American Myths and realities

• American identity

  Nation of immigrants, democratic nation
• American Dream

  No single definition, varies for each American, everyone has the chance to be successful, wealthy and rich, reaching dream regardless of color, religion or nationality, "from rags to riches" popular myth, promises equal opportunities to pursue their dreams
• Statue of Liberty


  Symbol of welcome, freedom, lights the way for coming immigrants, liberty, independence
• Statue of Liberty dedicated, 100 years of American independence


  1876
• Declaration of Independence


  4 July 1776
• Declaration of Independence


  One of the most famous American documents, presents the right of the people to choose their own government, equality
• Emma Lazarus (1883): '"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"'
• The identity of America is to welcome immigrants, no matter when they came from
• United States of America

  • 50 states, world's third largest country in size, northern border: Canada, southern border: Mexico, home for unlimited immigration from poor to rich
• Millions of legal and illegal immigrants have come to America over time, hoping to find a better life
• Mayflower Compact


  First agreement for self-government in America, laid the foundation for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
• Declaration of Independence


  13 colonies fought the War of Independence against Britain, formal statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government, equality
• Constitution


  Establishes the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, written by the founding fathers, gives people a feeling of safety, protection and liberty
• Great Migration


  20 million Africans migrated to North America for lack of freedom from slavery
• Bill of Rights

  Guarantees inalienable rights such as freedom of religion, speech, press, and the right to bear arms
• Civil War

  Fought between the North (Union) and South (Confederacy) over the moral issue of slavery, the Union won
• Civil Rights Movement

  1955: Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, 1963: Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream" speech, drew attention to the plight of African Americans
• Slavery was illegal in the US by 1865, but the slave population continued to grow
• George Washington was a slave holder, yet propagated the ideals of human rights and equality
• The Constitution gave citizenship and voting rights to all persons born in the US
• New American Dream

  Higher quality of life, focus on personal wealth, health, relationships, sustainable lifestyle, access to information, less competition, good infrastructure and public transport, meeting basic needs like education, electricity, working conditions
• Police brutality is an issue in America, with 1 in 1,000 men expected to be killed by police
• Black Lives Matter


  Revived in 2020 to raise awareness about police brutality against black people
• There is a significant wealth gap between white and black Americans, with black Americans more likely to live in poverty
• America as an "immigrant country"

  Multiculturalism and pluralism, diversity of religions, cultures, ethnicities, "melting pot" metaphor of fusion into one distinct people, "salad bowl" metaphor of distinct identities
• Immigrants provide needed labor, increase tax revenue, and show great motivation to integrate, but also face challenges like security concerns, job competition, and cultural differences