While American culture is diverse, there are certain core values, or norms, that unite most Americans. While these are common to many US Citizens, they do not apply to everyone.

• Individualism
  One of the first things that you will notice about Americans is that they stress individualism. Each person is responsible for themself. As a result, there is less of a sense of community and less of a reliance on family members as you find in other nations, particularly in Africa. Each individual wants to be seen as an individual and wants to make it on their own. Therefore, each person is seen as setting their own destiny. It is also for this reason that many people from other countries perceive Americans as self-focused.
   
• Reliance on Oneself
  This is closely related to the individualism of the USA. Americans are not as community focused as individuals in other parts of the world. Generally, Americans believe that if you are successful, it is because you as an individual made your own way. If you are not succeeding, it is your responsibility to work harder. As a result, it is for this reason that American businesses stick so much to deadlines for payments and are very unlikely to extend you grace if you are late in a payment. Another result is that Americans will generally not ask you if you need help. You are expected to find a solution to the problem or seek out someone who can help.
   
• Equality of All People
  Americans believe strongly in the equality of all people. In fact, the Declaration of Independence states:

  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

  However, it took many years for equality to come to all races. Today the United States has "equal opportunity" laws prohibiting the discrimination of individuals on such things as race, nationality, gender, religion, age, or disability.
   
• Competition
  Americans believe that competition brings out the best. The American economic system is a "free market" system where companies are encouraged to complete. Competition lowers prices and increases quality. In school and at work, competition between individuals cause them to strive for the best. Schools honor those students who do best and companies will honor the workers who sell the most or who acheive the greatest goals. As a result, competing against others, even against your close friends, is normal for Americans. This value ties in closely with the belief in relying on yourself and on being an individual.
   
• Value of Time
  Americans are very time oriented and believe that time is precious. As a result, promptness is of the utmost importance to Americans. If you have an appointment, you should plan on arriving early. Being late, even for good reasons, often minimizes the likelihood of you getting what you desire from the meeting. As some Americans say, "To be early is to be on-time. To be on-time is to be late. To be late is to be dead." One of the greatest insults is to tell someone they have wasted time.
   
• Being Direct, To The Point, and Honest
  Closely related to valuing time, Americans want you to get to the point. Most Americans will be very frustrated if you come to ask a question, but spend the first fifteen minutes talking about family. They also expect you to make eye contact when you speak with them. Related to this issue, Americans also expect you to be truthful and direct, even if you are bringing bad news. Trying to be indirect or subtle in sharing bad news or something unpleasnat will frustrate Americans.
   
• Privacy
  As they say in the USA, "mind your own business." Most Americans do not want your assitance or advice unless they ask. To try to help when it is not requested is to intrude. On a larger scale, Americans demand that businesses respect their privacy and that the government not intrude in their lives. As a result, even a police officer cannot search an American's home unless a court has determined that there is suspicion of wrong-doing and issues a "warrant" allowing the police to search a home.