Abstract
The core content of American values can be condensed as a words, that is “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, which among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’’ ,which frequently excerpted from the Declaration of Independence. In the reality of American history, there are some black times and evil deeds which disobey this pursuit. Even today, the phenomena still exist. However, it is no doubt that most of Americans consider it as traditional basic American values and beliefs.
In this thesis, the author lists three pairs of values which typically represent American traditional ones. Meanwhile, the author also point out some challenges that the “traditional” encounter today with the social progress and new values the American need adopting at the 21st century, one is the conception of environmental protection and resources conservation; the other is more attention should be paid on cooperation rather than extremely egoism. The all-round statement can help us to enhance our understanding of the American culture and its people.
Key words: values, beliefs, challenges
Contents
Abstract in English…….……………………………………………………………ⅰ
Abstract in Chinese…….…………………………………………………………...ⅱ
1. Introduction…….………………………………………………………………….1
2. Backgrounds……………………………………………………………………….3
2.1. Melting Pot or Salad Bowl………………………………………………………..3
2.2. Freedom of religion In the United States…………………………………3
2.3. History background……………………………………………………………….4
2.4. Cultural background………………………………………………………….....5
3. Traditional basic Values and Beliefs……………………………………..6
3.1. Individual Freedom and Self-Reliance………………………………….6
3.1.1. History Origins of Individual Freedom………………………………6
3.1.2. Impact of Individual Freedom on American Society Life………………7
3.1.3. Price of this Pursuit……………………………………………….......8
3.2. Equality of Opportunity and Competition…………………………………9
3.2.1. History Reasons…………………………………………………………………9
3.2.2. The Concept Embodied in American Character…………………………...10
3.2.3. Price of this Pursuit……………………………………………………………11
3.3. Material Wealth and Hard Work…………………………………………………12
3.3.1. History Reasons………………………………………………………………..12
3.3.2. Today’s Changes……………………………………………………………….14
3.4. The Relationship between American Believes………………………….14
4. New Values should be Adopted………………………………………………….16
4.1. Conception of Environmental Protection……………………………………16
4.2. Conception of Emphasizing Cooperation ……………………………………….16
5. Challenges on the Values…………………………………………………………18
5.1. The Wave of Immigrants…………………………………………….………...18
5.2. Cultural Diversity………………………………………………………………..18
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….......20
Bibliography………………………………………………………………………...21
Acknowledgements…….……………………………………………………………22
