What are Americans Like?

With the exception of Native Americans, the vast majority of people living in the United States today are either immigrants themselves or the descendants of immigrants who have arrived in North America since the early 1600s.

Throughout history, waves of migration have brought people from all corners of the world, each group contributing to the nation’s evolving cultural landscape. These migrations have shaped the U.S. into a unique society, where traditions, languages, and customs intermingle, influencing everything from cuisine and music to politics and business.

Given this variation, defining what it means to be “American” can be challenging. The U.S. is often described as a “melting pot,” where different cultural influences blend together, or as a “mosaic,” where distinct identities coexist while maintaining their uniqueness. While certain shared values—such as democracy, freedom, and opportunity—are often associated with American identity, these ideals manifest in different ways across communities, shaped by historical, regional, and individual experiences.

It is important to recognize that speaking in broad generalizations about Americans can be problematic. While generalizations may sometimes be useful in identifying trends or commonalities, they can also oversimplify complex identities, reinforce stereotypes, and overlook the rich distinctiveness of perspectives that exist within the country. What is considered typical or “normal” in one region, community, or cultural group may not hold true in another.

Please Note:

• Although generalizations can sometimes be helpful in identifying patterns, they can also be misleading or even harmful if applied too broadly.
• The characteristics described below vary significantly among individuals, groups, and cultures within the U.S.
• Do not assume that any single description applies to all Americans—variety is at the heart of the nation’s identity.