American Beliefs, Values, and Symbols

American Beliefs and Values

• Freedom:

  • Central to American values.

  • Seen as the freest society, a haven for those seeking opportunity.

  • Rooted in the belief of equality and unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Declaration of Independence, 1776).

  • Protected by the Bill of Rights (1791), ensuring freedom of speech, press, and religion.

• Individualism:

  • Focus on the individual, with philosophical roots in figures like Thomas Jefferson, Emerson, and Thoreau.

  • Emphasizes economic self-sufficiency and individual resourcefulness.

• Idealizing what is practical/Pragmatism:

  • Rooted in the experience of discovering the “West” and the frontier.

  • Emphasizes workable solutions and inventiveness.

  • "I can do it" spirit.

• Volunteerism:

  • People helping people through private initiatives.

  • Driven by optimistic pride in finding practical solutions.

Psychology of Abundance

• Historically, America was seen as a land of limitless wealth.

• Attracted farmers, hunters, miners due to abundant natural resources.

Mobility

• Americans assume that moving elsewhere is a practical solution for a fresh start.

• Mobility is considered a sign of optimism.

Patriotism

• National pride is stronger than regional pride.

• Concentrated on the nation's creation and the idea of freedom.

Progress

• Associated with freedom, measured by westward expansion and industrial growth.

• Family progress over generations, tied to the American dream.

American Dream

• Hope for a better quality of life and higher standard of living.

• Opportunities for each according to abilities and achievement.

Who is an American?

• Salad Bowl Theory: Ethnic groups maintain cultural uniqueness while contributing to a unified whole.

• Melting Pot: Immigrants assimilate, forming one nation with shared symbols (flag, anthem).

• US aims for unity in diversity, allowing people to retain their heritage.

Stereotypes

• Various stereotypes exist, such as Americans being rich, overly patriotic, ignorant about the world, monolingual, work-obsessed, obese, or dumb.

Great Seal

• Eagle: Symbol of strength, turned towards peace (olive branch).

  • E Pluribus Unum: 'From many, one'.

  • Olive Branch: America seeks peace.

  • Thirteen leaves and olives.

  • Thirteen Arrows: Prepared to defend Liberty

• Reverse:

  • The eye of the Creator.

  • Pyramid: symbol of strength and durability

  • MDCCLXXVI: 1776

  • NOVUS ORDO SECTORUM: New Order of the Ages.

National Anthem

• The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key (1814).

• Became the official national anthem in 1931.

American Flag

• Thirteen red and white stripes representing the original colonies.

• Blue square with stars representing a new constellation.

• Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, Star Spangled Banner.

• Original thirteen colonies are listed.

The White House

• 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC USA

• Architect: James Hoban

• Years of original construction: from 1792 to 1800

• 1st president to live in the White House: John Adams

• Number of rooms: 132

• Official White House website: www.whitehouse.org

Statue of Liberty

• Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

• Gift from France.

• Liberty Enlightening the World.

• Seven rays symbolize the seven seas and continents.

• Tablet reads July 4th, 1776.

• Torch symbolizes freedom, liberty, and hope.

• 93 meters tall.

Uncle Sam

• Cartoon embodiment of the U.S. government.

• Modeled after Samuel Wilson, a meat supplier.

• Image popularized by James Montgomery Flagg's recruitment poster.