What Defines American Culture?

American culture is both unified and fragmented, shaped by ideals, history, and ongoing tensions. At its core, it's often defined by values such as individualism, freedom, and democracy; but it's also deeply influenced by the nation’s diversity and waves of immigration that have brought together countless traditions, languages, and beliefs. Popular culture — through film, music, sports, and technology — has become a global export, while regional identities, from Southern hospitality to New England traditions to West Coast innovation, highlight internal variety. Yet American culture is also contested: questions about race, class, gender, religion, and political ideology reveal ongoing debates about what “being American” truly means.

• Do you think American culture is defined more by diversity or by common values?
• How have myths and symbols (e.g., the American Dream, the flag) shaped national identity?
• To what extent has popular culture unified or divided Americans?
• Should American culture be seen as a melting pot or as a mosaic of traditions?
• How do global perceptions of America influence how Americans see themselves?

What is American Culture? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfZmC-jLTIg&t=1s
Every Cultural Region Of The United States Explained https://youtu.be/y9qJ2JD-vH0?si=Y7Kgi2fn2MbgfU7v
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In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide breakout rooms at 8pm as follows:
“Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat