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What Does Being American Mean To You?
I asked a version this question at the Ace of Spades HQ:
I have been thinking about this a lot, lately, as the effects of Obama’s “fundamental transformation” manifest themselves. Today seems like an appropriate day to ask you what you think is the most American value. For me, it is exemplified in the following words:
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
–Martin Luther King, August 28, 1963
This is the most fundamental of American values: that each of us is created equal and that, through hard work and determination, we can rise above the circumstances of our birth.
America is–or should be–a meritocracy, not an oligarchy. I think that’s why so many of us chafe at the ruling classes in our government, media, business, and other segments of society. And it is, of course, why most of us rebel against the trend toward protected classes who do not truly demand protection from discrimination, but special treatment.
What value do you think of as distinctly American?
The discussion veered off into a history lesson (and argument). Not what I intended, really.
When you think of what it means to be American” what comes to mind? I liked this answer:
We have a neighbor with a deployed husband who is 7 months pregnant. Been busy helping her move. THAT is who we are.
And this one:
Practically everything in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Seriously. Consider: A reindeer with a shortcoming really wanted to be on the sleigh team. He worked hard, and eventually his flaw was deemed to be an asset. He made the team. Just because one is born an elf doesn’t mean one is destined to build toys. If an elf wishes to become a dentist, he can learn dentistry and pursue that career. Everyone has value, even the misfit toys. Even the Abominable. Leadership (Santa) is important, as are individualism (Yukon Cornelius), community (the Island of Misfit Toys) and support from loved ones (Clarisse). There are so many American values in that story that I can’t single one out as the most important. It’s how they all blend together.
Many of the commenters answered, “liberty.” Others valued freedom of speech or movement.
What about you?
Published in General
I would recommend you read Fleming v Nestor (1960) if you think your current attitude is a proper way to go.
FJG, as someone who is often rather pessimistic about this country, I just have to say that your cynicism (not just here but in every single one of your comments) really takes my breath away. How on earth do you manage to get out of bed in the morning? This isn’t intended to be a criticism, just an honest observation.
I am aware that the government owes me nothing from their point of view. You will note I said a chance for ROI, not that I actually would get it. Besides I have no intention of joining the communist party. Communism is for suckers that have more belief in humanity’s good nature than I. That is why it always fails and always will.
Cynicism gets me out of bed. I am fully aware that if I do not get up and work that I would have nothing and starve. Is that not why we all get out of bed and work?
I think you may be confusing cynicism and pessimism. They are not the same, though many people seem to think so. The Founding Fathers were cynics, thus the reason for checks and balances so that ambition would check ambition. They were not pessimists, if they were they would not have tried at all. I am a cynic, I am not a pessimist. One reason is, to quote a recent post by DocJay (?), “I read the book, we win in the end”.
Which is why I noted and asked about your cynicism.
Anyway, I was just wondering. I do wish you the best.