Freedom and the american dream

What are the first five words that come to your mind when you think of America?

Word size corresponds to frequency of response

“freedom” (26%) “liberty” (16%), “democracy”, “patriotism” and “red,

white and blue” (10 %). (survey conducted by the Pioneer in 2011)

An article published by a Mormon website

www.thefamily.com January 1st 2016

FREEDOM AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

An influential value in founding the American Nation.

Declaration of Independence (1776) “We hold these truths to be self-

evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the

pursuit of Happiness.”

How do Americans perceive their country ?

A God-given haven A Land of opportunities A new Promised land Equal opportunities Prosperity and a better life “From rags to riches”

Top Rags-To-Riches Success Stories

Started as a farm boy

Top Rags-To-Riches Success Stories

Walt Disney was also brought up in a farm – he used to draw pictures for his neighbors for money.

Top Rags-To-Riches Success Stories

Jobs was given away for adoption by his biological and had to drop out of college, because his education was costly for his foster parents

Top Rags-To-Riches Success Stories

Born to a housemaid and a coalminer, Oprah lived a life of poverty, where she used to have to wear dresses made out of potato sacks.

Freedom is not all that it takes:

America provides opportunities but, Work ethics Personal merit Hard work (inherited from the early

Puritan settlers)

God rewards those who work hard

Importance and legitimacy of material possession for Americans

Status symbols indicate one’s personal worth

No shame of being rich (nor showing it)

The Statue of Liberty: a suggestive symbol

The Statue of Liberty

Raises flaming torch at the entrance of NY

Attracted millions of newcomers American dream still alive in minds

of refugees

The “Melting Pot” theory

US: A country of immigrants

American Unity is born out of diversity

E pluribus unum

« Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of man. »

The Melting Pot theory challengedHowever:

USA was not founded by people of all nations.

Founded by European Puritan settlers: WASPS

WASPS became the norm : Assimilation Ethnic groups, minorities Pluralism, multiculturalism (languages) Separatist movements “Salad bowl”

Pragmatism and Individualism

18th and 19th Centuries: The frontier period

Movement to the WestAmericans developped adaptability to survive in the wilderness.Pragmatism, individualism, and Self-reliance

Pragmatism and Individualism

Power of the individual to control destiny

Pragmatism: Do-it-yourself mentality Opposed to government intervention Promoting private initiative No reliance on the State in times of

crisis Volunteer associations & charities

Freedom’s reverse side: Social Darwinism

Those who fail are considered as :

Responsible for their destiny Guilty of unachievementLazy

Mobility

Mobility American society very mobile

Geographically: 13 % of Americans move every year.

Socially: Upward mobility is the expectations of all Americans. Absence of a rigid class system.Vast middle class. The only criteria is income distribution

Manifest Destiny American dream to be shared by all

mankind America has a mission: export its

model civilization abroad Westward expansion: Land either

bought or took by force Once the continent entirely settled:

American expansionism abroad and leadership role