American Values and Behavior:
A Brief Overview

Hawai‘i is part of the United States but its culture is different than “mainland” America. Nevertheless, some basic values and attitudes considered “American” are basic to living in Hawai‘i.

Individualism: Since the U.S. developed by expanding across frontiers, survival often depended on individual self-sufficiency. Americans traditionally admire independence, self-reliance, and individual initiative.

Informality: Americans are informal with respect to language, dress, and social protocol. People, including professors may ask students to call them by their first names! Dress is very informal on campus, with T-shirts, shorts, and rubber slippers being acceptable attire for both men and women. When someone says “See you later” it does not necessarily suggest a later appointment, but is instead a friendly way to say goodbye.

Friendliness: Americans are sometimes accused of having shallow knowledge of and interest in their friends. Friendships may develop more quickly than in other countries. However, the depth and sincerity of the friendship may be different than you expect.

Honesty and Directness: Americans value honesty and directness over politeness. For example, if you cannot or will not attend an event in which you are invited, it is best to decline graciously, rather than to pretend to accept, just to be polite.

Competition: Americans believe competition is positive and healthy, and that a competitive environment brings forth a person’s best effort. Competition is present in the classroom, in business, and in many forms of American recreation.

Egalitarianism: Americans typically believe all people are created equal and deserve equal treatment, and have equal rights and equal opportunities to develop their own potential. Most Americans admit that such equality is more an ideal than a reality. In addition, Americans generally downplay rank and authority in social situations and may be seen as disrespectful by those from other cultures.

Timeliness: In the U.S. punctuality is considered very important. If someone is expecting you at a certain time and you know you will be late or unable to make the appointment, good manners prescribes telephoning to explain.

Gender Roles: Relations between men and women may be very different than what you know in your own culture. The women’s movement of the past several decades has brought new legal attention to discrimination against women, creating both legal and attitudinal changes. The dress and behavior of women in social situations may initially be difficult for male students, especially when they encounter female faculty and other women in authority positions. International students may also be surprised by open homosexuality.

Prejudice: The U.S. has a diverse population but many people have rigid ideas about those that are different. One of the ugliest types of prejudice is racism, and despite laws prohibiting it in the public domain, you may see or experience it in Hawai‘i or other parts of the U.S.

Problem Solving: Americans typically believe that problems can and should be rationally identified, analyzed, discussed and solved fairly rapidly. Americans feel compelled to confront problems directly, get the facts, talk to those involved, and make a plan of action to change something. Even when a counselor is utilized, the idea is to confront and change the situation. This may offend or frustrate those from other cultures where a more indirect and patient approach is taken, and those who believe some problems have no solution, or are not even problems.

Dating: Dating behaviors are informal and may be vastly different than in your culture. Couples go out or visit each other in their rooms unchaperoned and may even consider it a “date” to study together. Traditionally, men invited women and paid for dates. Today, it is fairly common for a female to ask a man out and for each person to pay (“Dutch Treat”). Dating does not necessarily imply a long-term emotional commitment or sexual involvement. (See also Sexual Harassment.)

Hawaiian Values and Behavior: Hawaiian values and behavior are a blend of Asian, Polynesian and Western values and behaviors. You may find less individualism and competition in some groups than would be the norm elsewhere in the U.S., for example. Humor, including ethnic humor, is a greatly valued part of local culture.

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International Student Handbook, 2004-05, International Student Services, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa