My American Dream

In Walter R. Fisher's research column titled, Reaffirmation and the Subversion of the American Dream , he claims that there are two sides to the American Dream - a materialistic myth and a moralistic myth. He uses this idea to explain the outcome of the 1972 presidential election between Republican, Richard Nixon, and Democrat, George McGovern.  The materialistic myth consists of values, such as, "effort, persistence, 'playing the game,' initiative, self-reliance, achievement, and success" (114). The values are connected to characteristics of greed and selfishness. This part of the American Dream focuses on status, wealth, and power - which are all values shared by Nixon in the 1972 election. As Fisher points out, Nixon gained his votes by running on the theme of "Reelect the President" and this reflected his power. Nixon had already had the status as president of the United States, so when he ran in the 1972 campaign, he was already familiar ...

When my sister travels to different places around the world, she familiarizes herself with the language before she goes. Months before she traveled to Ghana, she would be studying from this tiny book and practicing the native language of Ghana - Twi. I thought to myself, why learn this language? But then, I realized that not everyone in the world does things the "American Way". My sister has taught me that it is very important to learn at least just a few simple phrases in the native language you are traveling to and to not assume that everywhere you go, English will be spoken. Just a few simple phrases, even if they aren't grammatically correct, are able to show the native your are speaking to that you are trying to speak their language and thats all that matters. It's a sign of courtesy and I believe it's important to use this skill wherever you travel and to adapt to their lifestyle. As I read the article,  "American Values and Assumptions," a c...