大學英語課件之英美文化12American Dream

1、US Chapter 12American DreamAmerican StereotypesAmerican CharactersAmerican Customs and HabitsAmerican DreamThe term is usually associated with: prosperity, personal ownership of property, personal liberty, opportunity.And the belief that individuals are free to achieve any goals, to accumulate mater

2、ial wealth and to live any lifestyle they like. In Other Words.America is the land of opportunities for the individuals and enterprises. Any competitive, practical go-getter (people with wild ambition / careerist) can make a fortune, or build a dream home. The American dreamers tend to be: self-focu

3、sed, materialistic, pragmatic.Warm-upWhat are the things that come to your mind first when you hear the word America or American?American Stereotypesstereotype: standardized mental picture / impression / attitude The common stereotypes of Americans include: boastful and arrogant disrespectful of aut

4、hority drunkard ignorant of other countries and culturesinformal (dress / manners)insensitivepromiscuous (having frequent and casual sexual relationships with others, especially strangers)racist (superior to / discriminate against)stingy / meanself-confident Tend to think that every country should i

5、mitate the US uninformed about politics dynamic (mobility)American Characters1. The pioneering spiritThey take pride in meeting challenges and overcoming difficult obstacles. They like to believe that a difficult problem can be solved quickly and impossible ones may take a little longer. This can-do

6、 spirit has given Americans a sense of optimism (pessimism) about themselves. They would say that if the United States can land a man on the moon, no problem on earth is impossible. Americans are trained from childhood to question, analyze and search. Frequently one can find that junior staff member

7、s dare to challenge senior executives or argue points with them.No insult, no offences ! They think that the ideas are being looked at, not the person himself. (This is the way their minds work!)2. HonestyHonesty is the first and foremost.To them trust and truth are of paramount importance. If they

8、say a man you cannot trust him, this is one of the most damning statements that can be made about him. For Instance. (cultural difference)How far is it to the next village? the American asks a Chinese man standing by the edge of the road. tired, eager to reach his destinationJust down the road (enco

9、uraging)Actually it is 15 miles further on! Feeling cheated and tricked.You have a good way to go yet; it is at least 15 more miles. 3. They have little feeling for rank.They dont enjoy being treated with special difference for age or position. (eg.senior citizens)They dont have titles to show class

10、 distinction. (Mr. Ms. Sir. Maam)occupation titles: Dr.Brown, Prof.Green, Father White, judge Henry, Bishop Grey, Senator Smith, Ambassador Jones, etc. To most Americans, respect and informality are not related. Quite normally you hear people well beyond middle age say - even to young people - Just

11、call me Jack.Being on the first name terms is taken as a sign of acceptance and friendliness. 4. FranknessThey tend to be open and direct in conversations. (hold sth back-UK)They dont hesitate to admit certain weaknesses of themselves. I was never good at mathematics.I am a rotten tennis player!I am

12、 the worlds worst bridge player!How do you reply ? Show agreement quickly ? Its better NOT to agree with him too quickly. It would be all right for them to admit their own weaknesses. The listener is supposed to encourage or shift to sth else. 3 Customs & HabitsGreetings: Can u think up some common

13、greeting terms? Theirs are very INFORMAL, such as: Hi, there! Hello, guys / pals! Hi, whats up ? Hi, whats going on ? How are u doing / going these days ? Do such greetings normally expect an answer? So if an American friend greets u with Hi, whats going on? and walks away, dont feel offended! The m

14、ost common phrase for the Americans to say good bye is_. See you later.But it is not an invitation for a visit nor will you meet again later. (customary)Time-consciousnessThey place a high value on promptness. Buses, trains, meetings or classes generally start and run on time.Make comparisons with:

15、Japan, UK, Italy & Spain. In America, what should you do if u are going to be more than 10 minutes late for an appointment? You should telephone to let the other party know about your late arrival. TippingGenerally, tipping is expected for:Restaurant waiters 15-20% of your bill Airport / hotel baggage handlers (porters) $1.00-$2.00 per bag Barber shops/beauty salons15% Taxi drivers 10%-15% of fare Hotel room service $1.00 You should NEVER tip government officials (esp.policemen). (bride)You DON