Product Description

This title seeks to provide insights into the American psyche and character. It looks at American values, assumptions and ways of reasoning to help foreigners to understand the enigmatic Americans. This edition features a new chapter on race and ethnic relations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #206949 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 295 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781877864995
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Customer Reviews

A Jem of a Book!
Some people do not understand the beauty of American Ways. They think that it merely depicts stories. The actual wonderful thing about this book is that it deals with stereotypes. Almost all of us, regardless of country, have certain pre-conceived notions regarding others. American Ways directly addresses foreigners stereotypes of Americans. The book is even bold enough to agree with the stereotypes at times. However, it typically dispels and explains the reasons for those stereotypes. This makes for a much richer understanding of aspects particular to American culture. Having previously taught English as a foreign language in China, I think that this book alone could inspire countless classroom discussions on a variety of aspects regarding Americans.

A Good Read!
Gary Althen's richly detailed guide shines a psychological, cultural and sociological spotlight on American customs, values, attitudes and behavior. Organized into 22 chapters that cover just about every aspect of American life, the book hits you with its uncanny insight, accuracy and honesty. Although he doesn't completely avoid stereotyping (and doesn't seem at all bothered by it), Althen presents the good, the bad and the quirky. He explains the "why" behind American attitudes and manners. Even though this is a guide for foreigners visiting, doing business in or living in the United States, we from getAbstract also suggest this book to Americans. It's an eye-opener about the national personality, or the perceived national personality, from naïvete to individualism. As Scotsman Robert Burns wrote, "Oh wad some power the giftie gie us, to see oursels as others see us." Well, here's your chance.

Very insightful, easy reading, thought provoking resource on cultural norms
This book is an excellent resource for people who are ready and want to learn more about U.S. American cultural norms. This includes people from other countries and people living in the United States (regardless of citizenship). For U.S. Americans, by highlighting U.S. American culture the book also provides insight into other cultures.

The author rightly addresses the issue of stereotyping in the Introduction on page xxii. This point about cultural norms (which by definition indicates a wide distribution of actual behaviors within a culture and individual variations is important to keep in mind. The book is an easy read.

The chapters cover many aspects of life including social, educational, and business. U.S. Americans should also realize that the book is addressed to and written from the perspective of people from other countries. Nonetheless, it provides wonderful insights into U.S. culture and other cultures.