American values
Assignment
Read the text and answer the questions.
Ever since American history began, there have always been many different cultures. First, the Native Americans had lived there for many years before Columbus discovered it. Around 1650 the Spanish, French, Swedish and Dutch came to claim parts of the land. And then there were the British colonies. They brought the language with them. All these settlers imported another ethnicity: the African slaves. So, how could a nation with so many cultures have a clear national identity? Continue reading to find out!
The American dream
Freedom
America was a land of opportunities for these European settlers. Their own countries were ruled by kings and queens, important noblemen and the church. They desired to be in control of their own destiny; they wanted freedom! When, in 1776, the British colonists declared themselves independent, they decided that the power should be in the hands of the people. They wrote a constitution in which they announced that the church and state should be separate and that no American citizen could ever have a title. This way, there could never form a title-based class system again. Generations of immigrants have come to the United States believing that everyone has a chance to succeed here, even if you are born into a poor family.
An essential part of traditional American values today is linked to this wish for freedom. Because, if you want to be free, you need to take care of yourself. So, as an American today, you should be able to stand on your own two feet. That’s what gives you power and respect. Because there is no class system, every American can succeed. So, another American value is: ‘equality of opportunity. This doesn’t mean that every person is equal, but everyone has the same chance for personal success. However, the price to be paid for these opportunities is competition. A big part of growing up in America is learning to compete. This is especially encouraged in high schools, providing winning students scholarships for universities. Therefore, math-, spelling-, or sports competitions are organised to constantly remind students that good education is a perfect starting point for success. This works for some students, but it can feel as if you’re failing all the time when you’re not good at competing.
Work hard, play hard
Since there is no class system, Americans had to come up with another way of measuring how successful they were. That’s why material wealth has become an important American value. It means having nice things, such as a house, a car and other belongings. Americans believe that if you own such things, you’ve worked hard.
Let’s go back to the question: how could a nation with so many cultures have a clear national identity? It seems as if the Americans have created values that go hand in hand with the American dream. But what is the American dream exactly? Well, every American has their own interpretation. Look at the video to hear what the American dream means to these American citizens.