Are Americans Selfish Or Generous?

Are Americans Selfish or Generous? In the years since the establishment of America there has developed an idea that Americans themselves were unkind, selfish, narcissistic, and some may be right in that idea. However, it must be understood that Americans, like everyone else in the world, are complex people and have diversity in their personalities. This presents the idea that many Americans are seen as selfish beings who only care about money and possessions, however Americans may also be charitable beings who want to help others. These ideas can be best represented in the facts and actual studies that show the true ideas Americans hold about themselves and the ideas others in the world holds of Americans.
The biggest concern with the current

The importance of money and possessions is prevalent in American culture as it is emphasised by the people who hold the most social power. When asked, many Americans themselves think they are selfish and narcissistic. Researchers Joshua Miller and Jessica L. Maples found that, “‘Americans and non-Americans are inundated with possible examples of American narcissism -- whether is be politicians, actors/actresses, reality TV celebrities, athletes, and criminals’” (Dolan 1). In an online survey of 1,202 Americans, Miller and Maples also discovered that, “Americans found people in high profile jobs were viewed as more narcissistic than American health care workers, teachers and wait staff.” In the same study the researchers found that there is a perceived difference in men and women, where men are seen as more narcissistic than women. This idea also goes for age in America; “...people between the ages of 18 and 30 were perceived as more narcissistic than older Americans”(Dolan 1). In short, American culture greatly affects the way people see themselves and others. With the emphasis on power and money seen often in American culture, people themselves place it as more important than anything

But the American culture may not be the only factor into why Americans are seen in that light. According to Miller and Maples, our ways of diplomacy and power in the world greatly affect how we are perceived. “‘Being a global military and economic leader for several generations for several generations places America ina positions of power and control, which may lead to perceptions that America acts in an arrogant and/or self serving manner”(Dolan 1). In summary, Americans don't only see themselves as narcissistic and self-serving, but are also seen as this. This is most likely because of America’s foreign policies and the fact that America is a large personality in the world. Although other countries might see their own citizens as narcissistic it is not at the same as how they see