What to you defines our culture?

I keep hearing people say that anyone that comes here needs to assimilate to our culture. I agree, but we've never really defined what our culture actually consists of.

I'd propose that there are a few things about our culture that most would agree with

1. English speaking - we may not have an official language but English is by far the most predominant language in our culture and it is recommended you learn the language if you want to reside here long term. You can still speak your native language when it suits you but you should learn English.

2. Respect of freedoms - For me this pertains mostly to the 1st and 2nd Amendment but extends to all freedoms. We should not need to tailor our speech, entertainment, or news reporting to avoid offending anyone. This would also extend to freedom of religion, so long as your religion doesn't infringe upon the rights of others or otherwise break any laws. Obviously we can't have human sacrifices or any other illegal activity related to some antiquated religious rituals

3. Cleanliness - This isn't written into law but citizens of this country shower routinely. If you show up to a social event, school, job, or any other public outing, it's expected that you are clean. Of course there are exceptions. If you're doing some work around the house and need to make a run to Home Depot, no one is expecting you to shower before. (I would also add that in many places we could do a better job of getting things like litter under control to set the standard for any new comers, looking at you Louisiana.)

4. Work ethic - Our country was founded upon a solid work ethic which goes back to the days of the Puritans and has transcended beyond just their religion and permeated into our culture. It is expected that if you come here that you be productive and not a ward of the state. We have enough native born leeches as it is (and we need to do something to fix that but that's for another topic)

5. If you intend to be a citizen or long term resident of the United States, your primary allegiance is to the United States and not your country of origin. There is nothing wrong with loving the country that you come from but while you're here your allegiance should be here.

I'm sure you all can add some other things but I think this list of 5 has the basics covered.

And the unfortunate thing is too many of our native born citizens have strayed too far from these things that make the United States special.