Reflections

__Are Americans Truly Afraid Of Change??__ Americans tend to lean toward conservatism in order to maintain the status quo. This conservatism, according to de Tocqueville, is the result of equality between Americans and the desire to keep things the way they are. In democracies, de Tocqueville argues, men “feel no natural inclination for revolutions, but they are afraid of them” (de Tocqueville, 636). This fear of revolution among Americans insinuates to me that while we continue to promote constant change and progress, we in truth are afraid to make the necessary steps to achieve new goals and according to de Tocqueville, the source of this issue is the fear of inequality among Americans. While I believe that Americans and America are constantly striving for change, it is under these circumstances where I see a major flaw in our character.

__ What Is The True American Hero? __ Americans believed that the American hero was someone who was not only wealthy, but who also had a sense of entitlement that let everyone know that they were in charge. This sense of entitlement would lead to the greed and selfishness that many Americans are known for even today. However, now, the American hero is much different. The American hero today is someone who throughout their life constantly works toward a goal and earns their success. Also, the American hero today is someone who acts not just on behalf of themselves but for the greater good of their community.

__The Importance of Community:__ When the American people are in a time of desperate need, we do our best to look out for one another and lend a helping hand. This sets us apart form other countries because what we pride as Americans is our sense of community. Community plays an important role in everyday life because everyone is affected. In other words, if someone in our community is suffering, we must take it upon ourselves to help out the person in need. John Steinbeck explains that the significance of community is that “Having stepped forward, he may slip back, but only half a step, never the full step back” (Steinbeck, 150). In taking on this responsibility, we are ensuring that we continue to make progress.

__American’s Resiliency:__ As I continue to believe that resiliency runs deep in the veins of the American people, I also see a sense of unity that suddenly erupts throughout the nation. Even more, I realize that resiliency is a direct result of unity and the events that took place on 9/11 helped make the American people stronger. The events for many of the American people forces them to reevaluate the things in their lives that they have lost and that they regret losing. With the death of thousands of innocent men and women, we begin to value the things in our lives that we once took for granted. When we are able to reconnect with the things in our lives that once meant the most to us, we seem to forget about the issues that are surrounding us. This is what ultimately helps us become stronger in the worst of times and this is where I feel like the American character is able to overcome serious adversity that is thrown their way.