The national character of America is difficult to define as it is changing with the times. Americans tend to be independently-minded people, ever protective of their civil rights and freedoms. Because of massive immigration into the United States, the population is made up of people of such diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities, that to define an American character is almost impossible. Though all these people come to America in search of freedom, and a chance at the good life, many stay embedded in their own cultures and traditions once they arrive here, rather than blending in with the rest of the population. Some of this is because of language difficulties, some of it is due to racial prejudices, but it keeps a lot of them apart from the average American and so distorts the definition of the American character.
The American character is based on freedom: freedom of speech, freedom to pursue their own interests, freedom from persecution, freedom of religion, freedom of movement within the country, freedom to associate with whomever they please, and all that these freedoms entail (Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler and Tipton 3-51). Immigrants have often fled repression of various sorts in their native lands, and seek to escape from oppressive governments. The American character embraces volunteerism and getting involved, which is a driving force still, even though many community events and institutions are disappearing (Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler and Tipton 167; Putnam 277-284)).
The American character embraces standing up for oneÆs rights and the rights of others. It is a character based on the principles of democracy.
Social capital has been declining in the United States over the past 30 to 30 years for a number of reasons. Lifestyles have changed tremendously in that time (Putnam 27-284). Urban sprawl has produced commuting problems, and lengthened the work day for many people who spend se...