us culture

 

Major Celebrations/Secular Celebrations
There are many holidays and celebrations in the USA both as national and state level.
The federal holidays are:

1. January 1 New Year's Day

1. January 15–21 (Floating Monday) Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

1. February 15–21 (Floating Monday) Washington's Birthday

1. March 29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day

1. May 25–31 (Floating Monday) Memorial Day

1. July 4    Independence Day

1. September 1–7 (Floating Monday) Labor Day

1. October 8–14 (Floating Monday) Columbus Day

1. November 11 Veterans Day

1. November 22–28 (Floating Thursday) Thanksgiving Day

1. December 25 Christmas Day

The United States is a culturally diverse country, and it is especially so in large metropolitan areas such as San Francisco. Most people in the U.S. are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants from all around the world. This multiculturalism can be comforting for international visitors; it can also make it hard to identify the cultural practices of “typical Americans”. However, there are some general trends of social interactions that are particular to Americans. These cultural norms can be surprising to people who come from different backgrounds. We have made notes on some of these trends below, and hope they will help you transition into life at UCSF. It is important to note that as with all generalizations, sometimes these trends do not apply. As always, the best way to learn about new culture is to interact with locals!

Individualism
Individuality is highly valued in American culture. Americans often identify themselves as separate individuals before identifying with their family, a group, or the nation. American children are often taught that understanding and relying on oneself is crucial to success in adult life. This does not mean that Americans do not form strong social networks or familial bonds. Rather, taking an interest in improving oneself is thought to benefit the majority. This individualism can be seen as rudeness by people from more collective cultures, but this is not the intention.

Equality
American society is based on the ideal that “all men are created equal”. While there are many economic, social, and cultural differences throughout the U.S., in theory, everyone should have an equal opportunity for success. Because of this emphasis on equality, Americans tend to disregard social status in everyday interactions, and only acknowledge these differences in subtle ways. People from other cultures who hold higher social positions sometimes feel that Americans do not treat them with enough respect. On the other hand, Americans may feel offended if they feel they are not being treated equally.

Behavior
us persons are intelligent that is us is good in economy also, so if you are in us so you have to smart enough.

Making eye contact while talking to someone is often a big deal, and it can be considered disrespectful to avoid doing so.

It’s not polite to burp in public, to loudly slurp your soup, or to generally make loud and avoidable noises.

It is not polite to pick your nose or your teeth (with or without a toothpick) in public.
In general, follow the golden rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated. Especially in a business, professional, or educational setting but also for anyone who’s not a close friend, don’t make sexual or suggestive comments, don’t touch anyone other than a handshake, and try to have neutral (rather than personal) conversations.