One characteristic of American culture is individualism. Americans tend to value personal freedom, independence, and self-reliance. This often manifests in a strong emphasis on individual rights and the pursuit of personal goals and achievements. Individualism can also be seen in American cultural expressions such as the "rags to riches" story, where individuals are believed to be able to achieve success through hard work and determination alone. However, it's important to note that this is just one aspect of American culture, and there is significant diversity and complexity within the culture as well.