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Essay / Exploring Core American Values: Individualism, Privacy, and Equality
America is known for its diversity, with various ethnic groups and cultures making up society. The existence of cultural values in such a diverse society is a complex issue. However, American culture is shaped by certain values and beliefs that have influenced the attitudes and behaviors of the majority of Americans. This essay will explore the importance of three core values in the American value system: individualism, privacy, and equality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Individualism is a core value in American society. It encompasses the idea of seeking one's moral worth, pursuing one's goals and aspirations, and relying on oneself. An individualist values personal freedom and opposes interference from the community. This focus on individual possessiveness has shaped American lifestyles, with an emphasis on self-creation and personal achievement. American children are encouraged to see themselves as individuals responsible for their own destiny, rather than just members of society. The United States government plays a crucial role in protecting individual rights, as provided by the United States Constitution. This emphasis on personal autonomy has made American society very competitive (Brinkerhoff et al., 2006). Privacy is another important value in American culture. It refers to the ability of individuals or groups to separate themselves and their information from others. Americans believe in the need for personal space and time to think about their own problems and recharge their energy. Privacy is deeply ingrained in American society, and making friends can sometimes be difficult, as people often don't go beyond a friendly greeting. The U.S. Constitution includes privacy laws to protect citizens from intrusion. These laws ensure that individuals have control over their personal information and can protect their privacy (Brinkerhoff et al., 2006). Equality has long been a controversial issue in the United States. Racial discrimination was widespread until the 1860s, when the 14th Amendment provided equal protection to African Americans. Later amendments granted them the right to vote and abolished poll taxes, guaranteeing their freedom and equality. Today, equality is highly valued in America, often viewed from a religious perspective. Americans believe in the idea that all individuals are created equal and have equal opportunities to succeed in life. The United States is often considered an equal opportunity country regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or race. However, inequalities remain, particularly in the workplace. Pay gaps between men and women persist, with women earning less than men for the same position. Ethnic minorities, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Americans, also face employment discrimination. Additionally, people with disabilities often face discrimination. Economic disparities also contribute to inequality, as individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may have difficulty finding employment in some organizations (Marshall, 1998). These three American values – individualism, privacy and equality – are interdependent and complement each other. Respect for life]