what values are changing in the united states........

Changing U .S . Values

The major U .S . core values are as follows : the first value is that of individualism and freedom . Individuals want the freedom to set their own goals and to carry them out , regardless of society 's norms . They also want equality , in that they can compete openly . The next value is achievement , being able to better one 's circumstances . Individuals value efficiency and practicality in to reduce waste (wasted effort wasted time , wasted resources . Americans want things that are new and progressive , which is why the next core

value is progress and technology . This value tends to lead to material comfort and consumerism . Finally , the last important core value is that of work and leisure . While the two are opposites , they represent the ways Americans spend their time - any time not spent working is considered leisure time , thus emphasizing the phrase , Work hard , play hard

The core values are shared by some Americans , but not necessarily by all . Individualism is changing in that the groups who normally did not value individuality (Asian communities and the Amish , for example ) are finding more and more that their members want to be original and unlike the rest of their peers . For example , I have a Korean friend who married a white man without the approval of her family . Her mother is horrified and refuses to speak to her . While her newly-married daughter grew up with her mother 's values , she insisted on expressing her individuality

Efficiency and practicality are values shared by a much smaller group than ever before . Individuals who need to watch their budgets might be concerned with being efficient and practical , but those in a better financial position are more likely to crave excesses . This is evidenced by rising credit card debt and soaring housing prices across the United States . Many individuals are more concerned with having items than they are with how they are going to pay for them . In that sense , practicality has given way to materialism

A newer U .S . value is one we 'll call Preservation of Theology . We live in a country whose basis was the freedom of religion . However , it wasn 't intended that some Americans would not only abandon religion , but try to annihilate it out of the public eye altogether . The concept of a god has taken a hit , as some individuals feel that religion doesn 't belong in the Pledge of Allegiance nor should it have a place on our currency . This has resulted in a backlash where religious individuals are expressing their views publicly in to demonstrate that though we have freedom of religion , Americans are expected to practice some type of religion , regardless of what form it takes

Another more recent U .S . value is environmentalism . We are just starting to realize how important our natural resources are to our own future and to that of those who follow us . This has led to a demand for green ' products , such as materials that...