A mix of traditional values, culture, beliefs, family, and the overall social environment shapes personal identity. The United States is one of the greatest nations in the world, and it proudly identifies itself as the epitome of democracy and advancement. The values of American society are more varied and inclusive, and from social institutions to contemporary leadership and governance, the U.S. has adopted racial, cultural, and religious pluralism. However, a more profound personal reflection on how being a U.S. citizen by birth defines my identity is intricate as I have a profound idea of my culture and background, which are still anchored as part of the progressive American ethos. Being a U.S. resident has a great impact on personal identity as it defines personal goals and aspirations, social ideologies, political views, and general philosophy. As a Caucasian American born and raised in the United States, the appreciation and expression of my true culture are muted and overshadowed by the centricity of American philosophy as an advanced society.
The United States clinches onto the label of progress and prosperity. The popular adage, the ‘American Dream,’ represents the ethos in the society as it proposes to unlock new heights of posterity for its citizens. Ideally, in contrast to other nations, especially South American nations, including Mexico, Cub, Cuba, and Africa, America is exceedingly successful on social and economic fronts. I was fortunate to be born in a country of wealth and prosperity, hence the opportunity to gain access to resources and welfare. Comfortable living is crucial in social, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development. Ideally, being a United States citizen and from an economically stable family, the experience of growing up shapes one’s personal values and identities. It was easier for me to attune to the concept of the “American Dream,” and it inspired my resilience and determination, trusting that American society rewards hard work. I was passionate about things and could afford to sift through options and choices, experiencing true American freedom. I was modeled into a young adult who believes in prosperity, and it underscores my optimistic stance towards life. My personal goals and aspirations are derivatives of years of social interaction. I hope to build a career, become a functional and resourceful member of society, and impact communities. I believe that through education, one can advance through different levels and experience the rewards of social integration and mobility.
Cultural and religious pluralism have shaped my stance on social values and faith. I believe in diversity and appreciate the tapestry of traditions and values in American society. My mother was a Christian, and my father an atheist, a mix that would be impossible in other cultures where religious tolerance is alien. I chose my own path, learning from my mother’s Christian beliefs and convictions and listening to my father’s arguments for atheism. Ideally, every unique perspective is supported by reasons, and intolerance is a recipe for social conflict. Therefore, American society is to blame for my social inclusiveness and appreciation of cultures. According to the reflections by Carlos Alberto and Eli Sanchez, the Mexican culture from the revolution in 1910 has transformed over the decades and remains the cornerstone of Mexican philosophy (229). The book reflects on the abstractions of culture and the interferences from the outside world (Carlos Alberto and Eli Sanchez 27). For instance, American philosophy is more centered and owned compared to Mexican philosophy, which is shaped by external political and economic interferences. I appreciate the centricity of American society and values, and it translates into the confidence to belong in America and share in the “American Dream.”
The world is run by political ideologies, and the United States has mastered the art of exporting politics to the rest of the world. Therefore, as an adamant student of American life, I learned to attune to the reality of politics. I observe political debates and argument sentiments and thrash any opinions I find damaging and retrogressive to the people. In her book, Anzaldúa shares her identity as a borderland citizen trapped in crisis and rejection. She notes that; “Those who make it past the checking points of the Border Patrol find themselves in the midst of 150 years of racism in Chicano barrios in the Southwest and in big northern cities. Living in a no-man’s-borderland, caught between being treated as criminals and being able to eat, between resistance and deportation, the illegal refugees are some of the poorest and the most exploited of any people in the U.S.” The statement reflects on the impact of retrogressive politics. The American people never seem to agree on policy, with a strong divide over immigration, war, social inclusion, racism, education, technology, and other major and crucial topics. The impact of the divide is highly retrogressive and destructive policies that hurt innocent people. With every passing sad and disappointing news event, I am pulled into the political reality, understanding that actively advocating for better systems is the only solution. Therefore, the bad and good shaped by politics in America are owned by the citizens who love to engage in unending political rhetoric and wars. However, the effect of such a politically explosive environment is pushing people to the “borderlands,” where they lack a definite identity and are forced to exist in a constant state of crisis. I acknowledge the many communities that lie on the “borderland” from African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, American Muslims, and other cultural, national, and religious societies forced into exile in their own homes and societies. However, the feats of progress cannot be overlooked as America has come a long way in navigating the abstractions of culture and identity and in ratifying social and political participation as fundamentals of social inclusion.
The general American philosophy is evident, and it ranges from values about relations, food, pets, homes, work, and other unimportant aspects. I was raised in a typical American society, and my first social interactions were evidently American. Therefore, my general philosophy suffers a strong undertone of the typical American worldview. For instance, I love certain food options that would seem disgusting to other cultures and traditions. I love American football, vacations, and pets and engage in inconsequential debates over trifles— it is the consequence of American freedom. Two of the values I have mastered are openness and integrity. It is an American value responsible for both conflict and social unity and inclusion. I openly share my mind, seek clarification, refute ideas, and offer objectives with courage. I talk to strangers and make new friends during events and occasions. It is the American way to build a family on openness and communication. It helps to foster strong bonds and a sense of place in the early stages of child development. Ideally, a child feels more connected and anchored in a family or society when there is proper and open communication. Other cultures, including Asians, are often shocked by the closeness and openness of American families and their parenting styles. Unlike most Asian cultures, where children fear parents, American parenting promotes inclusion, openness, and autonomy.
Conclusively, being born and raised in the United States shaped my values, worldviews, and philosophy. I have examined other cultures in an attempt to understand them and promote inclusion. Such efforts helped in the discovery of the tapestry of culture in America and the world and the abstractions and differences therein. Even the American status as an inclusive nation does not provide adequate space for cultural and religious pluralism, hence more debate and conversation. There is a need to learn about other cultures and their experiences and seek new ways of promoting social inclusion and eliminating the abstractions and “borderlands” marked with rejection, pain, and despair. Immigrants seeking a way to integrate into American society are victims of a popularised American idealism and often struggle to understand and experience the “American Dream.” A reflection on personal values and their impact on others is a safer and more crucial place to start the conversation.
Works Cited
Anzaldúa, Gloria. Borderlands/La Frontera. na, 2004.
Sánchez, Carlos Alberto, and Robert Eli Sanchez Jr, eds. Mexican philosophy in the 20th century: Essential readings. Oxford University Press, 2017.
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