Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues Election Issues American Values.

In recent decades it has become de rigeur to discuss “values” as a shorthand for right-wing ideological thought: The impact of values and “value voters.” I think this is not only a false dichotomy, it is a cynical, dangerous and unAmerican trend. So, I'd like to start a discussion about what Ranters identify as “American” values. We're mostly Americans, but I invite our non-American allies to chime in, because their perspective is also important in understanding what it “means” to be American.

Just to get clear, NWP, are you asking about values as they are or as they should/could be?

I think both, Phil. Mostly I am thinking aspirationally, but part of that, for me, is historically based, as well. For example, I think that personal responsibility is an American value.. for some this means taking care of neighbors, for others that means being responsible for your own support and maintenance free of government "paternalism." I think, though, I'd like to wait to elaborate more, so that others can provide their input.

The greatest of all American values is that we have a tradition of fairness, equal treatment under the law, opportunity for all, etc. It has waxed and waned throughout our history, and has never been fully implemented but it has never been forgotten either. This may be a dark time in America, but our strength is that we can change that for the better. I think Langston Hughes expressed it perfectly:

O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.

http://www.gamaliel.org/NLA/NLA2002/NLA02Poem.htm
(For a little context, Hughes was black and he wrote this poem in 1938.)

One American value is that one can be whomever they want to be - it's their freedom do so. It is also an American freedom not to like, or disapprove, of others choices in life.

Personally I don't think there is such a thing as "American" values. There are values, ethics and principles that are shared around the world. The problem is this mind set that Americans somehow hold "values" that are superior to everyone else in the world. Freedom is a "value" shared by many countries, it's the leaders of many countries that don't seem to hold the value of freedom I wouldn't say that of the majority of the people.

I think the idea of American values is simply a political tool and that alone devalues the values being touted.

NWP..

At first glance of your posting, I was thinking, "Family Values" for some reason. We've certainly been slammed with that, but both Dems and Repubs in our government are both out of touch with the real world on that issue.

American values are not a typical discussion anymore. I think you're right...it's been lost type of dicussion somewhere along the way.

In fact, it seems to me that over the past years as more discussions developed about multiculturalism, the less we've talked about "American Values". Im sure that my comment will raise more than just eyebrows, but...that's what comes to mind when I think about American values.

I think that the topic of American Values has become the politically incorrect thing to do. Apparently it can't be done without stepping on somebody's toes or hurting feelings, or one feeling like certain "American values" aren't congruent with the overall general welfare of the citizens.

American values is more like trying to talk about the tax system.

I may occasionally tally the recommendations so far:
Fairness (equal treatment under the law, opportunity for all)
Personal Freedom
Personal Responsibility

And Red, I don't discount your point either, and indeed agree that what we call "American" values are, at least in the Western World, nearly universal aspirations. But there are values in other cultures that are not so commonly identified as American - religious adherence, ancestor worship, deference to elders, for example. My touchstone has always been the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, from which I derive:
Religious tolerance
Free speech and press
Due Process of Law
The general welfare
Right to participate in government

I see your point NW but I still contend that these values are not exclusively "American".


Take:

Religious tolerance: Religious people of all kinds have managed to live side by side for thousands of years. Again it is those who control that are intolerant, the people could for the most part live in complete tolerance of varying religions. While our constitution has spelled it out for us and we are given that right, it is still not owned by Americans.

Free Speech and Press; America is no longer the leader in this arena, I think we are something like 20th in the world. Is it a value we embrace? yes and it is an important one. Americans while putting it in writing ( a good thing) have also allowed this "value" to be chipped away at. Given that Americans have allowed their country to no longer lead the world with this value, could it still be considered an "American Value"?

Due Process of Law: Again a very important value that we all believe in. Again another area where Americans have allowed their governing bodies to chip away at. Even though it is a deeply held value can we claim it as our own if we no longer lead the world in this area? If we allow our government to live above the law, can we still claim this value to be ours?

General Welfare: To be fair can you really name a country where you feel the massess didn't have this value? Not to mention that while we proclaim this be a "value" at the same time we live in a "me" society which contridicts this value.

Right to participate in Government; Good Value, one that what fewer than 40% of Americans actually take to heart. We have seen what people in other countries will endure to vote, yet here we sit with supposdly the most open government and what do we do with it?

I believe we as individuals hold "values" and how we embrace them and stand by them says a lot more about who we are then to tout having "American Values". I believe very strongly in everything you listed as I know most everyone does, I'm just saying that I put myself in the category as a person with those values being willing to stand with many in the rest of the world who can also hold them deeply in their hearts.

Actual American values:
*spend your way to happiness
*buy more
*do whatever it takes to get "ahead"
*whatever you do look good doing it
*it's not my fault
*what's in it for me?

Just thought I'd bring some reality to the discussion.