He American way of life , also called the American way , is an idealized way of life based on the attractiveness of the United States, the capacity for progress and the exceptional qualities of its population.
It can be said that the American way of life is an interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, where it is said that all human beings were made equal and that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights on the part of its creator: life, freedom and right to seek happiness.
This is the core of American life: the pursuit of happiness, the fulfillment of dreams and personal goals.
This way of life is characterized by being individualistic, exalting the value of the"I"and dignity. He is also optimistic because he says that anyone has the ability to progress.
It requires effort and hard work. It is also dynamic because it requires mobility in order to achieve the goals.
Definition
The best definition of the American way of life was exposed by Thomas Jefferson and is embodied in the Constitution of the United States of America.
According to Jefferson, every human being is endowed with freedom, right to life and right to be happy. This is the basis for the behavior of Americans.
Norman Lear (1981) pointed out that American way is a pluralistic, individualistic ideology characterized by freedom of thought, religion and expression, and by the belief that the future always provides better conditions.
It should be noted that one must be willing to work with care for the construction of this future.
In addition to this, Lear indicated that the American way of life promotes an attitude of cooperation, acceptance and compassion towards others.
Constitution of the United States and the American Way of Life
The Constitution of the United States of America states that all human beings are equal and that they possess a series of rights that were given by the Creator. These basic rights are the right to life, the right to freedom and the right to the pursuit of happiness.
Taking these aspects into account, a way of life has been developed that proposes that any American is free to pursue and act according to what he considers happiness.
The Constitution also recognizes that human beings must fight for these rights and defend them from others who want to take them.
8 main characteristics of the American way of life
1- Progressive
The American way of life is characterized by being progressive. This means that the human being must lead a life in which he can advance in position.
In this sense, this way of life promotes positive change.
2- Dynamic
The American way of life is dynamic. This dynamism is related to the progressive quality of human beings: for there to be progress there must be movement.
This movement must be accompanied by a purpose. Then, the dynamism translates into work and effort carried out to meet certain goals.
3- Individualist
The American way of life is individualistic, since it emphasizes the activity on the part of the"I". It accentuates the person's ability to move forward.
Individualism is talked about because progress must come from the same individual, however, does not reject the help of third parties to achieve the objectives.
Likewise, speaking of being individualistic does not mean that the achievements obtained will be only for one's own good.
4- Humanist
The American way of life is marked by humanism, above all by generosity, love for other people and cooperation.
This is seen in the help that US organizations lend to other countries in times of need.
For example, when other nations have been affected by natural disasters, the United States sends lots of food and medicine for the victims.
5- Optimistic
It is said that the American way of life is optimistic, since it indicates that any person can progress and surpass, no matter the condition in which it is.
6- Antimaterialist
As you progress, the human being usually gains monetary gain or recognition for good work.
However, the end of the American way of life is not the desire to earn money or fame. Such actions are materialistic and oppose the idea of this way of life.
On the contrary, the American way of life indicates that the person must direct his action towards the service, towards the cooperation and toward the common good. At this point, this feature is related to humanism and philanthropy.
7- Moralist
The American way of life is based on ethics and morals.
Because of these characteristics, practitioners of this way of life tend to simplify actions and classify them into two categories: black and white, good or bad.
8- Utopia
In some ways, the American way of life is utopian, idealized and impossible to achieve.
Not all aspects are unattainable; it is the set of these elements that constitutes a utopia.
The American Dream
The American way of life relates to the American Dream (the American dream). In general terms, the American dream is to start from the bottom, work hard and progress to success.
The American dream applies not only to Americans but also to people who migrate to the United States in search of better living conditions.
The American Way of Life and Popular Culture
Popular culture has served to convey many aspects of the American way of life. For example, Superman comics promoted him as"the defender of truth, justice and the American way of life."
Another example of this is The Simpsons which, while a satire of contemporary societies, promotes progress, humanism and optimism (three of the essential features of the American way of life).
References
- American way. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- What is the American Way of Life? Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from realclearpolitics.com
- The American Way of Life. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from tracks1el.cappeledamm.co
- Key Elements to the American Way of Life. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from shelteringwings.org
- The American Way of Life and Death. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from thecrimson.com
- The American Way of Life. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from ucl.ac.uk
- 8 Unsustainable Delusions of the American Way of Life. Retrieved on September 26, 2017, from juancole.com