no way of life is “natural” to humanity (37)”?
5. What did Stanislaw Lec mean when he said, “Is it progress if the cannibal uses knife and fork?”
6. What are some emerging symbols associated with American culture? What are some diminishing symbols that have
been passed on through your parents and grandparents?
7. What are values and beliefs? How are they different?
8. What cultural value is expressed in Benjamin Franklin’s belief (often attributed to the Bible): “God helps those who help themselves”?
9. How do you see values and beliefs coming from and being influenced by society (i.e. family, peers, entertainment, religion, etc.)?
10. How are these values and beliefs similar to those mentioned as the Key Values of U.S. Culture on p.43?
11. Do any of these values contradict each other? If so, which ones?
12. How does our cultural emphasis on individual achievement blind us to the power of society to give some people great advantages over others?
13. What does Figure 2-2 on p.44 tell us about cultural values of various countries?