Blog Post Written by Mikael Silva, 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.
Meet Mikael, a keen observer of American society, whose insightful essay delves into the fundamental values that define the fabric of contemporary America. From his experiences transitioning from Brazil to Virginia and immersing himself in the vibrant culture of Miami, Mikael’s exploration captures the essence of American values with depth and clarity. Join us as we embark on a journey through Mikael’s reflections, gaining new perspectives on freedom, opportunity, and individualism, and their enduring significance in shaping the American identity.
American Values by Mikael Silva
First, I lived in Ferrum, Virginia and it was a totally different experience compared to my hometown in Brazil and Miami. Also, I have visited some places in the United States of America such as New York, Maryland, and North Carolina. Everywhere I went I observed differences in behavior, property, lifestyle, and ethics. In the Ferrum, I had a more country life and in Miami a beachier vibe which is very similar to life in Brazil.
One of the fundamental values deeply ingrained in American society is the search for freedom. Based on the nation’s founding principles, Americans value the ability to make choices, express opinions, and live without unjustified restrictions. This value includes political freedoms, such as the right to free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. It also extends to personal autonomy and the individual life pursuit. The belief in liberty as a fundamental value is evident in documents such as the Declaration of Independence, which set out the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, the concept of liberty continues to shape American identity and informs debates on issues ranging from civil liberties to economic policy.
American society values opportunity – the belief that hard work, determination, and talent should be recognized with the chance to achieve success and prosperity. This value is deeply rooted in the American Dream, the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their goals through merit and effort. From the original frontier spirit of expansion westward to the promise of social mobility, the belief in opportunity has inspired the aspirations of generations of Americans. While challenges such as economic inequality and systemic divides persist, the belief in the transformative power of opportunity remains a driving force in American society.
American society places a high value on individualism, the idea that each person is unique and has a value and humanity of their own. This value is based on the belief that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests and goals without interference from the government or society. Individualism is celebrated in American culture through narratives of personal success, the importance placed on personal autonomy, and the emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities. While this value can sometimes lead to a sense of rigid independence, it also promotes innovation, creativity, and the search for individual achievement.
In conclusion, the ideals supported by the Founding Fathers—individualism, equality, freedom, and democracy—remain relevant in contemporary American culture. The significance of individual liberty, equal opportunity, civil freedoms, and civic participation is emphasized by these ideals. They create social change, creativity, and advancement by adding to the vibrant and varied fabric of American culture. Even while the country is still facing difficulties and inequality, the persistent dedication to these fundamental principles acts as a light of hope, encouraging citizens to work into a more ideal union in which everyone is free to follow their aspirations and advance the common good.
