The Typical American Positions

Attitude Towards Age
Americans do not really value age for two basic reasons:
1. Americans value accomplishments and getting things done. The older you are, the less you are perceived to be able to get things done.
2. Americans value "newness." Older Americans are seen as not being "with it." They may be less likely, and less eager, to adopt something new than younger generations.

Concept of Fate and Destiny
Americans don't leave much up to Fate and Destiny. They believe in self-determination. You can do whatever you want to do with your life and, most importantly, you are the one in charge. If you don't succeed, you have no one, and nothing, to blame but yourself.

View of Human Nature
Americans basically consider people to be trustworthy and good. Because of this, they are pretty friendly to strangers. They tend to look for the reasons why people go bad.

Attitude Towards Change
Americans love progress and are constantly seeking perfection. You can't have either without change, so change is a good thing. Traditions have their place, but they should not be the ruling force.

Attitude Towards Taking Risk
One of the things that I took comfort in when starting my own business endeavors was the fact that many of the successful businessmen we know of today had their share of failures and disappointments. But that was ok. They simply learned from their mistakes and moved on. That exemplifies the American view towards taking risk. Failure is seen as a temporary setback. You will only improve your product via trial and error and if you don't succeed at one endeavor, there are plenty of other opportunities just waiting to be tackled.

Concept of Suffering and Misfortune
If you are unhappy, it's your own fault. You are the one in charge of your life and destiny, so find what it is that makes you happy and do it.

Sources of Self Esteem/Self Worth
In America, you are the maker of your own self worth instead of being born into it or being given it due to your position, rank, or age. You earn your own self esteem.

Concept of Equality
One of the things that the first settlers wanted to leave behind was the disabilitating class structure that was found in Europe. Because of this, American culture revolves around the notion of egalitarianism. Everyone is of equal value regardless of birth, power, fame, or wealth.

Attitude Towards Formality
Basically because of the concept that everyone is of equal value, Americans are usually pretty casual and informal when it comes to social and professional interactions. Americans don't stand on ceremony and don't really use titles or pay much attention to rank.

Degree of Realism
Americans are optimistic. One of the reasons could be the fact that they see themselves as being the ones in control. Americans tend to see things better than they are at times.

Attitude Towards Doing
Not only do you achieve because of what you do, but your survival is based on it. You can't depend on others. Mere talk gets you nowhere and while the arts are nice, it's the activities that lead to concrete results that are of the highest value.

View of the Natural World
There's nothing unnatural about the natural world. It can be studied, predicted, and even manipulated and controlled.

Source: http://www.suite101.com/course/print_lesson.cfm/16618/110/4