What are common ethics / moral values of American people?

10 comments

1. Ethics and morality are taught by the parents and community from birth, same as anywhere else. Be kind, respect others, don’t step on sidewalk cracks, etc.

2. I think helpfulness, friendliness, and generosity are values in American culture. They’re largely taught by example.

   The time that a random stranger filled up a flat tire for me so I could drive to the shop pops into my mind when I see someone else who needs a hand. When you benefit from the kindness of people around you, it makes you want to give that to someone else.

3. Let’s see; (though these differ by region, demographic, religion and subculture)

   * Personal space, no one wants to be up on each other
   * Pick up after your dog
   * Give people a general level of respect until their actions change what respect you give
   * If someone is doing something that doesn’t infringe on your rights, let them be
   * Don’t talk about politics in the workplace
   * Be direct. We don’t (normally) hide behind the norm that we have to sugarcoat how we feel and what we want
   * Largely are informal. There is little to no culture of bowing to elders or calling people different sirnames based on their age relative to you. You may call someone sir in a business setting but outside of that, calling an older person by their first name isn’t bad
   * We like to lead private lives and only get to know those we have an interest in, not out of obligation. So no need to know all your neighbors just because you live in the same neighborhood
   * It’s rude to ask people about their finances
   * Don’t park in front of someone’s driveway
   * People should have an equal opportunity for employment
   * We (general) don’t tolerate discrimination, whether based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, ethnicity, disability, etc.
   * Everyone (generally) deserves to vote and make their voice heard
   * It doesn’t matter that you’re not from America or a foreigner, if you are an American citizen, you’re just like any rest of us

4. As kid a thought most people hated crime. I don’t think that is the case anymore. They make excuses for criminals. It sucks.

5. I think because many of us are descended from Immigrants, we were taught at home to work hard & push through adversity, and to be generous to others whenever we can, because that helped our great-great grandparents survive and thrive. Also, a beloved children’s tv program that was on for decades called Mr Rogers Neighborhood promoted the gentler values of kindness and using your imagination.

6. Most everyone in this country was taught morals/ethics of their respective culture, religion, etc by their families/parents. Schools don’t teach moral values, unless you go to a religious school.

7. Most values and behaviors vary by region and state but in general kindness, friendliness, personal space, and equal opportunity are values all throughout the US.

8. Do unto other as you would have done unto you and snitches get stitches

9. Where I grew up we learned a different morality and code of ethics, survival by any means.

10. So, hear me out: Walt Disney Works has a show called “The Spirit of America” and surrounding the stage are statues that represent various American values, which I think sum up American thinking pretty well:

    – Individualism
    – Compassion
    – Discovery
    – Innovation
    – Independence
    – Heritage
    – Freedom
    – Tomorrow
    – Self-Reliance
    – Adventure
    – Pioneering
    – Knowledge