The dominant culture in the United States
In 2005, the U.S. census bureau reported that the majority of Americans
were of European descent (66.8% or 192.6 million people), which makes it
the dominant culture in the United States. It is influenced from Western
European traditions and is referred to as European American. European
heritages that most people identify with are German, Irish, English,
Italian, Polish and French. The dominant culture is based upon the
foundation of White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant roots and the core values
of individualism and freedom, with which many middle-class families
identify. The language and legal system is influenced by England and
English common law. The middle class value system reflects European
influence. European ethnic groups have the most influence on the ethos,
culture and values of America.
Individuals from the dominant culture complain that they have no culture or do not know much of where they came from. They also complain of lacking a connection to a cultural heritage or community, in contrast to minority cultures. The dominant culture has also been criticized for occupying positions of power that leads to "White privilege" especially in relation to White males. This position of power leads to conflict between the dominant group and the minority groups. Instructors who are members of the dominant group and who occupy a position of power but lack insight into the student's value system and culture cannot effectively meet the needs of students and provide effective teaching.
Individuals from the dominant culture complain that they have no culture or do not know much of where they came from. They also complain of lacking a connection to a cultural heritage or community, in contrast to minority cultures. The dominant culture has also been criticized for occupying positions of power that leads to "White privilege" especially in relation to White males. This position of power leads to conflict between the dominant group and the minority groups. Instructors who are members of the dominant group and who occupy a position of power but lack insight into the student's value system and culture cannot effectively meet the needs of students and provide effective teaching.
