Laurence Shames The More Factor

The “frontier” was an American movement westward beginning in 1807 that was driven by a desire for a land where a fresh start was possible and a space where there was less European control, as well as the thirst for economic growth and creating jobs. Frederick Jackson Turner argued that the frontier shaped American history and largely contributed to the idea of American exceptionalism. Although the motive for the expansion westward can be viewed as positive, the intent to “civilize” the “uncivilized” groups of the west including the Native Americans, however, was far from moral or just. The frontier was a means of enlarging the economy by creating new communities and an American historical landmark because of the amount of American citizens migrating westward with hopes of new opportunities, however, the frontier also brought unethical treatment of native western groups.

In “Swollen Expectations”, the authors describe their theory that the population of the United States has become more and more greedy since the simpler times of the late 1950’s. They claim that houses, vehicles, and even food have been victims of our “virus”. While agreeing that our expectations have been swollen, especially when compared to life in the late 1950’s, we think we “need” more things, but we really only want the convenience.

As the 19th century closes, the west held the reputation of mythical proportion and defined the United States’ identity during the gilded age. Promises and dreams of having free land, your own freedom, and wealth for all people infatuate the nation and those who hear of the frontier; these myths created a “golden gilding “ which masks the actual turmoil and issues in the United States. In 1863, historian, Frederick Jackson Turner lectured, “‘The Significance of the Frontier in American History,’ in which he argued that on the western frontier the distinctive qualities of American culture were forged: individual freedom, political democracy, and economic mobility.” These tall tales created in the country a drive to push and inhabit the west

It shines a light on changes that stem from cultural hegemony that not only does it come from a few persuasive to the right area of an affluent individual but it can also come from the deliberate aspiration a half-conscience hopes which concludes little with class relations. Lears wanted to showcase how certain influential Americans have unintentionally changed their social results which in turn transforms their own class concept of cultural hegemony.

Throughout the years knowledge and culture has been passed down within generations. Elders within the community often teach life lessons to the young adults growing up in the neighborhood. This idea still holds true today, especially in low-income communities. People from different socioeconomic backgrounds live different lifestyles they also have different opportunities made available to them. Because of this idea, people with a higher social standing have an advantage over those in lower class standings. Social classes divide the people of our nation and have existed for as long as we can remember. The American Dream created the American nation that we know today. The dream itself is different for each individual. Money plays a major part in the American Dream because to be successful in America means to bear great wealth. We live in a nation, in which money controls our very existence. “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara creates an argument about society’s unfairness that involves financial opportunities by revealing the differences in living environments between upper class and lower class.

The closing of the frontier was introduced by Frederick Turner in the The Significance of the Frontier in American History. The western frontier created “American’s toughness, resourcefulness, and individualism” since it gave individuals new opportunities to start a new life such as finding new mining sites for precious minerals. The frontier was America’s “safety valve,” the idea that if employment was incapable in the east or overpopulation in the cities, that life can start over by moving west, and was basically America’s security in “political power.” However, with the unavailability of land, America believed it was one of their duties to expand their Anglo-Saxon superiority to other countries and to look for economic opportunities. Imperialism, additionally, was supported with Alfred Mahan book The Influence of Sea Power upon History in the interest of America for the country own interest. The idea of America becoming more involved in world affairs was encouraged by Mahan with “the creation of a powerful navy… (and)

In America, during the 1920s, a decade known as The Roaring Twenties, there was a transformation in American prosperity due to the rise of consumer culture and, increasingly, materialism became more prominent in society. Americans, in newfound prosperity, looked to increase their wealth without limitations and consumed itself with leisure culture for self-gratification. As more Americans looked to satisfy their lives through wealth and consumerism, the old ideals of the American dream, of a hope for a better future were destroyed due to an excess of wealth, privilege and a lack of humanity. Previous ideals in American history were hopeless as the wealthy acquired more riches and the poor lagged behind and both classes viewed wealth and

In the article “The More Factor”, Laurence Shames compares the concept of the frontier to American consciousness. Shames argues that the account of the frontier advocates an excellent depiction of the concept of “more”, which has been a consistent American ambition. According to Shames himself, “because of this goal of more, Americans have not adopted other values, hopes or ambitions.” The frontier began extinct. Therefore, Americans who established that open space knew that the area could only grow in wealth. Hopes of the railroad coming through their land and becoming an upward moving area economically was always the goal. Shames asserts that Americans always viewed susceptible land as a contingency for more. In other words, open land meant

American society after WWII experienced a major change. The growth of business and industry provided abundant wealth for the country. The middle class grew and grew; this social class was deemed "affluent.” As the classes grew, the paradox between progress and poverty in a society which was capable of providing for everyone showed the countries inability to deal with social and civil issues. But, this didn’t just happen overnight. There are several factors which showed signs and contributed this society and the growth of the economy, such as, the building of suburbs due to the baby boom, and the new consumerism. Although there was a huge flux in the prosperity, poverty in America was still an issue. The economy was booming and the

Prior to the Civil War and the Reconstruction period, America and her states effectively ended east of the Mississippi River. During this time, the land to its west was inhabited by various Native American tribes, brave pioneers and scattered settlers. This land was awesome in its size while equally vast in opportunity. By 1890, the west and the “American frontier” became essentially, non-existent in comparison to what it previously was. Prior to and through the Civil War, Reconstruction period and the years that followed; the west became engulfed and consumed by American expansion from coast to coast.

Radical individualism, as Myers calls it, is part of the reason why this paradox exist. It draws focuses on egotistical attitudes and self interests, and focuses away from social responsibility and moral obligations. Myers discusses about how the American people, as America becomes more wealthy, are less content with their lives. Comparing to several decades ago, Myers points out that society has changed a lot. He talks about how fortunate Americans are due to the comfortable lifestyle they currently have. Americans have become so materialistic that their economic growth does not contribute to their social and moral

The idealization of a pure culture creates a strong wave of chauvinism. America became the epicenter for the idealized culture to form, but idealization leaves out the human aspect surrounding it. Mukherjee added to this idealization, dreaming, “’America’ in contrast, exists as a myth of democracy and equal opportunity to live by, or as an ideal goal to reach” (Mukherjee 1997, para.1). Mukherjee’s dream is beautiful and what many people desire out of America, however America is not an ideal; it

I agree with Shames argument that Americans are ingrained with the belief that America will keep booming. Part of that comes from America’s long history of overcoming obstacles. We are able to look at the past and see that even when the country was dealing with great internal economic conflict such as the Great Depression we were able to continue forward. This instills a great sense of optimism in the American people. The article highlights the word frontier and the word itself seems to transcend its definition being turned into a mindset of sorts. It is the idea that views frontiers as a challenge that promises riches to those who are able to overcome it. I believe that this idea is what sparks innovation in Americans and innovation is what

Many jumped to the opportunity to do so. Second, it rugged individualism and made room for entrepreneurialism. Lastly, like Frederick Jackson Turner states in his frontier thesis, “the frontier had shaped the national character in fundamental ways. To the frontier the American intellect owes it striking characteristics.” (pg.624) In conclusion, the frontier open society up, it liberated

American culture can be fascinating as they are able to believe and understand that other nations possess cultures but when it comes to themselves they are reluctant to believe there is a cultural presence. It is prevalent that in American culture the emphasis of the origin of behavior relies within each individual thus the choices made by people are results of their own actions. One excellent method to look for cultural ideology is within the narratives of the culture and by being able to understand those readings learning can begin. American cultural narratives possess a method and form which is called regeneration through regression. An excellent example of this is: imagine two brothers, an older one with a desire to see the stars and the younger only wishing to accompany his older brother. Together they travel, fight and survive and the stars are within their grasp.