compare and contrast the predominant cultural characteristics of the U.S. with those of the European Union

This essay will discuss how the cultural domains of Religion, Ethnicity/Nationalism, Development and Geography (REND-G) compare and contrast the predominant cultural characteristics of the U.S. with those of the European Union. Specifically, we will discuss how the different characteristics of Religion manifests in the way the U.S. and Europe deal with security concerns. Searching for a new beginning and seeking religious freedom, early Pilgrims travelled to the New World (America) and fleeing religious oppression of the Old World (Europe). The Pilgrims believe “they were carrying out God’s Will and, as a result, they would become a shining example for the rest of humanity” . This new land free from persecution, subjection, tyranny, and oppression were thought to be a God sent example for all of humanity to follow. In America, the importance of separating church and state was the Pilgrims method of being cautious not to duplicate the problems that religion caused in Europe. This was apparent in the development of Article VI of the Constitution that stated “No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States”. There was also language to be found in the Bill of Rights that prohibits officially sanctioned U.S. religion—“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” . America was formed out of the migration of people coming from all over the world and was a country where participation in any religious group was strictly voluntary. With religion being an individual choice of each and ever America, it is not surprising “religion is held in high regard in the United States, …. More than half the U.S. population attends church regularly” (Martin & Rajnandini, 2012, 52). This is an individualistic right that allows Americans to put their own needs and interest ahead of the collective group. As Dr. Seymour Lipset writes, “Americans are

Bibliography: Gannon, Martin J. and Rajnandini Pillai, “Chapter 16: American Football” (Excerpt: 254- 256; 264-272). In Understanding Global Cultures: Metaphorical Journeys through 29 Nations, Clusters of Nations, Continents, and Diversity, 4th Edition. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2012), 254-256; 264-27. Hampton, Mary. “Living in a World of Dangers and Strangers: Changing EU and German Perceptions of Threat.” German Politics and Society 29, no. 3 (Autumn 2011): 73-82. Lipset, Seymour M. “American Exceptionalism Reaffirmed.” In Is America Different? A New Look at American Exceptionalism. Edited by Byron E. Shafer. London: Oxford University Press, Inc., 1991.