Blog Post Written by Cagdas Sanligencler Class of 2027

Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.

Discover the essence of American values through Cagdas Sanligencler’s insightful essay, where he explores themes like change, equality, informality, and time. Join us on a journey through the intricacies of contemporary American society, as Sanligencler delves into what these values mean and how they shape our everyday lives.

Literary Essay- American Values by Cagdas Sanligencler

Change and Mobility

America has this amazing power to shape people’s stories. What keeps America exciting is
how people always welcome change, making things grow with new ideas, being able to
adapt, and making positive social changes. The idea of going up in life, which we call the
American Dream, is like a quiet message saying, “Hey, no matter where you’re from, you can
totally go up and change your story.” Also, the ability to move around, change jobs, or start
over is like showing how strong we are – getting back up after tough times. In this place
where we often reinvent things, we don’t get scared of change; we like it. Moving around isn’t
just a far-off dream; it’s something we’re born with, making our ongoing story about moving
forward and having lots of possibilities.

Equality

Equality is a cornerstone of American values, deeply ingrained in the nation’s history and
ethics. I know its significance and impact on both my life and the lives of others.
Equality is really important for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s a big idea in the United
States-the belief that all people are created equal. It is written in the Declaration of
Independence and it says that every person has value. Equality also helps people get along
better. When everyone has the same opportunities, it makes things fair. Think of it as
everyone playing the game by the same rules. And it’s not just a rule, it’s about treating
people with respect. Like school, work, or laws, equality makes sure that no one is left out or
treated badly. It’s about making sure that everyone has a fair chance to do well.

Informality

Informality holds a significant place in American culture, influencing interactions, language,
and behavior. I appreciate its role and impact on American society for several reasons. First,
it is consistent with the fundamental principle of equality, as Americans believe in treating
everyone with respect, regardless of social status. Informality plays a critical role in breaking
down barriers and fostering a sense of inclusiveness. In addition, casual interactions
contribute to openness and create a friendly atmosphere where people, such as store clerks
and waiters, often introduce themselves by their first names. This practice reflects the
American spirit of accessibility and connectedness. Finally, informality allows for flexibility
and adaptability, demonstrating Americans’ comfort with change in various aspects, including
dress, language, and daily routines.

Time

In the busy rhythm of American life, time is super important, it’s like precious money.
Americans really care about being efficient and on time for things like meetings or classes
because they believe that time equals productivity. Time is not just a ticking clock; it’s a
chance to make dreams come true. If you miss a moment, you miss an opportunity. Time
also keeps things moving, like when new ideas and changes happen, from cool tech startups
to important discoveries. In this place where every second counts, time is not just a ticking
clock; it’s the steady beat of ambition that makes dreams possible.