What is it about US culture that makes many Americans loud, outspoken and over-confident?

Question

any references appreciated too

Answer 1

Americans behave as they do because of many factors. Culture plays an important part and focussing on it, one would point to the lack of forces in their culture that valued the finer points of life. Theirs is a culture that value brashness and assertiveness because it believes that you win an argument by outshouting/out-shooting the other side. One has only to study their civil war to see that winning by force and might is very much a part of their psyche. Out of that psyche rises the adversarial spirit. You must beat your opponent not only in endless rounds of caucuses but discredit her personally, intimidate them by cheerleaders goading on your side, shoot-first-ask-later, etc. For references, read Galbraith, Salzinger, Harper Lee, and watch The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now to understand the streak of violence buried in the American psyche.

The reference to the Brits being as bad is true of recent times. In the past we have been guilty of understatement and reserve, but unfortunately in recent times, the young especially have imbibed from imported Hollywood films the mores and culture across the pond. The stress by politicians on the 'special relationship' has also encouraged this. This has had alarming consequences, as witnessed in the recent rise in violent teenage killings of their peers and older people, often for the most trivial causes, such as rebuking them for dropping paper or putting their feet on seats.

Answer 2

I believe it's a value system. The system glorifies the outspoken, genial American that is able to associate with everyone, and it looks disparagingly at the idea of introversion, associating them with the mentally ill.

It's a balance between introversion and extroversion that needs to be tipped a bit if the United States is to have a more pleasant future.

Answer 3

Compensation over an inadequecy  for a  lack of genuine dearth in history.

Answer 4

having to compete with the Brits

Answer 5

Your descriptions as 'loud, outspoken and over-confident' may be true in comparisons with other people who might be described as submissive, uncommunicative and lacking self-confidence ... us Brits.  It's all a question of perspective and spin.  Yes, of course other countries' idiosyncrasies grate a little but we have to recognise it is not a one way street.  What we British nationals might see as respectable understatement, an American might see as non-committal or weak.  The trick is probably not to be fooled by loudness or quietness.  It doesn't change the substance of the underlying message (if any).  We are not all as culturally sensitive as we could be.  Those countries with more of a day-to-day relationship with others beyond its own shores probably have a head-start over those who rarely need to look beyond their own borders.  In the end, we've all got to play together so perhaps we should try to look for the best in others rather than pointing out their differences.

Answer 6

I suppose because America up until recently was a massive superpower. Now that its global influence is on the wane and is increasingly being marginalised because of the agenda of its presant government and China and India are on the up, that may well end. Let's hope so.

Answer 7

I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!!!!!!

OMG I LOVE MYSELF!!!!!!!!

WOW - ARE YOU FROM ENGLAND?????  I LOVE YOUR ACCENT (bites head off)!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

I don't know but that annoys me too. I can be loud but I'm actually pretty quiet. I am outspoken or can be. I'm definitely not overconfident. I can be if the intention is to get something done. I'm a perfectionist really so I could work on something for a really long time. I think it speaks more of our uneven at best educational system.

Answer 9

It's the pioneer spirit. They talked the buffalo to extinction.

Answer 10

I don't think that's necessarily true...there are many Americans who are shy, quiet and may also have low self-esteem. You can't stereotype all Americans just because you've watched one too many movies or TV shows.

Answer 11

well i am english and i know a lot of english people like that,you can,t say its an american thing,actually i think that it sounds more like the germans i have seen

Answer 12

You said it already: because of their over-confidence and the sense of superiority over the other nations...(not everyone is like that of course)

Answer 13

Mainly because they think they are better than other nations but forget their roots and have become too isolated be remember.