Cultural guidebook for immigrants entering the U.S - Assignment Example

However, it is important not to follow strictly the generalized guidelines, applying it more carefully. It might work at times and sometimes it might not. This paper seeks to come up with guidelines that would lead African immigrants who want to live in the United States. One pervasive social value in the US is individualism, which, if an immigrant understands, would help them in illuminating various aspects of culture (Carrion, 2010). The lone cowboy on the prairies with his horse as the lone companion epitomizes the American ideal of self-reliance and self-fulfillment best.

In order to succeed in American culture, it is essential to be independent and strong. In the United States, one’s success can be attributed to the perseverance and hard work of an individual. In this culture of individualism, decisions are made in benefit of an individual, for instance, moving away from home to a college of one’s choice would be supported rather than considered as selfish. American culture, in fact, encourages independence of children. Young people of every socio-economic class are expected to get a job after schooling to promote responsibility and autonomy (Carrion, 2010).

Another social value in the United States is efficiency where, and they are apt to grow impatient with lines that move slowly, especially if they want to conduct business and want efficient and rapid client service (Carrion, 2010). Talking to clients at the expense of effective service is intolerable to most Americans, especially since time is money and needs to be saved, values, and used wisely. Americans also give increased importance to punctuality as a social value with different activities possessing different conventions (Carrion, 2010).

Americans expect one to arrive at the specified time for appointments and meals. Individuals are also expected to arrive at any time within the time range specified for informal receptions and parties. It is, thus, important to plan on arriving several minutes before specified time for events such as weddings, church services, classes, sport events, movies, concerts, plays, and meetings. If individuals cannot keep appointments, they are expected to call and explain that one will be late or will not arrive for the appointment.

Latecomers run the risk of being turned away if they are not on time for professional appointments. Therefore, it should not be a surprise if a friend rushes past without saying hallo if they are late. Americans also adhere to the social value of privacy that runs deep in the culture. It is a value that they defend and respect and is considered essential to a society that is free. Americans carry the privacy rights as a shield and, while they may welcome visitors warmly, they consider their homes as privacy bastions (Carrion, 2010).

They also consider alone time as vital for finding a balance between physical and mental health. It is considered inappropriate to visit sans first calling, and it is important to interpret carefully the “make yourself at home” statement. Since Americans have an informal culture, it becomes hard to demarcate boundaries. The privacy culture in the US is especially violated by three questions. What is your weight? What is your age? And how much do you make? Americans, generally, may be hesitant to ask these questions of close acquaintances (Carrion, 2010).

Signs that can be use to tell if privacy is being infringed on is uncomfortable and stiff body language. While it may be contradictory to the earlier