Questioning America’s Core Values on Independence Day
On the Fourth of July, as we come together for parades, fireworks, barbecues, and quality time with family and friends, it is also a moment to reflect on the significance of independence from government overreach and tyranny. However, amidst the festivities, it seems that some pay no attention to these deeper aspects, while others view them through the lens of entitlement. This raises an important question: has America transformed into a collection of caricatures, with opposing factions no longer agreeing on the nation’s core values?
As an individual who is not an American national but whose mother migrated to this country when I was young, I have witnessed the aspirations of numerous immigrants who uprooted their lives for the United States. They saw it as a land of abundant opportunities, firmly believing that this society held an objectively superior quality compared to their former homes. While many perceive a cloud of consumerism, materialism, and the pursuit of wealth, there are those who see beyond these surface observations and recognize a society that once cherished the intrinsic value of each individual, respected human rights, and upheld freedom of thought. This essay will delve into this very topic.
The Essence of Society and Government: Thomas Paine’s Insights
Thomas Paine eloquently captures the essence of society and government in the opening paragraph of his political pamphlet, “Common Sense.” Published in 1776, this influential work played a significant role in shaping public opinion and inspiring the American Revolution. Paine asserts that society arises from our wants and desires, while government arises from our inclination to engage in wrongdoing or act wickedly. One implication of his statement is that a government truly “for the people and by the people” necessitates individual members who are capable of self-governance, electing representatives who share their concerns.
One of the consequences of rejecting objective truths is the fragmentation of shared values. Without a common understanding of what is right and wrong, individuals and groups may adopt conflicting moral frameworks, leading to divisions, polarization, and the breakdown of social cohesion. Disagreements that were once addressed through reasoned debate and respect for objective principles can devolve into bitter conflicts driven by personal biases and self-interest. Lest we forget the hundred of thousands who died because many rejected the objective truth that people of color were worthy of dignity and respect.
The Impact of Rejecting Objective Truths on Society and Conclusion
Moreover, the rejection of objective truths can result in the prioritization of individual desires and preferences over the collective well-being. Society becomes fixated on the pursuit of immediate gratification and personal gain, disregarding the long-term consequences and impact on others. This self-centered mindset erodes the sense of community and solidarity that binds individuals together, weakening the bonds of trust and cooperation. Hollywood and popular culture out large shamelessly and often distastefully expose the putrid of the human condition without context. We laugh at horror, romanticize promiscuity, theft, and murder, but are surprised to find cheaters, liars, mass-murderers in our society.
Additionally, without objective truths as a moral foundation, society becomes vulnerable to manipulation and the dominance of powerful interests. In the absence of a shared standard by which to evaluate actions and decisions, individuals and institutions can exploit the moral vacuum for personal or group advantage. This lack of objective truths opens the door for the influence of propaganda, misinformation, and the distortion of facts, leading to a loss of trust in institutions and the erosion of democratic values.
In conclusion, the rejection of objective truths can have far-reaching consequences for a society’s identity and well-being. It fragments shared values, prioritizes individual desires over the collective good, and exposes society to manipulation and the dominance of powerful interests. As we celebrate Independence Day, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of objective truths in preserving a cohesive and just society. And, in the spirit of self-reflection, we must question whether we have substituted self-expression for genuine introspection as the highest virtue in our quest for a better society.