Cultures tend to favor either a past, or future orientation with regard to time. A future orientation, encompassing a preference for change, is characteristic of American culture. The society encourages people to look to the future rather than to the past. Technological, social, and artistic trends change rapidly and affect people's life styles and their relationships. Given the inclination toward change, it is not surprising that tradition plays a limited role in the American culture. Those who try to uphold traditional pattern of living or thought may be seen as rigid or 'old-fashioned'. In a society where change is so rapid, it is not uncommon for every generation to experience a 'generation gap'. Sometimes parents struggle to understand the values of their children, even religious institutions have had to adapt to contemporary need of their followers. Folk singers in church services, women religious leaders, slang versions of the Bible, all reflect attempts made by traditional institutions to 'keep up with the times'. High rates of change, particularly in urban areas, have contributed to a focus on the future rather than the past or present. Some Americans believe that the benefits of the future orientation are achievement and progress which enable them to have a high standard of living. Others believe that high blood pressure and stomach ulcers are the results of such a life style. As individuals in a culture, we all have an intuitive understanding about how time is regulated, usually we do not think about the concept of time until we interact with others who have a different time orientation. Although individuals from any now cultures may view time similarly, we often sense that in another culture, life seems to proceed at either a slower or faster pace. Knowing how time is regulated, divided, and perceived can provide valuable insights into individuals and their culture. The American orientation toward the future might be demonstrated by ______.