National Character and the American Myth
America was founded based on the belief in certain freedoms. People have journeyed to America for thousands of years to obtain these freedoms and live the American dream. The pilgrims traveled to the new world to escape religious persecution and to start a new life. We are the cream of the crop, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our Founding Fathers spent countless efforts to ensure that their beliefs in freedom and fortune lived as long as the country lived. Numerous wars have been fought to maintain our freedom. American soldiers have paved the road to our great nation’s success with their lives. Key characteristics of American people include: patriotism, belief in God, hard work, belief in equality, independence, and hope. Many beliefs have fused together to create the American myth. John Winthrop, John Smith, and Benjamin Franklin all demonstrate the American Myth’s composition in their writings. Our money is inscribed with the words “In God We Trust.” Our Pledge of Allegiance contains the phrase “one Nation under God.” These facts demonstrate a main belief in strong Christian morals. As small children we are taught to love one another and because of this certain values are instilled
About forty years ago one man had a dream. This man was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and he envisioned an America filled with true equality. However, segregation stood between Dr. King and making his dream a reality. Long ago John Smith taught Puritans about extreme dedication. In From a Description of New England Smith wrote, “….what to such a mind can be more pleasant than planting and building a foundation for his posterity, got from the rude earth, by God’s blessing and his own industry, without prejudice to any?” (Baym, 53). Smith emphasized the importance of never giving up and always believing your goals are attainable. Hard work pays off in the end. This is demonstrated in Smith’s lifetime by people prospering from the cultivation of the land. This is demonstrated in King’s lifetime by the success of the Civil Rights movement. Again the characteristic of never giving up is instilled to us as children. When a child falls as they are learning to walk they are encouraged to get up and go again. If individuals are devoted to achieving their goals, America is the land of their endless opportunity. It is a country “wherein the most curious may find pleasure, profit, and content.” (Baym, 56). The wars which we have fought and will fight in the future is a sign of our dedication to maintaining our freedom. Hard work pays off. Responsibility is key to success. Again this i
Some topics in this essay:
Civil Rights,
Benjamin Franklin,
John Winthrop’s,
Wealth Baym,
Founding Fathers,
England Smith,
Christian Charity”,
,
Christian Charity,
Nation God”,
live harmony,
benjamin franklin,
baym 95,
wars fought,
underlying principal,
social structure,
american myth,
john winthrop,
franklin wrote,
attainable hard,
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Approximate Word count = 954
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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