The American Creed, By George C. Edwards

America is commonly characterized as the greatest country in the world, the glorious “land of the free and the home of the brave”, “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. This idealization of the American identity conveniently focuses on what people want to hear and blurs out most everything else. In reality, Americans do not live up to the dreamscape created by our views, and we never really have. America is no longer characterized by its freedom and democracy, nearly every first world country can afford that luxury. Nor are we set apart by the great opportunities given to our people, for those are far from universal. We aren’t equal, we aren’t unified, we aren’t kinder or smarter or richer than any other country across the board. It’s easy to find the shortcomings of American culture, all the things we aren’t, but the things we are have proven to be more elusive. First, let’s examine the nots.

In his characterization, Thomas Paine was correct in envisioning a diverse American, one that he describes as “people from different nations, accustomed to different forms and habits of government, speaking different languages, and more different in their modes of worship.” People are constantly immigrating to America which contributes to the diverse environment. The immigrants bring their different backgrounds and qualities, however, those traits are not always welcomed resulting in issues like discrimination and social divides. Contrary to Paine’s beliefs, eliminating divides is not as simple as “constructing a government on the principles of society and the rights of man.” While the government does put effort into diminishing the divide among people, the difficulties still remain and there is very little “cordial union.” Today, over 225 years since Thomas Paine

The United States has been a host to a wide diaspora of people. Immigrants have had to transition from their familiar land to a new-fashioned foreign land that they must consider home. They bring with them the essence of their initial homeland such as customs, traditions and beliefs that inadvertently change the dynamics of culture within the United States. As a result the United States is an extremely culturally diverse nation. The continual changes or accretions that Americans encounter have always been a controversial topic depending on the experiences of individuals and communities that have immigrant populations. This essay will critically explore

America has been plagued with the “American Dream” since its citizens first started spreading out westward in search of wealth and fame. Along with this American ideal came the concept of being un-American and not standing for what was considered “true” American. With the emergence of Populists, Progressives and Radicals came a vast difference between what was thought as American. All groups claimed to be trying to make the US a better place however each differed vastly in their ideas of going about it. During the age of uncertainty between 1890 and the 1920’s a new movement called the Progressives emerged in parts of the Unites States. They emerged as part of a long tradition of reform aimed at correcting the issues of the country.

Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.Some evidence to prove my thesis is a quote which is known by Thomas Jefferson has this ideal in the quote and proof to show is “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights,

The period between Reconstruction and World War I was a time of tremendous social, economic, and cultural change in the United States. The end of the Civil War, the shrinking of the frontier, the rise of immigration, and the rapid growth of industry that characterized this time period brought many issues of race, class, and status to the forefront of politics. Many different opinions came to light about what it means to be an American and the dynamic between the American individual and American society. The differing answers to these questions created both divisions and unifications between different races, classes, and political parties. Through careful analysis of historical documents from the period, it is evident that society owes all individuals basic civil rights and the ability to make a living through harnessing their skills in the workplace. Conversely, the individual owes society work that benefits society as a whole and participation in government through suffrage.

A major point in unit 2, political ideologies would be the basis of many class discussions. The political ideology of undocumented immigrants that would incline them to side with Democrats would mirror certain political trends that were talked about in class, like the fact that African Americans tended to vote for Democrats rather than Republicans. The class would also frequently delve into how political ideologies provide many different ethnic and social groups political orientations towards political issues. The article connects to this by providing the political ideologies of both undocumented immigrants and working class voters in the midwest in addition to the reason why these groups take their respective

Over the course of the first century and a quarter of the history of the United States of America, what it means to be an American has been defined by a number of different documents. The authors of those documents have come from varied backgrounds all searching to find their place in the growth and development of this country. At the beginning of the nation, those authors came from the English tradition of what government should look like and what those who were looking to change that government should do. When the country experienced some early growing pains, many of those same people came together again to try and develop a new system of laws for the country. As the nation grew up, it also grew apart and faced arguably the most

The United States, often referred to as a “melting pot,” is known for its extensive cultures. This paramount aspect of the Unites States makes it so unique yet it also happens to be the center of its many conflicts. America, although seemingly doubtful due to the vast amount of cultures and people, has been able to withstand conflicts and adversities because Americans have been able to learn from the country’s past and find a way to use their differences to come together.

In “The Right Road to America?,” Amy Chua informs her audience about the possibility of America’s national identity becoming lost due to the influence of immigrants. Chua’s defines her thesis by stating “Around the world, nations face violence and instability as a result of their increasing pluralism and diversity,” (336). The key points of the text includes Chua explaining why America and other nations could lose their core identities, how the United States could become unglued from its true meaning, and how citizens can fix this imminent problem. The information in this text is significant, especially in today’s society. With all of the issues about immigration coinciding with our current president, this text relates to current subjects

“Citizens of all democracies unite in their desire for peace,” (Roosevelt, 9) so it is vital for America, as a land of democracy, to vow that it will remain peaceful unless its people demand otherwise. It is also important to accept American newcomers with the assurance that they may have faith in both their country and its future. “If we keep the faith for our day as those who came before us kept the faith for theirs, then you and I can smile with confidence into the future,” (Roosevelt, 13). Such an attitude will blossom into patriotism and ramify into the hearts of every American

As expected in history, constant changes, actions, and conflicts are created with the intent of advancing into the future. In the given sections, Fifteen, on the Progressive Movement, and Sixteen, on the U.S. at the turn of the century, several notable events took place in the United States. Without the diligence and determination of many leaders of this time, countless things would not have come to be at such an early date. Steps taken to move and develop into a country that focuses on all groups of people, both similar and different, is extremely prominent in Section Fifteen. Additionally, in Section Sixteen, the spirit of nationalism creates a stronger United States, which in turn, also begins new improvements to provide economic success

The United States of America has seen great change throughout its history. While a considerable amount of time has matured the nation, the core spirit of the American people remains unaffected. In spite of all the wars fought and problems that arose, the

All great empires in history have been rooted in a specific, defining set of characteristics, traditions, values, and perspectives that fuel society towards unity and comradery. This central set of practices and perspectives evolves with along with the people it pertains to and creates a culture that effects all aspects of the society: the education, the economy, and the government. The American government maximizes this evolution of characteristics, traditions, values, and perspectives largely because of its root in immigration. The United States’ foundation as a

America the brave, America the Best, these are the phrases that an average American individual grows up with. America without any second thoughts is considered to be the best in everything, the number one nation in the world, which is a result of immense planning, and hard work that the generations before us went through to build this nation. Little does one realize today that continuous efforts are required to stay on top, and this illusion of excellence and being the best in everything has clouded the reality for the present generation where people have started taking all the resources and facilities for granted.