por He American Way of Lifealso called american wayis an idealized way of life that is based on the attractiveness of the United States, the capacity for progress and the exceptional qualities of its people.
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 by their creator (God): 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 points out that anyone has the ability to progress.
It requires effort and hard work. It is also dynamic because it requires mobility and flexibility to meet goals.
Definition
The best definition of the American way of life was exposed by Thomas Jefferson and is found in the Constitution of the United States of America.
According to Jefferson, every human being is endowed with freedom, the right to life, and the right to be happy. This is the basis that underpins the behavior of Americans.
Regarding this, Norman Lear (1981) pointed out that the American way is a pluralistic, individualistic ideology, characterized by freedom of thought, religion and expression, and by the faith that the future always holds better conditions.
It should be noted that one must be willing to work diligently to build that future. Added to this, Lear indicated that the American way of life promotes an attitude of cooperation, acceptance and compassion towards others.
United States Constitution 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 liberty, 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 they consider happiness.
The Constitution also recognizes that human beings must fight for these rights and defend them from others who want to take them away.
Main features of the American way of life
Progressive: ehe American way of life is characterized by being progressive, in the sense that the human being must lead a life in which he can advance in position, usually social. In this sense, this way of life promotes positive changes.
dynamic: ehe 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. So, dynamism translates into work and effort carried out to meet certain goals.
individualist :ehe American way of life is individualistic, since it highlights the activity of the “I”. Accentuates the person’s ability to move forward. There is talk of individualism because progress must come from the individual himself, however, he does not reject the help of third parties to achieve his goals. Likewise, when talking about being an individualist, it does not mean that the achievements obtained will be only for one’s own good.
Humanist: it is marked by humanism, above all by generosity, love for other people and cooperation.
Optimistic: yesIt is said that the American way of life is optimistic, since it points out that anyone can progress and improve, regardless of the condition in which they find themselves.
Antimaterialist: aWhen progressing, the human being usually obtains monetary gains 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 that one has of this way of life. On the contrary, the American way of life points out that the person must direct his action towards service, towards cooperation and towards the common good.
Moralistic: this mode of life is based on ethics and morality. Due to these characteristics, practitioners of this way of life tend to simplify actions and classify them into two categories: black and white, good or bad.
Utopian: eIn certain respects, 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.
American Dream
The American way of life is related to the American Dream (the American dream). Generally speaking, the American dream is about starting small, working hard, and working your way up to success.
The American dream not only applies to Americans, but also to people who migrate to the United States in search of better living conditions. That is precisely what immigrants look for when they decide to move to this country. The possibility of getting ahead, even if it is not always fulfilled as is.
The American Way of Life and popular culture
Popular culture has served to convey many aspects of the American way of life. For example, comics Superman they promoted him as «the defender of truth, justice and the American way of life.»
Another example of this is The Simpsons which, although it is a satire of contemporary societies, promotes progress, humanism and optimism (three of the essential characteristics of the American way of life).
References
What is the American Way of Life? Retrieved from realclearpolitics.com.
The American Way of Life and Death. Retrieved from thecrimson.com.