Growing to Adulthood in the United States,

¶ … growing to adulthood in the United States, an young child and then an adolescence is encouraged to increasingly become more independent. By the age of three, many children are already going to nursery schools and then pre-kindergarten. In a restaurant or store, parents tell their kids to ask for help rather than doing it for them. By the time someone is an adolescent, he/she is expected to begin taking responsibility for school work and activities such as practicing musical instruments or sports. In high school, students are expected to begin planning their future in terms of education and careers. When college is over, they should ready to move into the mainstream and start their future lives and employees and parents of their own children.

Thus, most Americans usually believe that it is important to be autonomous and self-reliant. They know they are members of a community, city and the United States, but rather define themselves in terms of their own separate identity or perhaps that of their immediate family. Adults who are dependent on other people's input and views are not normally held in high regard. People who feel dependent on others sometimes feel weak or fearful.

People from other cultures that are based more on community and groups often see this American attitude as being "self-centeredness" or egotistical. They believe that it is difficult to change the mind of an American once an opinion is formed. In environments such as tourist places, it is not too difficult to pick out those from the United States. They are frequently the ones that are not willing to wait in line or be told something is not possible. Sometimes this is called headstrong or stubborn, or worse, "The Ugly American."

However, others may view this in a positive light. Americans are sure of themselves and willing to take chances and accept change. Others may perceive it as a not being restrained by views of family or social class. This entrepreneurial and competitive spirit and drive for achievement is what has made America what it is today. It is what the Constitution is based on.

As with anything, moderation is the key. It is not best to be wishy-washy and unable to make decisions. However, being bullheaded and unwilling to admit defeat or being wrong may lead to disaster. A compromise between the two -- having the self-esteem to choose but also the empathy to listen to others makes a well-rounded and personally rewarded individual.

The culture of the Hmong in Laos believed in spirits of the dead that could not be seen by the normal person. When someone died, his/her soul or spirit transitioned into the world of the supernatural and could control how long other people on earth would live. Later, these same spirits would once again inhabit a Hmong a newborn. Eventually, these souls would reenter the earth. Many Hmong also believed they had a twin spirit, similar to a guardian angel, who assisted them with events on earth.