Values & the American Dream

ELA 10

What is a value?

• 5 items for 99 cents!• How much something costs at the

store.

• Something that is desired, respected, worthwhile, important, and useful in society.

American Values

• What are the things that define America as a country?• What are the things that most, if

not all, Americans view as valuable, worthwhile, respectable, useful, or important?

Individual/Personal Values

• What is most important to you about your life?• Who do you look up to in life,

and why?• What are the things that you

desire and respect (in your own life, and in the lives of others)?

Individual/Personal Values

• Are any of your individual/personal values different from or contrary to American values?

The American Dream

• America is the land of opportunity• America is a nation of immigrants• The “melting pot” or the “salad

bowl” society• America is a powerful nation that

continues to draw immigrants from around the globe…Why?

The American Dream (cont.)

• The American Dream was a concept created by the language of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

The American Dream (cont.)

• The concept of what defines the American Dream has developed over time through stories of success (inventors, athletes, celebrities, politicians, rich folks, heroes, etc.)

What is the American Dream?

• The idea that anyone can come to this country and have an equal chance at finding happiness and success through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. (Fantasy or reality?)

What is the American Dream?

• Based on the American values of personal liberty, work ethic, equal opportunity, and patriotism.

American Dream Terms to Know

“…life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”

• Liberty – basic individual freedom

American Dream Terms to Know

• Rights – things given to all people, guaranteed by law

American Dream Terms to Know

• Equal Opportunity – all people have the same chance at success (no one is discriminated against, and no one is given preferential treatment)

American Dream Terms to Know

• Individuality – personal traits that set one person apart from the rest of society• Benefits? Risks?

American Dream Terms to Know

• Innovation – creating something new; being inventive or creative

American Dream Terms to Know

•Work Ethic – the belief that work strengthens one’s character

American Dream Terms to Know

• Compassion – sympathy for one’s fellow man; the desire to help others in need

American Dream Terms to Know

• Social Mobility – “rags to riches” – the ability to move from a lower social class to a higher one

American Dream Terms to Know

• Perseverance – the ability to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success