The United States is the third largest country in the world. Its population is more than 300 million, spanning all religions, races, and ethnicities. The people are independent and self-sufficient, and value their freedom of choice. In fact, the United States is the land of the free. Constitutional freedoms allow citizens to live their lives according to their own preferences, even if they are not native to the United States. As a result, the country’s lifestyle and culture are varied, allowing citizens to enjoy various hobbies, lifestyles, and sports.
Diversity
The concept of diversity is an important part of the United States’ life. As a nation that has been founded over two thousand years ago, the US has had a diverse population and culture. The country’s culture has continued to evolve and is now deeply rooted. The US has four main regions, each with distinct cultural values. Diversity in the lifestyle and culture of each of these regions can be a great advantage for a US citizen or visitor.
Regional inflections
Though Americans share a general cultural and political outlook, there are significant inflections within US lifestyle and culture. In addition to language, the region reflects economic changes and mobility. The Northeast, for instance, is densely populated and boasts extensive urban corridors. Its high-tech industry has been overtaken by California’s Silicon Valley, but the region still has some unique cultural and economic traits.
Freedom of choice
Although we tend to think of freedom as being free from restrictions and limitations, there are many cultural contexts in which it isn’t equated with choice. For example, many countries outside of the US emphasize “choice” but don’t equate it with more freedom. This makes it important to understand the cultural preconditions for freedom of choice in the US. We should consider these issues when we evaluate the liberal value of freedom of choice.
Subculture
There are literally thousands of different subcultures in the United States, ranging from ethnic groups to religious communities. Some share similar values, practices, and music. Other groups are formed solely for their own unique purpose, such as the biker community. Other subcultures exist in contrast to the majority population, such as those who embrace aesthetic body modifications and certain types of plastic surgery. These subcultures often help adolescents form a sense of youth identity, although members still identify with the larger society.
Food
The American diet is known to be filled with variety and flavor, with cheese, meat, and other ingredients dominating the menu. The United States is also known for its plethora of fast food restaurants, but many Americans prefer to cook their own food. Many Americans follow the concept of the five basic food groups, which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. According to health professionals, we should eat something from each of these groups every day to stay healthy.
