Define the word "American"

American food. American values. American literature. How do you define those? With so many nationalities mixing into one country, is there any definition for "American?"

The epitome of greed...

Anyone can be greedy. Not all Americans are greedy. So then what is an American? Physically, psychologically, religiou

The American dream which is supposed to be the goal of all Americans is based on greed. That being said not all are motivated by those goals, but the whole North American mindset is hedonism.

when you say anyone can be greedy do you mean, everyone is greedy at one point, or that were all capable but not everyone is? ill assume the ladder even thoguh somehow it seems ironic.. and i dont think you can find a common characterstic that everyone in that country shares THATS NOT SHARED BY EVERYONE ELSE.. i mean i would love to see an example of one..

im a canadian
sterotypes (as recognisble as obviously untrue for all but to stereotype,, in my mind are christians.. muscle man jocks love watching footbal.. alpha male attitdue on school campus etc school footbal players.. some rednecks.. (even thoguh chrstianity doesnt neccairly click with those other held stereotypes that come from different conetxt and time..) girls with underwear with the amercian flag.. or pants with the american flag thats (probably not as commonly shared sterotype by others)... patriotic proud christians with little crosses dangling around their necks.. thats it foar now

So if there is no set definition, does that mean there is no such thing as America?

surely the definition of american, is "something coming from america" whether a person, values, or the "-" Way. for a person it would mean a person who was born in america or has been granted citizenship of america. there are ideas linked with it, but the term american does not completely encompass those things. ive heard people describe things as "very american", by which they mean that it is typical for the way things are done/look/are thought of in america.

but a definition of america would purely be the statistical side of it, where it is, how big, currently in the incapable hands of [insert moron here]. though some would consider the definition of america to be its ideology as well.

Behind every sterotype lies a valley of truth. Of course there's exceptions but generally America is the land of greed. Greed stands out amoung American's like a street pimp in beverley hills.

I disagree jacker, human's not americans are greedy. The main difference between us and many older countries is that we don't have a code. We... lack the traditions, family ties, etc. People are free to do as they want within the law. There is little family control over the individuals behavior. In other countries you represent your family. Make a bad grade in school and your uncle might not get a raise or his daughter might not get into a school she wants... ergo you get a nice visit from your uncle. Get what I'm saying?

humans in general are greedy, but i think it is modern western society in general which is becoming less controlled about its greed. america had the traditional values, from all of the countries that went to make it up.

Jacker think for a second please, in my statement i meant that it is the whole world that is greedy. Greed does not signify american.

in a word: McAmerican

How about this- list a few words that come to mind when you think American...

I think...
American eagle
McDonalds, Wendys
colonies
commercialism
malls
red white and blue

- superpower
- Violence
- blood thirsty
- nuclear weapons of mass destruction
- chemical weapons of mass destruction
- biological weapons of mass destruction
- suburbanisation
- inhumane (the government)
- crime and rape (the highest in the modern world)
- racism
- war
- terrorists promoters
- socioeconomic polarization
- Globalisation TNCs
- energy polluters/wasters
- main global warming contributors
- obesity
- poor government
- obnoxious regimes
- shallow/sheltered and ignorance
- naive
- unjust greed for power
- hatred
- cultural imperialism
- materialism
- the stingiest foreign aiders out of the 22 most developed nations
- Americanisation
- self glorifying (ironically)
- and certainly not Freedom

sorry for the criticism, but they are words that come to mind when I stereotypically think of what America represents.

Most definitely Summit though I'm not sure if america posseses biological weapons. I can remember once reading that they didn't in time magazine. But that's besides the point America is just on a power trip.