The American Creed
Introduction:
The American Creed is a statement of the defining element of American Identity. The American creed came about during America’s engagement in World War I. President Woodrow Wilson struggled to maintain neutrality towards the European conflicts, but when the Germans sank an unarmed British liner “Lusitania” killing more than 1,000 people including 128 Americans the president stood before Congress to request a declaration of war. After much debate, the resolution was passed on April 6, 1917. Many citizens protested America’s involvement and thousands went to jail for interfering with the draft. Meanwhile, in the midst of all this domestic turmoil was when the American Creed came into being whether you agree with the creed came into being whether you agree with the creed or abide by it is up to you along with everyone else in this country. Which is one of the many blessings of this country, the right to choose your very own path regardless of anyone else. After analyzing the film “American Creed.” premiered by PBS I interpreted my own American ideals that consist of the pursuit of happiness for everyone regardless of anything and the right to free speech while still being respectful followed by this we will explore how we, as a nation can better help achieve these goals.
The Pursuit of Happiness:
One of my own American ideals consists of the pursuit of happiness regardless of anything such as a person's skin color, religion, and sexual identity. Everyone should be able to look and find their own happiness without any rejection or complication. Although the pursuit of happiness has been mentioned the pursuit of happiness has been mentioned in many significant pieces of history such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Ensuring the unalienable right that has been given to all humans by their creator, governments are created to protect it, but it does not always mean it accepted among citizens. “The answer is that happiness all the time is a kind of unrealistic pipe dream, sold to us by people who want to be happy all the time, and fail at it.” Of course, there will be highs and lows when looking for happiness but those looking for happiness that may be considered “different” from society's standards should still have that right without any complication. An example of this can be an ex-fugitive that is covered in tattoos due to being in prison prior this person decides they do not want this lifestyle this person is entitled and free to pursue happiness, without any complication but because of their past decisions without any rejection or judgment of their present decisions to better themselves. Another example of this can be a person that represents themselves with a different sexual identity than normal, although they are considered different, they should still be able to pursue what makes them happy. We as a nation can attempt to accept more freely and judge less on people's decisions that do not affect our daily lives, but rather make the people happy we should try not to interfere with it.
Free Speech:
Another American ideal significant to me as well is the right to free speech, while still being respectful. According to supreme court justice, Benjamin Cardozo “freedom of speech is the matrix, the indispensable condition of nearly every other form of freedom.” A regular point of debate regarding freedom of speech is the line at which the subject or comment is deemed hateful or harmful or it could have a controversial nature. Although freedom of speech is mentioned in the constitution, a very significant piece of history. Freedom of speech is one of the many blessings of the country but it would be best if we could project our free opinions but in a more respectful and accepting manner. We as a nation can accept that yes, we have freedom of speech, but freedom of speech does not always make everyone happy or every situation solved.
In Conclusion:
After discussing my own American ideals such as the pursuit of happiness for everyone regardless of anything and free speech while still being respectful hopefully, we as a nation can put our pride aside and become much more accepting of those around us.
Works Cited:
The American’s Creed. (2017, December 15). Retrieved fromhttps://www.magnoliabannernews.com/news/2017/dec/15/americans-creed/
The Ongoing Challenge to Define Free Speech. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttps://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/the-ongoing-challenge-to-define-free-speech/the-ongoing-challenge-to-define-free-speech/
