By Dr. Tim Orr

Arriving in Oxford, I was eager to dive into its rich academic atmosphere and connect with thought leaders in a setting renowned for its intellectual rigor. Yet, as I settled in, I couldn’t ignore a recurring undercurrent in my conversations with some locals: a palpable disdain for America since the election. It hit me unexpectedly in an office conversation with two people who, without hesitation, began venting about American culture, politics, and values, painting the country with broad and often unflattering strokes. This wasn’t the first time I’d encountered this sentiment during my stay; it echoed through interactions, from casual exchanges to serious discussions, revealing a shared perspective that left me feeling both intrigued and unsettled. It was clear that in the eyes of many here, America is something of an enigma—and often, a deeply flawed one.

These interactions have prompted me to delve deeper into understanding this disconnect. I've come to believe that part of the misunderstanding stems from a lack of awareness about the historical forces that have shaped America into what it is today. So, in this article, I want to explore ten things that have historically defined America—elements that might not be immediately apparent but are crucial to understanding its culture, values, and people. By shedding light on these defining aspects, I hope to bridge some of the gaps in perception and foster a more nuanced conversation about what truly makes America the country it is.

1. America’s Unique Brand of Patriotism

America’s patriotism isn’t just a quirky trait—it’s woven into the fabric of the national identity. This love for the country isn’t blind; it’s rooted in the story Americans tell themselves, a story of revolution, independence, and boundless potential. Americans see their country as a place that’s constantly striving to live up to its ideals. When leaders talk about making America “the best,” they’re tapping into that ingrained belief that the U.S. isn’t just any country but a beacon of freedom. For many Americans, this patriotism is a badge of honor, while in Europe, patriotism can sometimes feel like an outdated concept.

2. Refusal to Settle for “Managed Decline”

Americans are raised with the idea that things can always improve—that growth, innovation, and hard work can fix just about anything. While some European nations have accepted a bit of economic and social slowdown as inevitable, Americans resist this with everything they’ve got. Growth isn’t just about getting richer; it’s about opportunity and self-determination. This is why Americans get uncomfortable with policies they think might slow the economy down, like certain environmental restrictions or high taxes. For them, economic growth is essential to keeping that sense of limitless opportunity alive.

3. Inflation and Everyday Realities

Rising costs hit Americans right where it hurts—their wallets. And unlike some European countries with more social safety nets, many Americans feel the full brunt of these increases because they cover their own healthcare, housing, and education expenses. It’s no wonder they’re skeptical when they hear government stats that don’t seem to reflect their daily experiences. To Americans, economic policy isn’t theoretical; it’s felt every time they pay the rent, fill the tank, or get a medical bill. It’s why leaders who promise real, tangible economic relief resonate.

4. Meritocracy is More than a Dream

For Americans, meritocracy is sacred, even if they know it doesn’t always work perfectly. They believe anyone can rise to the top with enough talent and effort, and they see wealth as something to aspire to, not resent. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s tied to the American Dream—a belief that hard work can pay off big. Redistribution or high taxes on the wealthy often feel like punishing success rather than leveling the playing field. It’s not that they’re unaware of inequality; it’s just that they believe in lifting people up rather than bringing others down.

5. Immigration with Rules

Americans are proud of their identity as a “nation of immigrants,” and they genuinely value the contributions that immigrants make. But they also believe in doing things the right way. For most Americans, border security isn’t about closing doors; it’s about having a fair, structured system that respects those who follow the rules. To them, a strong border isn’t unwelcoming—it’s just common sense, a way to keep things orderly and ensure everyone plays by the same rules.

6. Race, Justice, and the Skepticism of DEI

Americans know their history with race is complex and painful. They genuinely want to address these issues and support equality of opportunity. But they’re often skeptical of programs that seem to favor one group over another. Many Americans feel that the way to move forward is to treat people as individuals, not as representatives of a race or group. They see DEI initiatives as divisive, and many believe they actually contradict the ideal of treating everyone fairly. In short, Americans often think unity is best achieved through merit, not mandates.

7. Support for Israel Isn’t Just Politics

American support for Israel goes deeper than foreign policy. Many Americans, especially those with strong religious ties, see Israel as a place of shared values and resilience. After 9/11, Americans developed a heightened sensitivity to terrorism, and they see Israel as fighting a similar battle. This connection goes beyond politics; it’s an emotional and ideological bond rooted in common experiences and values. For many, supporting Israel feels as natural as supporting a close ally.

8. Practicality Over Ideology

Americans are a “let’s get it done” kind of people. They care more about what works than what sounds good on paper. While Britts often love intellectual debates and nuanced policy discussions, Americans prioritize results. This practicality shows up in their admiration for business leaders who create jobs or invent new products, even if those leaders are controversial. Americans tend to judge leaders by what they accomplish, not how they sound. This pragmatism often feels out of step with the British emphasis on ideals, but it’s what drives American policy preferences.

9. Optimism is a Choice, Not Naiveté

Americans believe the future can always be better than the past. This optimism isn’t accidental; it’s part of a cultural mindset that focuses on progress over dwelling on past mistakes. While some countries prioritize grappling with their historical wrongs, Americans tend to see constant self-criticism as unproductive. Instead, they want to learn, improve, and move on, building a better future. For them, optimism isn’t about ignoring history—it’s about refusing to let it define the present. This mindset is why Americans tend to celebrate progress, resilience, and the possibility of personal and national reinvention.

10. Freedom at the Core

America was founded on a rebellion against government overreach, and that spirit is still alive today. The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are sacred to many Americans, who view them as shields against tyranny. Americans value freedom deeply, even if it sometimes means facing challenges on their own. This wariness of government mandates is why Americans push back against what they see as “nanny-state” policies, whether it’s health regulations, strict business rules, or limitations on personal freedoms. To them, freedom is worth the price of self-reliance, and that belief can make their policies look almost libertarian to outside observers. For Americans, freedom isn’t just a privilege; it’s a moral commitment to the idea that individuals should have the right to shape their own lives, even if it involves risk. This conviction forms the backbone of American culture and politics, setting the country apart as a place where autonomy and self-determination aren’t just ideals but non-negotiable rights.

Reference

Kisin, K. (n.d.). 10 reasons you didn’t see this coming [Video]. Triggernometry. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlFTLhei7J8

Tim Orr is a scholar, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, the University of Tehran, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.

Share this article
The link has been copied!