Define Values In America

Values are the concrete systems that societies use to determine right from wrong. Typically, people learn what their values are based on what they observe within their home and around their outside environment. Values are principles of what is considered standard in terms of behavior. Values also help people define what is important in life and what things are worth pursuing.

In the text, Essentials of Sociology: a down to earth approach, Henslin defines values as, “The standards by which people define what is desirable or undesirable, good or bad, beautiful or ugly” (Ch. 2). Values exist in every part of the world, IN the U.S for example, it can be argued that diversity is a prime value for Americans. In the article, “p----” author, explains that

More than 20 percent of the population of two major cities, Los Angeles and New York, were born in another country” (____). This shows that America has diversity that other countries do not have. I many parts all over the U.S these differences in color, race, religion and sexual orientation is celebrated and encouraged. Portland is a phenomenal example of this value, existence value. IN this city you can find a church next to a mosque, where it is impossible to find this in other some countries. For example, In Saudi Arabia there are roads that do not allow non-muslims to drive on those roads. This sheds light on a very important aspect of values. Some people may see these signs and automatically assume that Saudi Arabia does not welcome or accept non-muslims, when in reality the purpose of those lanes is to give priority to those who are traveling to the holy city of Mecca. Values can vary