Big Paper Revised

Intro-
Over some time America has been going down hill, especially over the last year. Between the war, our economy being in shambles, and our over all government, America isn't what it used to be. Former President Bush believes that the "American way of life is non negotiable", but what exactly is the American Way of Life? The American way of life has changed over the years, so is it still worth defending? With all these different cultures in all different regions of the United States what is "american"? have they had influence on the American Way of Life? Even though there is a huge gap between the rich and the homeless and many different cultures, their is still somewhat of a common lifestyle that lives amongst Americans (mainly the middle class).
By interviweing people on the street and a few family members, i have learned that most people belive that the American Way of life is all about getting the proper education, leading to more money (success), which leads to a better life. Many thought that this was great that we had the freedom to do so in America. However when looking at the fundamentals of capitalism and the constitution, many of the themes that were found were not true. The idea of having the freedom to move up the social and economic ladder in America wasn't there in the past, and may not be there now. it is to be proven that the American Way of Life is ultimately a lie.

American Way of Life According to people in the street-

Americans do an average of 13 years of school, which can be considered as a major part of life. However when I asked a young black man what he thought the American way of life was, he replied “you have to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter how much authority or education you have, you always have to listen to what ‘they’ tell you”. This young black man clad in jeans and a baggy white t-shirt didn’t look like he had much going for himself, but tells me that education is basically a waste of time. His opinion on what it takes to succeed in America is being a “sucker, in America you always have to suck up to somebody to get ahead in life”. He believed that we have to suck up to the professor to get that better grade, but also to our boss to get that raise or promotion. When I asked a middle age Hispanic man the same question a couple of minutes later, he basically said “stay in school, it will help you a lot later on in life”. Two working class men with two totally different views on the part education take in the American way of life.

While talking to my high school principle Mr. Fanning, I saw how different his views were to the other people I interviewed. Even though as a young adult he chose his passion of music over education, he has since realized how his education has benefitted him. By getting an English degree, he has obtained this career which he loves. It may have not really been his dream, but it has become “his life”, and he wouldn’t trade it in for anything else. The first man I interviewed thought that education can’t really make a big difference in the American way of life. He believed that education is put on the backburner and succeeding in America is about “sucking up”, while Mr. fanning believes that it’s about getting an education in something you love, which in turn can make you love life more. Even though he did love music, and made a lot of money doing it, he also sees that his current life is more practical. Mr. Fanning being an educator, I expected this answer from him. But when my aunt gave a similar answer, it surprised me. She has just recently gone back to school fir her doctorates degree after working for HSBC for 19 years. Even though she does think that education is very important in the American way of life, she feels as if “society feels that education validates how smart you are…most people are born with natural talent and education helps to enhance that talent”. She somewhat disagrees with society view of education, and the fact that having a greater education means that you are smarter. Mr. Fanning believes that getting an education can cause you to love something, while my aunt believes you can get a degree in something you love and make it work for you.

Education will help you succeed if you acquire as much knowledge as possible on what it is you want to do in life. That will lead to a better job/career hence a better way of life”, she in turn believes this is what most Americans strive for. This would be her definition of the American way of life, even though many Americans aren’t able to obtain it.
¾ of the people I interviewed believed that education was a huge part in American society, while 1/4 thought that education can’t really help us in achieving our ideal life. The people around me think that the American way of life is mainly to be happy with life. However when they said life, they were mainly referring to a career. Most believed that a career can lead you to happiness, or defines it in a way. They agree with the fact that education can indeed lead to a better life/career, and this is one of the main ways they would define the American way of life…as education.

Inaguration Day Assignment

Presidents Obamas inaugaration speech gave a lot of hope to Americans. his speech reassured them that he can and will make America better, and get it back to what it used to be. More specifically he will get us out of the recession and the war. Obama states in his speech that "We will not apologize for out way of life." He is saying that our country shouldn't be ashamed of how its run or how we run our everyday lives compared to the rest of the world. Obama is making the American way of life something to be proud, something that should be embraced. While Former President Bush said something similar, but made it seem like no matter what the way Americans live their lives is not going to change. He made it seem like the life of an American was top priority, not the war or our economic status.When Obama said "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America" I felt like he was again embracing the American Way of Life and willing to change it for the better. this comment showed the peopel that we STILL have the potential to keep America as the most powerful nation on Earth.

Christmas/New Years Analysis

Over break i was thinking about how my holiday compared to the rest of America or the American way of life. I felt like my Christmas wasn't the typical Christmas because it was a little more reserved than the typical Christmas. Even though i did spend it with family (because that's what its supposed to be about right?), i wasn't allt hat excited about it like i used to be. I didn't wake up at the crack of dawn to open presents,didn't go searching for my gifts before Christmas, and i wasn't every excited with what i got this year either. In America, Christmas is all about spending hard earned money on extravagant gifts and letting kids think a fat white man brought those gifts for them. I think that the whole Santa aspect of Christmas is ridiculous. This year I was happy with spending Christmas at my grandmas house and not getting much, it didn't really matter to me because Christmas is only 1 day out of the year...why should it be such a big deal? However I feel that many Americans would disagree with me.
New years on the other hand I felt like my New years did go along with the American way of life. When new years comes around, Americans usually get this idea that its all about having fun. Most of this "fun" is related to going to parties, getting drunk, and just acting fool. this new years i did go to a party and had a a good time, however i feel like it shouldn't be like that every year. Why go out and bring in the new year partying...is that how the rest of the year is going to be spent? i think that it is also good to spend time with family or by yourself during this holiday. You can have fun by sitting at home and watching the ball drop on TV, or playing a game with friends and family. Another thing that i noticed Americans participate in is making "new year resolutions". Many make these crazy resolutions about what they could do better in the new year, which are usually full of bull. People may carry them out for a couple of weeks, but its not likely for someone to keep or even remember theirs for the rest of the year. I think its a silly tradition that Americans follow to make them feel better about themselves. Make them feel as if they are willing to change, and are going to make that change for the new year.