Bessette, Chapter 5 Civic Culture ALM Voiceover Script
Slide 1: Civic Culture: a learned behavior
In this Animated Learning Module, you will learn about Civic Culture. Let us begin with culture.
Culture in general is a learned behavior; therefore, we will explore what Americans have learned
from generation to generation which constitutes our unique culture, our unique experience.
Slide 2: Civic Culture
Civic culture can be defined as a widely shared set of beliefs and traditions concerning political
activity and community service. As can be seen in this picture, children at an early age learn
from those around them, particularly parents and teachers. They often learn to respect authority
and help others.
Slide 3: Political Culture
Political culture is a distinctive and widely shared set of beliefs on how to practice governmental
and political activities. Although we may have similar beliefs about some aspects of life, we
can have very different ideas about the role of government. This is often referred to as political
ideology. In other words, we may all believe that the government should help those in need, but
we may not all agree on how the government should help. These differing views on the role of
government can be used to put individuals in two common categories—liberals and
conservatives. Liberals tend to want the role of government to be greater in redistributing
wealth, while conservatives tend to want the government’s role to be smaller in this regard.
Slide 4: Beliefs are the roots of being
We use the word ‘belief’ to define culture, and you could say our beliefs are the roots of our
being. In other words, our beliefs make us who we are. They determine how we act and how we
see our world. When you express yourself, you express your beliefs.
Slide 5: Individualism: “It’s about me.”
Individualism is a belief that concerns self-reliance and personal independence, usually in
preference to government action. You could say our political culture is determined by our sense
of individualism. If we believe individuals are self-reliant, we may demand less government.
However, if we believe individuals are not very self-reliant, we may demand more government.
This sense of individualism could very well come from our founding as a nation. The pioneers
conquered the elements and the land in order to build a future for themselves and their posterity.
Slide 6: Patriotism: “I love my country.”
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An important part of our American culture can be found in patriotism. Patriotism is both an
emotional and rational attachment to the nation, a public spirit strong enough to inspire sacrifice.
Patriotism was witnessed widely after the September 11th terrorist attacks. American flags
waved proudly all over the land from the tops of buildings to the front yards of millions of
Americans. This sense of patriotism, like individualism, goes back to our founding. Defeating
the British was an enormous task that gave the colonies the feeling of pride and honor.
Slide 7: Culture is the product of beliefs
Two types of culture are civic and political, and their respective beliefs are individualism and
patriotism.
Slide 8: Religion
Americans tend to be more religious and patriotic than people in other industrial democracies.
Every religion, Tocqueville wrote,
“imposes on each man some obligations toward mankind, to be performed in common
with the rest of mankind, and so draws him away, from time to time, from thinking about
himself.”
If Tocqueville is correct, Americans might abandon some of their individualism and patriotism
for the sake of humanity.
Slide 9: Opposing Forces
Religion and Self are opposing ideals in that when we think about ourselves we abandon religion
and when we think about religion we abandon ourselves.
Slide 10: What it means to be American
Patriotism, community service, and religious faith have given American history a distinctive
character.
Slide 11: Critical Thinking Questions
1. What does it mean to say culture is a learned behavior?
2. How does individualism impact American life?
3. How can we distinguish between civic and political culture?
4. What is the connection between our beliefs and our actions?
5. What does Tocqueville mean when he says religion draws man away from thinking about
himself?
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