American values were established before the founding of the United States by the first colonists to arrive in the New World. The founders balanced secular ideas with these ideas of the Puritans and developed a system of government based on these morals and values. As a result, traditional American values are centered on individualism, hard work, democracy, community, capitalism and efficiency, just to name a few.
It is interesting how these values have transformed throughout our nation’s social history. We can still see these values in America today, but the motivation behind these values has changed dramatically. Most motivation comes from capitalism or the pursuit of material goods. Lets face it, most of us do not go to college because we love to learn and want to be as educated as possible in all aspects of life. We go to college because if we succeed in college then we can get a diploma, which raises our chances of getting a higher paying job.
I am not suggesting that this occurrence is a bad thing. If we are able to get a higher paying job we can support our families more comfortably and hopefully we can pay for our children to go to college so they can also have a more comfortable life. The problems begin to occur when individuals only want to make money and become obsessed with materialism.
In the past several years, our society seems to have started valuing material possessions more and more. Society equates happiness with materials which may drive individuals to make more money and succeed. However, it is and will continue to have an adverse affect on our nation because ultimately it appears to make individuals more selfish. The idea of capitalism is for each person to exhibit personal responsibility in the acquisition of wealth or private property. In the perfect world of capitalism, individuals make their own destiny. Those who work hard will be successful, while those who do not work hard will suffer.
However, our nation also recognizes that all individuals need a fair opportunity to succeed, and those who are less fortunate should be helped out by those members of society who are making the money. Individuals who work hard have a right to own nice things and live comfortably — and they should. However, I am talking about the individuals who have multiple yachts, personal airplanes and five Ferraris. Successful members of society should contribute to their community and continue in business ventures to create more success and more jobs. The problem arises when individuals become obsessed with the material aspect of capitalism and instead of being charitable when they live lives of excessive affluence. Average Americans observe this lifestyle and instead of trying to make a decent living, they believe they are entitled to much more than they are and live far beyond their means.
In order for America to get back on track, it will take a little more than working hard or giving to charity. While these things are important and necessary for our society, individuals need to encompass our national values without abusing them. Using them appropriately will promote success for everyone and will make our society that much stronger.
