Wednesday, July 21, 2010
21st Century American/The American Dream
What does it mean to be a 21st century American in the United States today? I would have to answer this question by first stating that we are definately in an electronically needy time. Although I believe the increase in technology is great in many ways such as: speedier business transactions and educational answers, instant knowledge about a subject, communication posssibilities, and chances to make money faster, I also believe that if we rely to much on technology, when and if something bad happens, like a terrrorist attack or a disabling of electricity that our country could be thrown into a state of panic and be vulnerable as a result. We must not forget where we came from! That is, be able to be functional without technology, as Americans before us did. There is also a major problem in our country with childhood obesity. Youth of today are playing more video games and also losing touch with the hands-on because they are behind a computer more often than my generation and those before me. I believe that this directly effects self-centeredness and isolation. By not communicating face to face these individuals don't get a realistic approach to love, feelings, a problem, or an important decision that must be made. Another concern is the amount of pornography and the myriad of unrealistic messages that are being witnessed over the internet and cell-phones about sexuality. This is definately affecting the morality of our country and sexual fixations are replacing real life one-on-one physical contact that gives meaning and substance to a relationship. If you're lonely you're lonely. How can you fall in love communicating without any personal time together ? We are still hard working, are still able to reach "The American Dream", the rich keep getting richer, and still have a chance to connect again, if we work at it. We are Americans. We can accomplish anything we set our mind's to. I would also clearly state that we as Americans our more intelligent in the 21st century but not the wiser.
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You make some very good points. Some of our thoughts are almost identical. I think that electronics are fantastic and have many benefits. However, I think we have become too dependent on it. At work the other day, our computers went out because of a storm. We were still taking orders, but some employees were unable to make change without the computer telling them how to do it. Have we really forgotten how to do simple mathematics?! I think we are beginning to get to the point where if there is not a computer or calculator, we are not able to do the math. When I was in elementary school (not too long), we were being taught how to use a calculator instead of doing math flash cards. While this is great, what do we do when the computers stop working?
ReplyDeleteI think we need to cut back on the use of video games. While they are fun, and I play them, there have to be limits that are set. I mean there becomes a time when enough becomes enough. I always played outside when I was younger. I think our children need to be outside more these days. It is healthy to be outside in the sunlight being active.
I agree as well that America is too dependent on technology. I will admit though I can do math without a calculator I feel a lot better with it there. =) Technology has been a great thing for our country and has created an amazing market, which has made our country lots of money, which is something we need. Yes more money is good but is it worth the intelligence of the American people being decreased. I like what you mentioned about what happens if technology is not available, because if it wasn’t I feel that a large amount of people wouldn’t be able to survive because though technology has given us more information, we don’t actually know the information. So without it could today’s Americans write a paper, communicate, or even relax with out some form of technology…doubtful. As for video games…. Yes they are not good in ample amounts especially during the nicer weather months but for indoor play during the winter I feel a game system such as wii is something totally acceptable. =) (I have Wii Parties)
ReplyDeleteWhile I think that we shouldn't forget where we came from before we had access to all of this technology, we must also prepare for the future which, if the course our country is on continues, is definitely going to be centered around technology. Technology is not a bad thing, it connects us to information and people in ways that we could never have imagined before. I think that the best approach to technology that we can take now is to teach moderation, sure you can sit at the computer for an hour, but you should try to spend some time outside with your friends as well.
ReplyDelete"I would also clearly state that we as Americans our more intelligent in the 21st century but not the wiser." I think this statement was such a great way to sum up your blog post, and I completely agree with it! The technological advances that have been made in the last 100 years are astounding and our society is armed with more intelligence than ever, but our lack of ability to function normally without technology is now our ultimate downfall. Because we are capable of doing everything quicker and easier these days, we are less likely to truly understand or think about tasks at hand and learn from them.
ReplyDeleteI can see your point in that American is becoming to relient on technolgy. you make good points about how we are losing who we use to be. But i think this is also a part of the natural progresion of things. years ago we had no elictricty at all but we have become reliant on that. centeral heat and air have become a part of our lives. many advancimest have brought great changes to our country and many others have brought down our standards. good or bad technalogical advances are something that we all have to live with. i do however agree that with all of the advances we are losing many of the important parts of life. as we sit at our computers or text msg we lose a valuable part of our comunictions with others. to talk to someone in person or on the phone you can get so much more out of a conversation.
ReplyDeleteThe American dream is always changing. In 50 years it might be completely different then it is now. We sometimes adjust our dreams to fit what we are giving or what we have access to. We all have a purpose in life, whatever it may be. You want to keep growing and improving yourself to accomplish your dream. It does not come easy to most. Someone may be more talented then you in a certain area but if you have a good work ethic anything is uptainable.
ReplyDeleteI think the most valid point we brought up in class was on the pursuit of happiness. I believe it was Pat who said that the American Dream is very much embedded in the "pursuit" much more than actually being able to finally grab the dream. It is more of a series of goals. Once you reach one, you set another one, and so on. There is no way to reach the dream, just like you are always in pursuit of happiness. A dream is something from another world, you are unconscious when you have them. You are in another world where anything is possible, calling the American Dream a dream is the perfect way to describe it. It is a never ending pursuit.
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