American culture
USA's shared identity
American culture refers to the shared customs, values, arts, and social patterns of the United States.
The phrase often carries implicit judgment—invoked admiringly for innovation, entertainment, and democratic ideals, or critically for consumerism, individualism, and cultural export that crowds out local traditions: American culture has spread globally through Hollywood and fast food.
What counts as authentically American remains perpetually contested, given the nation's regional diversity and immigrant foundations.
- USANorth American nation, abbr.
- United StatesNorth American federal republic
- superheroesCostumed figures with powers
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
self made man · Revolutionary War · melting pot · Hollywood · Statue of Liberty · multiculturalism · Harlem Renaissance · Constitution · abstract expressionism · entrepreneurship · hip-hop · Mount Rushmore · Founding Fathers · gig economy · Super Bowl · baseball game · apple pie · Main Street
- social studiescivics, social studies, maps, economics, community
- AmericanaFourth of July, bald eagle, Thanksgiving, apple pie, baseball
- culturesMediterranean cultures, subculture, multicultural, counterculture, underground
- Americas StudiesCanadian history, Mexican history, colonial history
- American and British societiestransatlantic, shared heritage, bilateral ties, historical ties
American cultureNative American culture
Customs of original inhabitants
European culture · European tradition · Asian culture · Chinese culture · Japanese culture
American culturetraditional culture
Established customs of a people
ancient tradition · folk culture · customary practices · tribal culture