Time
Americans see time as limited. They put great emphasis on being “on time.” It is important to be on time to classes, social events, public events, and appointments. Americans generally feel that time spent waiting is wasted and will resent having to wait. If you must miss an appointment or if you will be late, it is polite to telephone the person you were supposed to meet to cancel or delay your meeting.
Americans also generally prefer to complete one task before beginning another task. Americans resent it when people ask them to do more than one thing at a time. In American culture, it is considered rude to interrupt someone when they are doing something. It is better to let an American know you have arrived, and then politely wait until he or she has finished what he/she is doing.
Informality
Although in some places the atmosphere is quite formal, in others, it is very informal. Treating guests informally is not being rude, but rather a way of taking you into the intimate circle of family and friends. For Americans, being asked to “help yourself,” or to serve yourself, is a great honor. Although Americans frequently address each other by given rather than family names, at first meeting, it is best to use a person’s title (Doctor, Professor, Mister, or Mrs.) unless invited to do otherwise. Typically in the South, it is very common to address older people as “Sir” (for a man) or “Ma’am” (for a woman).
Directness
Being open and direct in expressing your desires, preferences, and feelings, or in discussing issues, events, and most ideas is considered proper in the United States. However, most Americans are generally hesitant to discuss religion, political beliefs, age, weight, or salary. Americans are particularly sensitive about their physical appearance. It is VERY rude to tell a person that he/she is overweight or fat, unless he/she is a very close friend.
It is important for you to be direct and honest with Americans in expressing your opinion, feelings, and preferences. If you feel uncomfortable about something you are asked to do, make your feelings known. For example, if you are asked to speak in front of a large group and would prefer not to do so, it is polite to decline the invitation to speak.
Competitiveness
Americans place high value on achievement and success, and this leads them to compete with each other. You will find both friendly and not-so-friendly competition. Although competing is natural to many Americans, they also have a good sense of “teamwork” – cooperating with others toward a common goal.
Inquisitiveness
Americans are generally very curious. American education encourages inquisitiveness and asking many questions. Try to be patient when an American asks you a question about your country, even if the question seems ridiculous. This is your chance to educate them about your culture. You will also learn a great deal about the United States by asking questions yourself.
Equality
Americans are taught from childhood that “all people are equal.” This is called “egalitarianism,” and is a high social value. There are many “equal rights” movements among minorities. In general, Americans try to treat women and men, members of different racial and ethnic groups, and heterosexuals and homosexuals equally.
American society is very “pluralistic.” No other country in the world has so many different kinds of people living together in relative peace. Americans are very proud of the diversity of people who live here. It has been very difficult for Americans of different backgrounds to learn to tolerate each other and to live together peacefully.
However, like all societies, the United States has many people with rigid and prejudicial ideas about people, food, customs, and proper ways of living. For example, the role of women in the United States is changing. Women’s movements aim to insure that women have opportunities equal to those of men. Women play a very visible role in this country. You will find women business leaders, police officers, professors, and political leaders. Most people believe that one day the United States will have a woman president.
People of different race, religious beliefs, and national origins have full, legal, equal rights. Most members of the academic community will not tolerate racial or religious insults or jokes. In the university environment, racial or religious insults could get you into trouble.
One other note: you may encounter homosexual people in the United States. Many Americans' sense of equality informs their belief that homosexuals have the same legal and civil rights as any other citizen. Some Americans consider intolerant behavior toward homosexuals (insulting or abusing of homosexuals) as being ethically wrong. If you have questions or concerns about homosexuality, you should ask a trusted counselor or advisor.
Personal Hygiene
Many Americans have a fairly sensitive sense of smell. Americans will often mask natural body odors with deodorants and perfumes. Excessive use of perfumes, however, can be equally offensive to anyone who is allergic to them. As a general rule, no odor is better than completely unmasked or excessively masked odors that may otherwise occur naturally.