American Realism

American Realism
It comes as no surprise that American culture has experienced dramatic change in many aspects of life over the past centuries, all ranging from social acceptance of certain topics to religious practices. Despite these economic, political and social adjustments, most Americans do still hold certain values true and place great importance and acceptance to such ideals. This includes the theory of hard work, work ethic and faith in such experiences. Drawing similarity to older American customs, these customs still presume of high standard in today’s society. In Benjamin Franklin’s work, The Autobiography, he establishes a clear faith in the value of hard work and reason and the positive experiences that abound as a direct result, just as Americans still hold true even in today’s changing society; Americans show such faith through their work ethic and cognitive thinking in various settings.
In today’s ever-changing society, Americans still draw comparison to the old tactics of early settlers in that they maintain positive work reinforces that allow them to be productive and stable members of society. Using full-time employees as an example, it is clear to see the connection between the settlers’ of Franklins’ time to the Americans of today’s’ culture. Such employees put constant faith in the hopes that their studious work habits will result in positive and desired outcomes. These citizens work with increasing amounts of determination, passion and commitment, obviously showcasing their faith in such positive outcomes as direct results of their hard work and continuity. Americans have not lost their faith in such tactics as hard work and reasoning, they just simply need some positive guidance and reinforcements. In his work, Franklin develops “thirteen names of virtues all that at the time occur’d to me as necessary or desirable”, of which, he elaborates on the importance and evident reality of hard work and realism in societal norms (526). Through the constant work ethic, commitment and passion that radiates from many work environments in today’s’ society, it is evident that Americans still hold faith in all of their practices, or else they would not be completing them with such skill and fervor.
While Americans still hold realistic viewpoints and goals and do not envision ‘false’ fantasies concerning outcomes for situations, they do still place strong emphasis on their work habits producing desired outcomes in life. The citizens of Franklin’s time claimed that critical thinking skills along with realistic tendencies to cohesively state that through reason and hard work, all problems can be solved. This statement still provides basis for the reasoning of today’s society; Americans realistically realize, more so in today’s’ culture, that not every problem can be solved by a simple ‘switch’, but through various commitments and determination, a simple solution can be reached effectively. Americans consistently use their reasoning and logic skills to come to the cohesive understanding that hard work results in positive outcomes for all those involved, just as Franklin held true to belief. After his bright realization on this topic, Franklin states, “I soon found the advantage of this change in my manners. The conversations I engaged in went on more pleasantly” (533). While remaining realistic and optimistic, Americans place great emphasis on the value of their hard work and the faith that they display in regards to such an issue.
Through logical conclusion, continued faith and societal examples, it is clear that the American’s of today’s’ society draw much similarity with Franklin in regards to solutions that may arise. Whether it is in the workplace, at home, or in the church, Americans evidently still hold faith in work ethic as of high importance. Each day, Americans constantly work diligently in various settings with continued faith that their hard work and reasoning skills will eventually ‘pay off’ and they will be rewarded greatly. Citizens of the twenty-first century are not un-realistic, they are quite aware of the difficulties and unpredictability of today’s’ culture, yet, they still believe in various older methods, such as hard work and the benefits that such commitment has on individuals. If this faith was absent in today’s’ society, it would be quite evident because citizens would lie around their homes all day, lazily waiting for a ‘miracle’ instead of possessing the faith and high hopes that they do in regards to their individual contribution to society.





Works Cited
Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Bayum. 7th ed. Vol. B. New York: Norton, 2007. 472-586.