The founding fathers had a good idea in mind when they decided what their view of what America would be, unfortunately, it was strictly that, their view. As time passed, others found that the myths that were created as the nation emerged, did not include them. By establishing myths such as the Chosen Nation, Nature 's Nation, and Christian Nation, among others, America’s founders contradicted what the journey to America was all about: freedom. Maybe their view is what establishing a nation under these myths was all about. There was no intention of expanding their vision to anyone else. These myths that formed as the nation formed did not leave room for individuality and the notion that others would vere from the narrow and limited vision
…show more content…
As the nation grew, so did its industry and with it came tremendous wealth for a few, especially after the Civil War. Again the myths played an important part in the viewpoint of those who believe that there were people who were called to be rewarded for “national righteousness” (Hughes 128). Men who were taking advantage of the industrialization of the Northern states felt that this was their reward from the Creator for fighting against slavery. Those in the south that were devastated by the war were suffering in poverty due to their foundation in slavery. Poverty was a sin and punishment for wrongdoings versus obtaining wealth being equated to honesty. In addition, immigrants coming into the country after the Civil War, who were impoverished were used by the so called “chosen” or superior white men by forcing them to work long hours for little pay. The ideology of wealth equaling virtue was prevalent in quite a few sermons during this time. As Hughes stated, “All these passages reflect the same fundamental assumption: the righteousness of a single individual will win God’s favor...while laziness, drunkenness, and immorality...will earn God’s curse in the form of poverty.”(Hughes 130). Wealth and power also brought on a dominance ideal of the individual and what the wealthy were entitled to do for the community. Andrew Carnegie expressed this in his essay in the North American Review, “the millionaire will be but a trustee for the poor...but administering it for the community far better than it could or would have done for itself…”(qtd in Hughes 131). Carnegie felt that is was the wealthiest person’s destiny to make decisions for the lesser
As the nation grew, so did its industry and with it came tremendous wealth for a few, especially after the Civil War. Again the myths played an important part in the viewpoint of those who believe that there were people who were called to be rewarded for “national righteousness” (Hughes 128). Men who were taking advantage of the industrialization of the Northern states felt that this was their reward from the Creator for fighting against slavery. Those in the south that were devastated by the war were suffering in poverty due to their foundation in slavery. Poverty was a sin and punishment for wrongdoings versus obtaining wealth being equated to honesty. In addition, immigrants coming into the country after the Civil War, who were impoverished were used by the so called “chosen” or superior white men by forcing them to work long hours for little pay. The ideology of wealth equaling virtue was prevalent in quite a few sermons during this time. As Hughes stated, “All these passages reflect the same fundamental assumption: the righteousness of a single individual will win God’s favor...while laziness, drunkenness, and immorality...will earn God’s curse in the form of poverty.”(Hughes 130). Wealth and power also brought on a dominance ideal of the individual and what the wealthy were entitled to do for the community. Andrew Carnegie expressed this in his essay in the North American Review, “the millionaire will be but a trustee for the poor...but administering it for the community far better than it could or would have done for itself…”(qtd in Hughes 131). Carnegie felt that is was the wealthiest person’s destiny to make decisions for the lesser