Is America exceptional? America is a country that is simply different from others in a sense that it is the only place in the world where everyone is considered equal, and someone can make something of themselves out of absolutely nothing. This is not to say that the country is absolutely perfect, as it is made up of human beings who are fallible. But, what makes this country special its ability to evolve for the better, and this comes directly from the diversity of cultures, ideas, and people, who bring with them reforms to better the future.
The dedication to maintain a democracy was the very basis this country was founded on, as the early settlers wanted to escape religious and political oppression, however the community has seriously progressed since the Puritan days. A key difference involves tolerance. The Puritans were unable to separate church and state, and therefore followed laws and legislation motivated by religion. However, their power soon declined due to oppression, the banishment of many religious leaders and members of the church, and especially after the Salem Witch Trials. As different cultures immigrated and pursued a life in America, the concept of self-reliance and individualism became widespread, and more and more people left the community’s questionable ideals behind. The America we live in now has separation of church and state where everyone is entitled to the same treatment regardless of religious background.
Another example of America’s continual progression from past mistakes is slavery which existed from the 1600’s through the 1800’s. African slaves were not treated as human beings, but property, without access to any basic human rights. We can never excuse this kind of treatment of a people for their race, but this event in history did lead to crucial revisions in our government. Because of the people who fought to protect individual liberties, three very important amendments were put in place in the Constitution. The thirteenth amendment outlaws slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. The fourteenth amendment states that no local or federal government can deprive persons of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, and the fifteenth amendment guarantees every citizen the right to vote. Many steps have been taken to eliminate racism and discrimination, and segregation can no longer exist.
Finally, there are the issues that are still being considered. For example, legalization of gay-marriage is up for debate. Homosexuality is completely illegal in many countries, but due to the dedication of America and its citizens to preserving liberty, their voices can be rightfully heard and America as a whole, can choose. Or physician assisted suicide. Should terminally ill individuals have the right to end their lives? It is up to you to decide, for in the end, it is your vote that counts.
We are lucky to live in a world where everyone is free, everyone is equal, we can protect our rights, and voice our opinions openly. Many, including myself, often take this for granted, however we are all immigrants here which is why we find acceptance and opportunity at times when we may not get it anywhere else. The fact that we are all immigrants with different backgrounds, histories, and stories contributes to the values we hold so high. In today’s America, mistakes will continue to be made, and a solution will never fail to be reached.
-Aline Tomasian
The dedication to maintain a democracy was the very basis this country was founded on, as the early settlers wanted to escape religious and political oppression, however the community has seriously progressed since the Puritan days. A key difference involves tolerance. The Puritans were unable to separate church and state, and therefore followed laws and legislation motivated by religion. However, their power soon declined due to oppression, the banishment of many religious leaders and members of the church, and especially after the Salem Witch Trials. As different cultures immigrated and pursued a life in America, the concept of self-reliance and individualism became widespread, and more and more people left the community’s questionable ideals behind. The America we live in now has separation of church and state where everyone is entitled to the same treatment regardless of religious background.
Another example of America’s continual progression from past mistakes is slavery which existed from the 1600’s through the 1800’s. African slaves were not treated as human beings, but property, without access to any basic human rights. We can never excuse this kind of treatment of a people for their race, but this event in history did lead to crucial revisions in our government. Because of the people who fought to protect individual liberties, three very important amendments were put in place in the Constitution. The thirteenth amendment outlaws slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. The fourteenth amendment states that no local or federal government can deprive persons of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, and the fifteenth amendment guarantees every citizen the right to vote. Many steps have been taken to eliminate racism and discrimination, and segregation can no longer exist.
Finally, there are the issues that are still being considered. For example, legalization of gay-marriage is up for debate. Homosexuality is completely illegal in many countries, but due to the dedication of America and its citizens to preserving liberty, their voices can be rightfully heard and America as a whole, can choose. Or physician assisted suicide. Should terminally ill individuals have the right to end their lives? It is up to you to decide, for in the end, it is your vote that counts.
We are lucky to live in a world where everyone is free, everyone is equal, we can protect our rights, and voice our opinions openly. Many, including myself, often take this for granted, however we are all immigrants here which is why we find acceptance and opportunity at times when we may not get it anywhere else. The fact that we are all immigrants with different backgrounds, histories, and stories contributes to the values we hold so high. In today’s America, mistakes will continue to be made, and a solution will never fail to be reached.
-Aline Tomasian
Overall, this is a very strong essay. I like your smooth transitions from one topic to another, and the continuing theme of issues being resolved gave your essay a good feeling of continuity through the changing time frame. I agree that the issues that the U.S. faces are continually evolving, and that the U.S. has evolved with it, but how exactly has the smaller picture changed? Does the community have a different “feel” to it than it did in the past? What does this mean for the future?
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ReplyDeleteYour logical progression of ideas made the essay easy to read and interesting. I especially liked how you included a paragraph on issues currently in debate and demonstrated that the U.S.'s community is still evolving through our opinions. However, you state that America is special because it can continually evolve into a better society because of the diversity of cultures, races, and values. Does this idea account for the opinions of the minority? Many groups of minorities such as illegal Mexican immigrants and refugees oftentimes do not get to voice a strong opinion in the government. In what ways do these minorities help evolve society for the better?
ReplyDelete3. Your essay presents very clear structure: thesis, evidence driven body paragraphs, and conclusion. Like David Seong said, it may help to explain HOW the diversity you mentioned allows for the development of America. To answer, I think that a diverse culture requires the people to strive for the “greater good” rather than a unanimous goal that leaves no room for discussion and thus no chance for improvement. Also I think that it would further strengthen your already strong argument of why America is unique if you explained how some of the things you mentioned such as tolerance are unique by showing counterexamples. I liked how your final sentence is a confident claim that leaves room for open discussion.
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