The Virtue of America - Essay Example

A single word tends to be powerful in American history. This is a virtue that is derived from the Latin word virtus meaning man thus virtue in ancient Roman is manliness. This term crept to the Protestants in America, had been improved, and had become the basis of the formation of their character. Virtue to Americans is self-awareness and concern for others. Their self-awareness was influenced by the virtue of Ben Franklin whose ideas of temperance, silence, order, and frugality among others of his virtues were practiced by the Americans as they believe it helps in Resolution and leads to personal prosperity as it makes a person better. Pappas (1) in his article supported this claim where he mentioned that Americans tend to be calm, sensible, and comforting. Such virtues were emulated in them in the midst of disasters. Just like any country, America had many difficulties too but what made them great and able to stand is their composure and sensible actions. Although they have diverse religions, Americans had lived up to the virtues that are Godly guided since doing so is believed to contribute to the true essence of happiness leading to a better life (Slack, 454). 

             On the other hand, concern for others is also evident in charity works maintained by Jane Addams in her time and had been adopted by significant figures in the political arena where they find ways to make themselves mutually supportive. The act of giving is also expressed among ordinary citizens as part of their family or personal life. Charity services were also extended outside the country making America known for its support worldwide. Along this line, virtue to them likewise connotes power.  For this reason, most elected politicians had included in their programs the goal to make the life of people better in times of economic insecurity.  Politicians who do not support economic and social flourishing are generally lost in elections as they are not popular without such an agenda in their program.  

            Not only virtue is a concern for self-awareness, self-development, and duty for others to Americans, but it also means respect for human rights. Human rights in America have expanded where freedom is acquired and secured for them to live a life suited for the changing times. However, rights are useless if they are trampled upon by others, denied by the powerful few, and misused by individuals. With this, they seek to know themselves better and not just accept themselves as what they are or what society thinks of them. For virtue to be put to use, Americans have to exercise their own judgment from within and not be dictated by the rules from the books. They do not believe that the handed rules to live one’s life could make them live a good life but rather consider rights as an intermediary to allow them to live their life well.  To sum up, America is a nation that respects the individual and believes in liberty rather than being dictated to (Gary, 527).   

            Added to what was mentioned, virtue is tolerance and appreciation for diverse lifestyles. Thus, they are open to accepting individuals from any country to enter their territory as immigrants as long as they meet the qualifications stipulated in their requirements. Unlike other countries, Americans are tolerant of any religion an immigrant may bring in and so with their culture. As such, they are open-minded to give value to varied contributions in these aspects from other people to guide them in their lives and in an effort to reform society. In this aspect, Americans give high regard to perseverance even in the face of adversity.

            To ensure that American citizens and their leaders possessed virtue, they reject dishonest people. This is reflected in the action of the government in terminating the services of government officials and sanctioning those who misuse their power to accept bribes in exchange for approving or tolerating illicit activities. Such action shows their rejection of corruption as they consider government officials to have the substantial virtue to exercise self- restraints from illegal transactions in discharging their duties. Not only important figures in the government are punished with dishonest dispositions but are also applied to the ordinary citizen of the country. It is hoped instead that citizens and leaders alike should hold on to honest virtues. The deliverance of charity should not be for the sake of recognition, popularity, or for recompense but should do so because of willingness to help those who are needy. People who practice virtue from a religious motive and who work for the happiness of fellowmen but do not have the heart for it are cheating themselves. While Christianity teaches that men should love their neighbors and others above themselves, it should also teach men to benefit others for God’s love.           

            An equally important consideration in the pursuit of virtue is for the Americans to control their own gratification of worldly things beyond their means since this would be the beginning of corrupt practices. A man by nature is known never to be satisfied thus it is the duty of the individual to renounce those thousand gratifications and only needs are entertained. Practicing frugality is assumed to foster economic stability. People with excess or who are rich should put their wealth into a more noble cause if the nation has to flourish.