Culture of the United States

Overview

The culture of the United States of America is a Western culture, and has been developing since long before the United States became a country. Its chief early influences came from English and Irish settlers of colonial America. British culture, due to colonial ties with Britain that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances, had a formative influence. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, especially Germany, France, and Italy, and from Native American and African peoples.

Original elements also play a strong role, such as Jeffersonian democracy. Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia was perhaps the first influential domestic cultural critique by an American and a reactionary piece to the prevailing European consensus that America's domestic originality was degenerate.

A wide shot of a bustling city street with a variety of architectural styles, representing the diverse influences on American culture.

Cultural Influences

American culture includes both conservative and liberal elements, scientific and religious competitiveness, political structures, risk taking and free expression, materialist and moral elements. Despite certain consistent ideological principles (e.g. individualism, egalitarianism, faith in freedom and democracy), the American culture has a variety of expressions due to its geographical scale and demographic diversity.

Native American Influences

The culture of Native American tribes was a significant part of the country's culture, especially in terms of its governmental organization. The Constitution of the United States was influenced by the political system developed by the Iroquois Confederacy, as were many other cultural aspects such as symbols and music. Native American influences are deeply embedded in the American way of life today, with many place names, words, and even some aspects of lifestyle tracing back to Native American origins.

A depiction of a Native American ceremony, showcasing the vibrant and rich culture that has influenced American society.

European Influences

The United States has traditionally been thought of as a melting pot in which many cultures have contributed their own distinct "flavors" to American culture. Just as cultures from around the world have influenced American culture, today American culture influences the world. The term Western culture often refers broadly to the cultures of the United States and Europe.

A collage of various European cultural elements, such as architecture, art, and food, that have influenced American culture.

Arts

The United States is widely known around the world for its leadership in the arts, including visual art, literature, music, and film.

Visual Arts

The visual arts of the United States encompass a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, graphic design, and photography. The development of these arts roughly follows the history of the United States, including the Colonial period, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.

A gallery of American visual art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.

Literature

American literature began with the orally transmitted myths, legends, tales, and lyrics (always songs) of Native Americans and enslaved Africans. These were followed by the writings of explorers, missionaries, and colonists.

Music

The music of the United States reflects the country's multi-ethnic population through a diverse array of styles. Among the country's most internationally-renowned genres are hip hop, blues, country, rhythm and blues, jazz, pop, techno, and rock. Music in the U.S. is diverse. It includes African-American influence in the 20th century. The music is influenced by music from the British Isles, music from mainland Europe, and music from Africa.

References

1. ^ Fischer, David Hackett (1989). Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-503794-4. 2. ^ Shell-Weiss, Melanie (2006). Coming to Miami: A Social History. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida. p. 18. ISBN 0-8130-3012-3. 3. ^ Takaki, Ronald (1993). A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. New York: Little, Brown & Co. ISBN 0-316-83112-3. 4. ^ Fischer, David Hackett (1989). Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-503794-4. 5. ^ Shell-Weiss, Melanie (2006). Coming to Miami: A Social History. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida. p. 18. ISBN 0-8130-3012-3. 6. ^ Takaki, Ronald (1993). A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. New York: Little, Brown & Co. ISBN 0-316-83112-3.