Most studies of the dominant Euro-American culture in the United States find that it is future oriented, focused on doing, emphasizes individualism, aspires to be dominant over nature, and believes that human nature is mixed, some people are good and some are bad (e.g., Carter, 1990).
By contrast, most studies show that traditional Native cultures, for example, tend to be past oriented (the past affects the present), focused on being rather than constantly going, doing, changing. Traditional native cultures tend to emphasize group relationships– extended family/friend connections, and aspire to be in harmony with nature. They tend to believe that people are fundamentally good (e.g., Russo, 2000a).
These are just two of dozens of seemingly opposite cultural value orientations that co-exist worldwide in most or all countries, including the USA. (Remember, Native cultures exist on every continent on the planet.)
Essay 2A Prompt
In your own value orientation, where are you? Are you more in tune with the Euro-American cultural orientation or the Native American cultural value orientation. Or are you in a whole different category? Explain. Remember, your perspective is based on lifestyle values, not your birth heritage or bloodline.
As always be careful with your language and intent. Back up and support your ideas, explanations, and data with research. A minimum of 2 sources is (always) required, MLA formatting and citations are required. Encyclopedias and dictionaries can be cited but will not be counted as one of your 2 sources.