I don't think most Americans define success that way. We do aim as high we can, in terms of socioeconomic status. I think it's important to have high aspirations, while staying humble and content. A difficult balance, indeed.
And we definitely respect those who do good. On the flip side, some people only do good to assuage their own egos.
The cultural definition of success is wealth, fame, positions of power though. People want to get autographs from actors & sports players, Billionaires are considered successful, no matter how they got those billions, Senators are looked up to rather than seen as public servants, etc. Again, culture & society do not necessarily refer to all humans living inside their bubble, but that is what "America" is about. The corporation known as the United States itself is dedicated to monopoly of currency, military conquest, and consolidation & expansion of its power over humans.
The people express their culture by their behavior, don't they?
There are materialistic people, such as you describe, but I don't see that they are a majority. If anything, a country should be identified with the majority of people who are essentially kind.
Human behavior is made up of a variety of factors, of which culture is one.
The fact that humans are all naturally kind (except sociopaths), doesn't change the fact that this culture and economic system reward greed, that every "citizen" is actively funding mass murder, kidnapping, extortion, and oppression, or that people considered "successful" are those who accumulate "wealth", have power over others, etc.
Success from Oxford Dictionary:
hmm... I have been reading this thread and I swear I was scrolling down for more but I was at the end of it (for now) ... well welllll wellllllllll.. a true american with a bit of intellect will tell you full mouthed tha america has no culture... guys like Oliver Stone and many others, ironically, came to the same statement. When you strip culture then what is left is animal like behaviors, being a hungry savage is an image most of americans accept as maybe not a role model but definetely as "is" also the gangster, the hitman, the assassin, etc are all hollywood, gamestop top ranks in what may turn up to be a culture of violence if it is not already. On the other hand or extremity you need extreme remedies so here comes superman, ironman, batman, etc. to make a final attempt almost in desperation ro save society, families and things of value but again a single person attacking the whole system not only is impossible but also reflects indirectly the powerless of an individual while it maybe exciting for a kid that thinks everything he sees is true it is disturbing for an adult.
okkkkkkk now a question directed to you sir: why is randowhale following only you? are u a superhero or just some random tasty piece of plankton? lol