Monday, June 7, 2010
The 21st Century American
In my opinion the 21st Century American in general isn’t a great person. Most of us are selfish and ungrateful. We take advantage of the things we have access to. I am not saying that I am a perfect person because I’m not. I along with many Americans take advantage of the life I am able to live. For example a shower is something not all people in the world have access to, but if I couldn’t take a shower I would feel as though the world was going to end. Most American’s spend money selfishly on new gadgets when some people in other countries or even people just down the road can barely keep their family fed. Yes, some Americans are not great, but there are other aspects that make us great. Most of us have the mind set that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to and we don’t allow things to get in our way. This is not a reality for some people in other countries. Because of this Americans are proud of what we are able to achieve which also gives us self-confidence. With this self-confidence we have achieved many great things some of which have allowed us to live a better life.
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The typical American mentality *is* that we can accomplish anything. We are told this from kindergarten on through our adult live, that with hard work and dedication we can achieve any dream, and any goal. But is that actually true? My daughter and I have this conversation almost every year as we watch the American Idol auditions. No matter how long and hard some people practice, no matter how much desire and ambition they have, they will never be a pop star, may never even be able to carry a tune. I believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to society, but that something may not necessarily be that person's dream. If you want to a pop star, could you achieve that? If your dream were to be president, do you believe that with hard work you will realize that dream? Or are some dreams unattainable for some people? I know I could never be a famous recording artist. I really doubt I'd make senator or state rep much less president. My talents and abilities just don't lie in those areas. I've worked my ass off and am teaching college courses. I believe that with dedication and hard work I'll get a full-time position and one day make tenure. But I highly doubt I'll ever teach for Harvard, and no amount of desire, dedication or hard work will likely change that, though nepotism might. :) Consider people with physical and mental disabilities. Can a blind man ever be a pilot? No. It's just not possible. One of the job qualifications is 20/20 vision.
ReplyDeleteI think that the idealism of being able to achieve any dream through hard work is a central American value; however, I think it also contributes to teh defeatism some people suffer when they set unrealistic goals. Where do we draw the line between idealism and realism?
I totally agree that not every goal is achievable. Like I said in class I would love to be on broadway but I am realistic and know the majority of people who pursue broadway fail. Taking that into consideration, I do plan to audition one day just so I can say that I tried. I also plan to incorporate drama and music into my life. I am gong to school to be a teacher/counselor and hope to help out with the schools drama department and continue to do community theater. It makes me happy. I realize that not every person's dream is easily obtainable or even at all obtainable, but if one can, I think they should get as close to it as possible.
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