Integration comes in both positive and negative forms, and each relies on a shared set of values. Either we build towards them or we fight to defend them, but in both cases that set of values should be explored, shared and defined. So with that very short introduction, the focus of this piece:
What are the things that Unite the USA?
We're in potentially the most divided period of our nations history since the Civil War, and IMO we are even more divided than then. See, back during the CW most people still believed in the same values on most issues except for race and slavery. People were however divided on which entity was better at building or defending those values. Now, however, I'm not sure we are united in what things we value, or at least we are not defining our values well enough to make a good choice.
The DNC ran a convention on highlighting not policy but values that underscore those policies. The RNC ran a convention on highlighting values they felt were under threat (though most of the focus was on the threat, not the values). But neither was particularly able to separate the political choice from the value, and I think the value is worth exploring.
To that end, I suggest the following set of values that define US unity:
- Bravery
- Righteousness
- Independence
- Resourcefulness
- Curiosity
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Bravery:
The people of the USA admire the brave, the impulsive, people who jump into the fray. Some confuse it with strength, but we've not always been the top nation in terms of strength, and yet the bravery of our people has led us to victory against much more powerful foes. It has also allowed us to take grand steps in innovation and exploration, such as social and technical changes and the space programs, for example. The people of the USA value bravery in the face of adversity, and pride themselves in always taking on a challenge, even when it is not strictly necessary to do so.
Righteousness:
The people of the USA define themselves by being Good. Many conflicts are defined as us fighting for the freedoms and rights of other people, thus that righteousness is not just focused on the self. There is a sense that to do right is very valuable not just as a person but as a nation. Americans pride themselves in an identity as the "good guys."
Independence:
The people of the USA value their independence. Typically one solution does not help all people, so the choice to opt in or not is pretty valued by individual Americans. The opportunity to do something different and choose not to be joined to an existing entity is as valued as our search for entities we do choose to join. Ironically, the value of independence to Americans is one of the prime unifying values.
Resourcefulness:
The people of the USA value resourcefulness, the ability to make much out of little. Whether in pop culture or in legend, the idea that someone can take their bare bones existence and turn it into a flourishing successful business or organization is a staple of American culture. Often we measure our success not only by what we achieved but where we started from, and value the latter more.
Curiosity:
The people of the USA are curious, and skeptical. It's not enough to see something work somewhere else or be told an idea exists; Americans tend to need to explore it themselves. This often leads to new innovations and perspectives, and when we're at our best, Americans value and pursue their curiosities to the best of their abilities.
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My hope by highlighting these values is that we can stop the petty and circular arguments of what policies work better than others theoretically, and turn it more to which policy is more likely to support the things we as United Americans value most.
Please discuss your agreement or disagreement with my list, add some of your own, and how we can build up those values in the coming times.
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