America's Culture and People

The American culture is part of the Western culture but it was greatly influenced by Native American, African, Asian and Latin American cultures.The culture of the United States has been a melting pot of various influences from the great diversity of immigrants coming from all over the world. However, starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s the American culture become more of a salad bowl instead, the new trend is for a greater cultural diversity and pluralism.

The first influences in the culture of the United States came from the English-speaking colonists of English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish origins. Other major influences were given by the settlers from Western Europe, such as Germans, Dutch, French and Italians. Later on were added influences from other groups, such as Afro Americans, Latin Americans and Asians.

American culture has developed original traditions, such as celebrating Santa Claus, Valentine's Day, Thanksgivings and Halloween. Such customs have spread world around. The many particularities of the American culture are specific only for Americans and may amaze the foreigners or even create a culture shock. For example, in many other countries it is customary to present yourself by giving both your first name and your family name.

But for Americans it is different. They use to give only their first name or even the nickname. Another characteristic of the American people is their great pride, in themselves, in their flag, country and culture. They are very proud of their independence and individuality. To express their individuality they use all kinds of ways, including the way they dress and decorating styles. From early age all the American students learn how to live as independent adults, they are free to make decisions about their classes and personal life.

Québec Culture and People

In the globalization era the borders are permeable, but the art and culture still represent a reference point for the people. Through cultural heritage people are expressing their sense of belonging to a society.

This fact is even more highlighted in Québec. French-speaking people are struggling to keep their cultural distinctiveness surrounded by a vast English-speaking neighbored communities of English Canada and United States. As a land of immigration added over its aboriginal history, by its both French and British influences, the Québec culture still benefits, more than any other culture on the continent, from the strong ties with the two great civilizations that influenced it: Europe and America. Being the only majority French-speaking society in North America, Québec maintains a deep connection to its own cultural heritage, the most important symbol of its identity. Québec’s culture is marked by its struggle to resist assimilation. The French language is the most important aspects of Québec’s cultural heritage and the principal factor in keeping it alive. To help preserve and promote the French language, the Québec government has even created an Office of the French language.

Through history, since the first settlement of French colonies, Québec culture was strongly influenced by Catholicism. The religion was present in all spheres of Québec society, in public administration, education and health. The emergence of the secularization movement in the 60s dramatically changed the social realities in the Province of Québec. The Cultural Revolution started in the 70s modernized all spheres of life and in the present days the cultural realities are keeping the pace with the rest of Canada and the Southern neighbor, the United States. From the cultural heritage of the past are left various places of pilgrimage, churches, religious statues and museums.