Traits Of Cultural Expression Essay Sample

Every culture has traits, but each culture would express those traits differently. There are 18 traits in total. Some of them can be grouped together, and others are very complex by themselves. The United States is unique in its cultural expression because of its multiculturalism, but it still has its own traditions as well.
First of all, every culture has belief systems. These beliefs are shaped up by the morals and values that people share. Values are taught to people through major religions that rule a specific country. The predominant religion in the US is Christianity, which is monotheistic (one god). But the US teaches values of freedom of religion, so anybody can practice any religion they want here. People will also make symbols based on their beliefs, morals and religions. For example, the symbol for Christianity is the cross that Jesus died in. The American flag is also a symbol for the fifty states, and people also hold the value that it is a symbol for freedom and equality.
Language is the way that people define their culture. It is what allows people to communicate. The main language spoken in the US is English, but there are many languages spoken as well in this country due to immigration and multiculturalism. The American people also speak different dialects depending on where they live. Normally, there would be an oral tradition in an older country, which is what passes cultural traits to children, and where they learn about their culture. It is what teaches people about their customs and traditions, such as how they express their emotions, their everyday rituals, their celebrations and holidays, and their music and dance traditions. In the United States, people rely on their family members, the media and school to learn about their culture, since it is much newer than other countries with a rich oral tradition.
American has its own traditional food, such as hamburgers and fries. But due to the multicultural nature of this country, it is normal to eat food from many different countries, like from a Chinese restaurant, for example. Pop, hip-hop, rock and country music define musical traditions in America, and most dancers in this country study jazz, ballet, modern and hip hop dance. Architecture in the United States varies depending on when it was built. There are Victorian style homes in the New England states, but most of the homes designed here are modern. Many Americans watch movies and television as part of their entertainment. Concerts and music festivals are also very popular here, and define the culture. Different cultures have different styles of clothing as well. There are also holiday traditions that are all historically significant and unique to the United States. This includes Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving Parade. With a large Mexican immigrant population, it has also become tradition to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Children will learn about the way their culture works through school, which also takes part in teaching them about holidays such as Thanksgiving. Here, children are required to go to school, and it is encouraged to attend higher education to learn more. The American culture encourages parents to drop their children off at a day care while they work, since it is a culture that allows both parents the freedom to work. In other words, children are encouraged to be more independent. Shelter is normally given at home with the family. American culture offers shelter for foster children, and it is accepted to adopt children. Shelter is also given to abuse victims and the homeless. The US is also very advanced in creating new technological inventions for the world to use, starting with the computer, the tablet and the smartphone. Apple is a huge company in the United States, and it defines American culture.
Every country has its own government, which chooses whether they want religion to rule or not. The American government is a secular government. It creates law free from religion. It is also a democracy, so people can vote for their President. Also, social friendships and work colleagues will have social rules of which a person will follow. In American culture, for example, it is polite to speak in a low voice and very rationally. There are also organizations that are unique to American culture, such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Defining cultural traditions and expressions is a detailed process. There is so much to just one culture, but these traits are the complete definition of what makes up a culture. The American culture is affected by both its own traditions and the traditions of people all around the world who move here.