Why anime? Shouldn't you be focusing on American culture? Well anime is part of American culture. That's because all works of art and media that float around your area on a regular basis are part of your culture. Foreign works influence your country's artists and thinkers. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. In this case it's mostly a good thing. Most of the degenerate shit that comes out is quickly forgotten about. What we're left with are well made shows from the perspective of a different culture. A culture with a strong identity and well intact traditional values (I may go into detail as to why I like Japan). Outside perspectives are extremely valueible because it exposes you to ideas you never would've thought of otherwise.