Question 1
Cultural psychology refers to the study of cultures and their impact on the behavioral tendencies of individuals. The United States, being a country with a large population which has diverse origins is rich in cultural practices. It is the third largest country in the world with a population of approximately 320 million people. Its population has various sources encompassing the whole world. Culture is the defined as the way people live, and it includes language, sports, food, clothes, marriage, and our moral values, among others (Ratner, Carl, 122). In the United States, such elements are diverse, and there are no particular norms for the whole population. It is a country with numerous immigrants who have introduced their native cultures to their new land. The nation is among the superpowers of the world.
The US is a country which is rich in sports and recreational activities. Games such as soccer, basketball, hockey, rugby, volleyball, cricket and baseball are some of the most popular sports in the country. The American states highly value sporting activities right from the young gamers to adults. The value of sports is evident with the existence of numerous sports academies which train young ones to embrace games. The US participates in many international sports competition such at the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and others. Athletics also constitute the games loved by the United States population. Many Americans participate in the internal athletic championships which include long races, marathons, and steeplechase among other athletic activities.
The US citizens have varied types of food and ingredients. The Europeans colonized the US, and it introduced numerous food varieties to the people. Food varieties have continued to expand due to the influx of immigrants who add their native food types to the existing ones. Common dishes include seafood such as cod, sturgeon and salmon; livestock including buffalo, turkey, deer and bear; and alcoholic drinks including whiskey, beer, and rum. Varied cooking methods blended with the European style, the Native American ways, and techniques of cooking prepare these foods introduced by the immigrants.
America is rich in religious practices. The American population constitutes of Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists, and Buddhists among others. Most Americans, approximately 61%, claim to be Christians. Nearly a quarter of the total population has no religion. A slight proportion of the population from the other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism also exist in America (Ratner, Carl, 122). They collectively make 6% of the population.
Question 2
The American culture shares a lot of elements like those of the Indian culture. They as well have differences in some features. Similar to the US, India constitutes of various cultural subgroups that have their particular cultural practices. There are different religious groups in India including their original Hinduism, with 80% of Indians practicing the faith, 14.2% are Muslims, 2.3% practice Christianity, 1.7% are in Sikhism, 0.7% Buddhists and 0.4% in Jainism. These are the major faiths embraced by the people of India with other tribal religions also being practiced within the country. In contrast to the United States, Christianity is not a dominant religion in this country.
Both of the two nations regularly celebrate the national festivals. India being a cultural hub has three main national holidays. These are the Independence Day, the Gandhi Jayanti and the Republic Day. Again, the Indian states and the distinct religious groups have their local holidays which depend on the religious dominance of the states. The Hindu festivals include Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Ugadi and Onam among others (Walser, Joseph, 69). The Hindu festivals contrast in the United States, which doesn't have such some Hindu celebrations. Regarding Sports, field hockey is the official sports activity in India. The Indians have occasionally being crowned international champions in different tournaments. Other favorite sports activities are football and chess. These games differ with the United Nations sports which are incredibly generous. The US has an additional game known as the American football, a unique sport which originated from the US.
Work Cited
Walser, Joseph. Nagarjuna in context: mahayanabuddhism and early Indian culture. Columbia University Press, 2012.
Ratner, Carl. Macro Cultural Psychology: A Political Philosophy of Mind. New York: Oxford University Press, 2012. Internet resource.
