Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin

Dania Beach, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students. We are pleased to present the work of our student authors. Our blog is open to an array of genres including fiction, essays, and creative writing pieces. Our blog is an open space for our UIC students to IMAGINE, CREATE, and INSPIRE as they share their creative expressions. The mission of Collective Thoughts is to provide a platform to showcase the unique voice of the developing and emerging writer and to foster the love of writing.

Carly Jure, a sophomore at UIC hailing from Haiti and a standout soccer player for the Eagle Rays team, recently showcased his analytical depth in Collective Thoughts with an essay exploring core American values like individualism, equality, liberty, and the American Dream, shedding light on their influence in fostering personal and societal growth.

What are American Values? by Carly Jure

Individualism

Individualism emphasizes self-reliance and personal autonomy. Unlike other societies, people in American society like to do their stuff on their own unless what they’re doing requires help from other people. In contrast, in other societies, everyone pinched together to do almost everything. People in American culture like to be free to make their own decisions, create their own paths, and have their responsibilities. People in American society believe in creating their paths to success through belief, hard work, and sacrifices. This value encourages people to think independently, express their unique points of view, and contribute to society’s progress through originality and creativity. By valuing individual perspectives and creativity, individualism creates an environment where different ideas and innovations can succeed.

Equality

Equality emphasizes that everyone should have the same equal rights and opportunities. It is a big value because it’s been there since the nation’s first day, it’s even written in the Declaration of Independence. There are different types of equality in American society: legal equality (it focuses more on everyone being the same in front of the law, despite color, race, or gender), economic equality (it focuses more on everyone having equal opportunities to success, lower-income people pay fewer taxes than higher-income people, having median minimum wages), social equality (it focuses more on combating racial discrimination and segregation, issues such as systemic racism, police violence, and disparities in education and employment opportunities continue to impact minorities, and the feminist movement, which has fought for equal pay, reproductive rights, and anti-discrimination laws.), educational equality (it focuses more ensuring that all students have equal access to quality education regardless of their background, including factors such as race, socioeconomic status, gender, or disability.) Despite having all those types of equality, achieving equality at a full scale is still a big and ongoing challenge.

Liberty

Liberty emphasizes individual freedom and personal autonomy. It is rooted in the nation’s founding documents. Liberty is included in various aspects, such as Personal Freedom (the right to express yourself, practice religion, and make personal choices without government interference.) Political Freedom (the right to participate in the democratic process, like voting, running for office, and doing political actions.) Economic Freedom (the ability to chase economic opportunities, own property, own land, and do commerce.) Civil Freedom (the right of protection against government, ensuring rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and privacy.) Liberty is essential for creating innovation, creativity, and diversity, making the country’s culture and society dynamic. At the same time, discussions about liberty also raise questions about the balance between individual rights and the common good, like public health and safety.

The American Dream

The American dream emphasizes the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Everyone has the opportunity/chance to pursue their goals and improve their circumstances by being able to learn, have jobs, and have resources. It’s not too hard to own a house or property, owning property is often seen as a symbol of success and stability, it is a central aspiration for many, representing security and investment in the future. In this society, everyone can rise above their current economic status, it doesn’t matter how poor you are, it just depends on your willingness to work hard and each generation can achieve a better life than the one before. A person’s success should be based on individual talent and effort rather than social class, race, or family background. The American Dream has evolved, and it remains a big motivator for many, symbolizing the potential for growth and success in America.