United States – Page 32 – understand-culture

General George S. Patton

General George Smith Patton Jr. was born in California in 1885. From an early age he heard stories about his war-hero ancestors who fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Intent on following in their footsteps, Patton attended Virginia Military Institute and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

George Patton fought in his first battle in 1915 at Fort Bliss along the Mexican border during the Border War. He also served in France during WWI, where he became one of the leading experts in tank warfare. During WWII Patton served as a general, commanding the 7th U.S. Army in the invasion of Sicily and the 3rd U.S. Army during the French invasion.

Patton was considered one of the most successful combat generals in U.S. history, and his apparent battle-lust earned him the nickname “Old Blood and Guts.” A harsh commander, he was once almost discharged for slapping a soldier whom he thought was behaving cowardly.

He was known for making quick decisions, and once famously said “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”

Telegraph (1840s onward)

The invention and rapid adoption of the electric telegraph by Samuel Morse in 1844 revolutionized how Americans communicated. For the first time, it was possible to send instant updates and confirmations across great distances, enabling businesses, government, and individuals to maintain real-time status checks and coordinate actions efficiently. This technological leap fostered a culture of frequent follow-up and immediate communication, laying the groundwork for the American expectation of regular updates and ongoing alignment in agreements .

migration and survival

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. In this story of migration and survival, the Joad family’s journey is marked by constant communication, checking in with each other, and following up on leads for work and shelter. Their progress depends on regular updates and ongoing discussions, reflecting the American value of staying informed and aligned as circumstances change.

Renege

Going back on an agreement is so common in American culture that there are many words and phrases to describe this action. Some of these include:

Abrogate – To end or cancel an agreement in a formal and official way; to fail to do what is required (such as a responsibility). From Latin abrogates: ab- + rogare to ask, propose a law. First known use: 1526. Example: The U.S. Congress can abrogate old treaties that are unfair to Native Americans.

Back Out – To withdraw especially from a commitment or contest. First known use: 1807. Example: She backed out of her offer to help with the wedding plans.

Bail Out – To parachute from an aircraft; to abandon a harmful or difficult situation. First known use: 1930. Example: If the negotiations don’t work, we may decide to bail out of our contract.

Cop Out – To back out (as of an unwanted responsibility; to avoid or neglect problems, responsibilities, or commitments. First known use: 1952. Example: Don’t cop out on your promise to pay for dinner.

Go Back On – To be treacherous or faithless to; betray; to fail to keep; renege on. First known use: 1859. Example: He went back on his promises.

Pull Out – Leave, depart; withdraw. First known use: 1855. Example: The company manager decided to pull out of her contract when it stopped being profitable.

Recant – To publicly say that you no longer have an opinion, belief, etc. that you once had. From Latin recantare: re- + cantare to sing. First known use: 1535. Example: Witnesses threatened to recant their testimony when the court released their names to the paper.

Renege – To refuse to do something that you promised or agreed to do. From Medieval Latin renegare. First known use: 1548. Example: My friend promised to help me move, only to renege the next day.

Take Back – to make a retraction of; withdraw. First known use: 1775. Example: I take back what I said about the business: they’re not as amazing as I thought they were.

Weasel Out – To evade a responsibility, especially in a despicable manner; renege. Example: I agreed to help my neighbor, now I just need to find a way to weasel out of it.

Withdraw – To remove (money) from a bank account; to take (something) back so that it is no longer available; to take back (something that is spoken, offered, etc.). From Middle English: with + drawn to draw. First known use: 13th Century. Example: After difficulties with communication, the customer decided to withdraw from his contract with the company.

letters, meetings, dialogue

American literature frequently explores themes of communication, progress, and the pursuit of shared goals, all of which require regular updates and follow-up. Whether through letters, meetings, or dialogue, characters in these works exemplify the American cultural norm of maintaining alignment and clarity through frequent contact .

aligned on goals

The Intern (2015). This comedy-drama features a modern workplace where constant communication, feedback, and follow-up are central to the company culture. The characters regularly check in with one another, hold status meetings, and use follow-up to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and responsibilities.

“Neither snow nor rain”

On July 26, 1775, the Second American Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as Postmaster General to organize and run the Post Office Department – the predecessor of the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The USPS has a reputation for always completing deliveries on time. Its unofficial motto comes from an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City, which reads: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

In fact, postmaster was considered to be such an honorable title that two postmasters went on to become President of the United States: Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman.

pursue with persistance

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). This film about high-stakes finance showcases a culture of relentless follow-up, through sales calls, meetings, and ongoing client management. The characters’ success depends on their ability to maintain constant communication and pursue leads with persistence.

job opportunities

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). The protagonist’s journey is marked by continual follow-up-on job opportunities, client meetings, and personal goals. The film emphasizes the necessity of staying proactive and persistent to achieve success.

Billy Beane

Moneyball (2011). The management team, led by Billy Beane, holds frequent meetings to review player statistics, discuss strategies, and follow up on recruitment and trades. The film’s structure is built around ongoing check-ins and data-driven updates, emphasizing the importance of regular follow-up to achieve team goals.