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Brainstorming
What is freedom? Is ones freedom limited by something? (If yes, by what, family, society, government? If no, whats the consequence?)
FREEDOM
all men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
The Declaration of Independence (1776)
INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
SELF -RELIANCE
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
COMPETITION
MATERIAL WEALTH
HARDWORK
INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
I.F. = the desire & right of all individuals to control their own destiny without outside interference (government, ruling noble class, the church, etc.) Price: Self-reliancerooted in the believe that everybody should stand on their own feet. E.g. at 18-21 years old, Americans are financially and emotionally independent from their parents. Relying on someone or any organization or charity means losing ones independence.
Individual Freedom
Selfreliance
The needs of each individual take priority in the life of the family Main responsibility of a family members is not to advance the familys (as a group) economy, socialrole, and honor, but to realize the members happiness. Aristocracy keeps on dimming from American society.
A newborn baby is put in a separate room belongs only him in order to preserve parents privacy and to develop the childs personal independence and individualism
COMMON EXPRESSIONS: Children should (1) cut the (umbilical) cord (2) not to be tied to their mothers apron strings. (3) learn to look out for number one (4) to stand on their own two feet.
American children are soon taught to make decisions and be responsible for their actions. They are encouraged to work for money outside the home as a first step to establishing autonomy. 9-10 year old children may deliver newspapers in their neighborhoods and save or spend their earnings. Teenagers (13 to 18 years) baby-sit at neighbors homes
In the United Statesvery few children are raised to believe that their principal destiny is to serve their family, their country, or their God [as is the practice in some other countries]. Generally children [in USA] are given the feeling that they can set their own aims and occupation in life, according to their inclinations. We are raising them to be rugged individualists. (Spock, B., and Steven P. 1998: 7)
Between 18 and 21 years children are encouraged, but not force, to leave their nest and begin an independent life having their own social relationships and financial support outside the family. Children choose their own spousesusually based on romantic love. Parents do not arrange marriages for children, nor do children usually ask permission of their parents to get married. Americans willingness to try something new, the urge to be jack-of-all-trades, self reliance, and independence drive a child to choose a career that is different from ones father
THE ELDERLY
American senior citizens choose to live in nursing homes or retirement communities because: (1) U.S. Social security or welfare systems financially support the elderly; (2) in nursing homes they will find peer group association within their own age group; American's glorification of youth and indifference to the aged This separation of the elderly from the young has left many older people alienated and alone.
Equality of Opportunity
Competition
However, most Americans still believe are strongly affected by these values. In addition, more and more laws are issued to promote equality of opportunity.
Bibliography
Althen, Gary, Amanda R. D. and Susan J. S. (2nd ed.). 2003. American ways: A guide for foreigners in the United States. Maine: Intercultural Press. Kearny, Edward N., Mary Ann Kearny, and Jo Ann Crandal (3rd ed). 2005. The American ways: An introduction to American culture. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc. Spock, B. and Steven P. 1998. Dr. Spocks Baby and Child Care. New York: Simon and Schuster.