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National Ethos of the United States Essay Example

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National Ethos of the United States Essay Example
College Prep. First Semester Essay
The American Dream is a national ethos of the united states in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success. In the definition of the American dream by james truslow adams in 1931. “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The idea of the American dream is rooted in the United States declaration of independence which proclaims that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights including life liberty and the pursuit of happiness 1. The ideals of freedom, equality and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American 2. A life of personal happiness and material comfort as traditionally sought by individuals in the U.S.
Unit One
Origins and Encounters, In Harmony With Nature: Native American Traditions, is about Native American Literature. There were many different tribes of Native Americans; examples include Iroquois, Cherokee and Navajo. They reflected their religious beliefs, political systems, and social values throughout their stories. The majority of Native American literature was oral and was passed down from generation to generation. Native American literature doesn’t have anything to do with the American Dream because at this time in history the American Dream didn’t exist. The World on the Turtle’s Back, written by the Iroquois, is about how the world ended up being formed. It talks of how the woman had twins that were opposite that brought the balance within the world. “Within the girl’s body, the twins began to argue and quarrel with one another. There could be no peace between them.” This is a quote from The World on the Turtle’s Back, it talks about how even before birth the twins constantly fought. If they fought before birth then they would obviously fight when they were born. “The

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