Customer Reviews

American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

As a university professor/consultant shepherding American executives to Europe, I found American Ways quite useful as pre-reading for the Americans and not just for those of other nationalities. It perhaps comes as no surprise that it is all too easy for many to see their own culture as "normal" and as "the standard" while making others' perceptions of Americans a bit of a mystery or even a joke. Once the Americans read about their own culture and the challenges and puzzles non-Americans face, it set the stage for much more effective exchange. American Ways provided the American execs some much needed insight into themselves and their own behavior and created useful intra- as well as inter-cultural dialogue.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is new to this wonderful country or even for those who have been here for some time. It was great to actually get certain things about American lifestyles described enough to clearly differentiate foreigners from Americans.

Having lived outside the US for many years, I would have to agree with about 90% of this book. Also, having recently become a US citizen, I would HIGHLY encourage this book to become part of the distribution packet given to all new US Citizens.

The descriptions relating to child raising, materialism, religion, confrontation avoidance, and general family life are right on target.

Buy this book if you are foreigner!

Thanks, Fabian.

I think a lot of people that are American or have an American way of life, may find it uncomfortable because the book points both to strengths and flaws. We don't like our flaws to be exposed. That's why a lot of people give it bad ratings. But as a foreigner living in the US, I think the author is right on the money on everything he says. After this, I clearly understand American culture more. I am now less judgemental about Americans. You can't judge a person for something they grew up with generation after generation and for things that they learned that may be inappropriate for other cultures, but were very appropriate for their setting and environment. So congratulations to the author!!! and now I understand Americans and don't judge them lightly.

The book, designed to explain to foreigners about American culture. It works equally well the other way around for Americans who work with foreigners. It helps to explain why foreigners don't see eye to eye with us, and is useful in recasting one's ways to get things done.

Especially useful to forces serving overseas.

I don't know why this book has a bad rap here, as I found it easy to read and entertaining as an American wanting to know about unique qualities of my own culture. The author examines a number of aspects of American culture and compares them to other cultures, I couldn't have asked for anything better. Perhaps there are better books on the subject, but this is the first I've read and it was sufficient for my purpose, although I will look into more after this one.

A good read for foreigners as well as natives, assuming a strong grasp of the English language or a translation. I found myself appreciating the American culture more than I did before. There has to be something to it considering our unprecedented success. Other cultures would be wise to take heed of our cultural strengths and cast aside the notion of cultural relativism. Things aren't all just "different"; one must believe that they can in fact be placed on a hierarchy. Or foreigners can refuse to believe it while we Americans enjoy our massive wealth, prosperity, and global might! Really, these things had to arise somehow.

Americans too should look out for strong points in other cultures that we might consider taking up in ours. It's just that we Americans have more, what can I say? Overall a great description of the best culture in the world for the best country in the world--go USA! Note: reviewer "disappoinment" exemplifies the author's claim that Americans see themselves as individuals who resent being pigeonholed into this or that classification. Right on the mark!

The author of this book writes exactly the way foreigners see Americans: arrogant, ignorant, self centered, patriotic and thinking that Americans are better than everybody else. This book is definitely no use for intercultural issues. And, with all due respect, the most idiotic chapter is chapter 19 - ....American executives are likely to be tall..... Pleeeeeaaase ! Sorry, but I will never ever use this book in my intercultural seminars for foreigners moving to the US. I am wondering if the author (even though it is written in the book) has ever left his country ? Being a foreigner myself and having made my experience with Americans 'the hard way' I can only shake my head about this book.

I am very pleased with the delivery of this item. I got it right ontime for my final paper. thanks Seller