Some Aspects and Assumptions of White Culture in the United States

While different individuals might not practice or accept all of these traits, they are common characteristics of most
U.S. White people most of the time.

Rugged Individualism Holidays Time

Self-reliance Based on Christian religions Adherence to rigid time schedules
Individual is primary unit Based on white history and male leaders Time viewed as a commodity
Independence and autonomy highly valued and rewarded
Individuals assumed to be in control of their environment History Future Orientation
– “You get what you deserve” Based on Northern European immigrants’ Plan for future
experience in the United States Delayed gratification
Competition Heavy focus on the British Empire Progress is always best
Be #1 Primacy of Western (Greek, Roman) and “Tomorrow will be better”
Win at all costs Judeo – Christian tradition
Winner-loser dichotomy Family Structure
Action Orientation Protestant Work Ethic Nuclear family (father, mother, 2.3 children is the ideal
Master and control nature Hard work is the key to success social unit
Must always “do something” about a situation Work before play Husband is breadwinner and head of household
Aggressiveness and Extroversion “If you didn’t meet your goals, you didn’t Wife is homemaker and subordinate to husband
Decision-Making work hard enough” Children should have own rooms, be independent
Majority rules (when Whites have power)
Emphasis on Scientific Method Aesthetics
Justice Objective, rational linear thinking Based on European culture
Based on English common law Cause and effect relationships Woman’s beauty based on blonde, thin – “Barbie”
Protect property and entitlements Quantitative emphasis Man’s attractiveness based on economic status, power,
Intent counts intellect
Status, Power and Authority Steak and potatoes; “bland is best”
Communication Wealth = worth
“The King’s English” rules Heavy value on ownership of goods, space, Religion
Written tradition property Christianity is the norm
Avoid conflict, intimacy Your job is how you are Anything other than Judeo – Christian tradition is foreign
Don’t show emotion Respect authority No tolerance for deviation from single god concept
Don’t discuss personal life
Be polite

Judith H. Katz ©1990. The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved