A person accumulates money and goods by means of such valued qualities as hard work, cleverness, and persistence. Other recognize it as a way of assuring a comparatively high standard of living in this country. The American system of free enterprise is based on competition, and Americans are inherently competitive from an early age. The competitiveness may initially appear overbearing or rude at times to you, but it is an indisputable part of American culture. Americans admire a winner.
Friendly competition is normal in American society.
They have a very big country all to themselves. Americans ask a lot of questions that seem silly, intrusive, or even stupid to visitors from other countries. To the American, however, this is part of the process of getting to know you and the mark of sincere interest in you and your country. This also works in your favor - do not hesitate to ask a question if you do not understand something. One delicate matter is that Americans sometimes ask direct questions about money - how much something costs or how much money one earns.