Americans are much more of a do as I say culture. Americans tell other Americans and other countries what to do, while often doing exactly the opposite. America has never been short on hypocrisy, and Americans display that hypocrisy frequently.

Consider the case of child labor and human rights abuses in countries like China and Sudan. Many Americans shout and scream about the human rights abuses in China and how child labor is evil. Yet, what do Americans do? Americans go out and buy products made by companies like Nike using child labor. Americans decry the abuses, yet their actions are the reason the abuses happen. If Americans stopped buying Nike shoes, the factories would be shut down. But Americans vote with their wallets, and they vote to continue human rights abuses around the world. Furthermore, Americans claim to be outraged over injustices in Darfur and Tibet. Americans say that those situations need to change, but most Americans do nothing to create any change, and yet are outraged when nothing happens.

In addition, Americans decry celebrity culture and worship and the Hollywood culture. Yet, Americans can’t get enough of gossip magazines and websites like TMZ. The reason celebrity culture exists is the demand of the US public. The public claims to hate celebrities and wants them to go away, yet people follow celebrities closely, creating a money-making market that will be filled with paparazzi and the like.

Also, Americans always talk about causes like “going green” and losing weight, but often don’t follow through. It’s very “in” to go green, and many Americans talk about it, but most Americans don’t make the choices that make their words. Americans buy SUVs and drive around instead of walking or biking, and also use massive amounts of energy in their homes. Moreover, every New Years, Americans make resolutions to lose weight and get healthy. But after a month or two, most have stopped the exercise and have gone back to bad habits. Americans are willing to speak about obesity but aren’t willing to take action to change for the better.

All in all, Americans are not shy about talking the talk about what they believe in. They will tell others what to do, but often, Americans themselves don’t do those things themselves. Americans can change their choices to match their words, but until Americans do so, they will be a part of “do as I say” culture.