The+Puritan+Survival+in+America+Reflection

In 1600s America, religion was much more a part of life and government than it is today. The Puritans shunned those who weren’t the same as them and everything was supported by religion. Religion isn’t currently as much of a factor in our lives, but I believe that the affects it does have on America as a whole are more negative than positive. I have seen more recently an America where religion plays a large role in governmental decisions, despite separation of Church and State. Specifically, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender rights come to mind. Proposition 8 was upheld by the California Supreme Court just a few days ago. I am utterly amazed that enough Americans could vote to deny citizens their rights. Denying the LGBT community their rights is a repeat of our history, which shows me that in America we don't always learn from our past. We are unaware that Puritan values are haunting us and taking control of our souls. I demonstrate the more blatant use of religion to discriminate with a picture of an anti-gay protest and a fox news clip of an interview with a Baptist anti-gay activist. And although the religious factor may not be as involved today, other characteristics of the Puritans still show through in our American character, including selfishness, fear, and hypocrisy. Quotes from //On the Road// and //The Great Gatsby// show some of the selfish American characters I have read about this year. Americans also fear their reputation and standing will be threatened, and are constantly trying to hide their faults. T.H. Matteson’s painting of Arthur Dimmesdale with his hand over his heart represents this fear. Finally, because of this selfishness and fear, we accuse others of wrong doings in order to hide our own. This happens every day in America: putting down others to get ahead.