Topic 1 : The American family

1.

Family structure

The structure of the American family has undergone enormous changes since the 1950s. Traditionally, the American family has been a nuclear family, consisting of husband, wife, and their children, living in a house or apartment. Grandparents rarely live in the same home with their married sons and daughters, and uncles and aunts almost never do. In the 1950s, 70 percent of American households were classic American family a husband, wife, and two children. The father was the breadwinner (the one who earned the money to support the family), the mother was the homemaker (the one who took care of the children and did not work outside the home), and they had two children under the age of 18. If you say the word family to Americans, this is probably the picture that comes to their minds. Yet, in reality, in 1990s, only 8 percent of American households consist of a working father, a stay-at-home mother, and two children under 18. An additional 18 percent of households consist of two parents who are both working and one or more children under the age of 18 living at home. That means that a total of only 26 percent of households in the United States consist of two parents and their children. The remaining households consist of the following: 30 percent are married couples and others living together. And, perhaps most startling, in 25 percent of the households, there is someone living alone. . Early in the 20th century, idealized pictures of a typical U.S. family that portrayed a successful husband and a dutiful wife raising the children were very popular. The true U.S. family structure requires a broader description than this picture portrays. Regardless of structure, families are the primary social structure of society designed to equip children to become productive adults.

1.1.

Large Family

Large families of the early 20th century included the father and mother and five or more children. High mortality rates at the time caused parents to feel the need to produce several children to make up for those lost due to sickness and disease. Families living on farms needed many helpers to plant and bring in the crops before modern mechanization reduced the need for manual labor. Large families require sufficient income to ensure that every member has enough to eat and has sufficient housing. 1.2. Two Children

Changing demographics and economic reality have driven down the size of the U.S. family structure. Working moms do not have the time to balance a career and still take care of five or more children. The advent of safe and acceptable birth control methods have allowed parents to gain control of family planning and can now determine how large the family should be. Popular media portray the ideal family as having two parents, with one boy and one girl. 1.3. Single Parent

U.S. family structure always has been diverse, but changing attitudes towards divorce has increased the number of singlefamily homes across the country. The single parent may be a mother, a father or maybe a grandparent. Single parent families face the economic challenge of only one adult providing income, and the limitation of only one parent supporting the emotional and developmental needs of the children. Children in a single-parent home have the same needs as children living in any other family structure. 1.4. Extended Family Extended or multi-generational families perform many important functions in society. Extended families contain two or more adults from different generations and may include aunts and uncles who are not married. Adult members of the family may contribute to paying the bills or may be involved in helping to care for the children. According to an article by

the University of Missouri Extension, "These families have increased by 40 percent." Adult family members benefit significantly from the shared housing expenses. 1.5. Joint Custody

With joint custody, parents living apart have reached an agreement to share custody of their children. The children live with each parent alternately depending on the arrangement decreed by the family court. Both parents may share equally in the care and support of the children, or one parent may provide the majority of financial support for the children. Major decisions about a child's education or health care are made by both parents together, but smaller decisions are made by the parent where the child is currently living. 1.6. Blended Family

Blended families are formed when a divorced parent remarries and the new spouse also has children from a previous marriage. The development of good relationships between the children that have been brought together begins with the two adults being able to develop a healthy relationship. All of the relationships of a blended family will be different than the children had with their biological parents. The keys to a successful blended family are effective communication and the willingness of each member to compromise.

2. The Emphasis on Individual Freedom. American culture places a high value on individualism. They uphold the freedom of each individual. This is an important factor affects the freedom of American families. American views the family as a group whose primary purpose is to advance the happiness of individual member. The result is that the need of each individual takes priority in the life of the family. In contrast to that of many other cultures, the primary responsibility of the American family member is not to advance the family as a group, either socially or economically, nor is it to bring honor to family name. This is partly because the United States is not an aristocratic society. The family members are not bound to each other much even in marriage. Traditionally, American young people are expected to find a husband or wife on their own and their parents do not usually help them. In fact, most parents have little control, and not much influence over who their children marry. Most Americans believe that young people should fall in love and then decide to marry someone that they can live happily with. Marriage itself is determined largely by how happy the husband and wife make each other. Happiness is based primarily on companionship. They also can divorce easily with no matter what it called a barrier. Even they do not have the barriers of their children. Their children also have no shame when parents divorce. Especially love affair, marriage is very freedom of the member even have covenant marriage, gay marriage and living matter without interference. Family name and honor are less important than in aristocratic societies, since equality of opportunity regardless of birth is considered a basis American value. Moreover, there is less emphasis on the family as economic unit because the American family is rarely self-supporting. Relatively, few families remain self-supporting family farms or business for more than one generation. A famers son, for example, is very likely to go on to college, leave their family farm, and take an entirely different job in different location. Americans give their young people a lot of freedom because they want to teach their children to be independent and selfreliant. American children have been expected to leave the nest at age of 18 after they graduate from high school. They are

expected to go on to college or get a job to support themselves. By their mid-twenties, if children are still living with their parents, some people will suspect that something is wrong. The American desire for freedom from outside control clearly extends to the family. Americans do not like to have controls placed on them by other family members. They want to make independent decisions and not to be told what to do by grandparents or uncles or aunts. For example, both American men and women expect to decide what job is best for them as individuals. Indeed, young Americans are encouraged by their families to make such independent career decisions. What would be best for the family is not considered to be important as what would be best for the individual. 3. Marriage and divorce Marriages are not "arranged" in the United States . Young people are expected to find a husband or wife on their own ; their parents do not usually help them . This means that parents have little control ,and generally not much influence ,over whom their children marry . American believe that young people should in love and then decide to marry someone they can live happily with ,again evidence of the importance of an individual's happiness . Of course .in reality ,this does not happen , but it remains the ideal .and it shapes the views of courtship and marriage among young American . Over the years, the value placed on marriage itself is determined largely by how happy the husband and wife make each other. Happiness is based primarily on companionship. The majority of American women value companionship as the most important part of marriage . Other values ,such as having economic support and the opportunity to have children . If the couple is not happy ,the individuals may choose to get a divorce . A divorce is relatively easy to obtain in most parts of the United States. Most states have ' no -fault' divorce . To obtain a no-fault divorce ,a couple states that they can no longer live happily together ,that they have 'irreconcilable differences' ,and that it is neither partner's fault . The divorce rate rose rapidly in the United States after the 1950s ,but it had leveled off by the 1990s . Divorce in American ?Why In American Society, people want only what is good for themselves, even if it's not the best for someone else. Society has changed from the importance of family to the importance of me. Statistics on marriage and divorce show that Americans have gotten lazier and more self-absorbed. This may explain why the U.S. has the highest divorce rate and the highest rate of solo parenting in the Western world. People have the attitude, "If the marriage doesn't work, I can get a divorce," because it's easier to fill out paperwork than to put in the time and effort to make the marriage work. While there are many different reasons for divorce, a few are common: poor communication, financial issues, lack of commitment, infidelity and a change in priorities. With the exception of financial issues, the reasons point to the selfish attitude of one or more people in the relationship. Communication is only a problem when someone doesn't want to listen. Commitment to the marriage requires work and compromise, words that are not found in the lazy, egotistical American dictionary. Sneaking out on a spouse to be fulfilled by someone else is not only dishonest, but selfish. People that cheat are looking for a quick fix to make themselves happier all while disregarding the feelings of their partner. Changing priorities is also a quick fix. People who give up on marriage feel that it can't be changed for the better, so they concentrate on changing something else in their lives, like concentrating on work or a new hobby. Having something else to concentrate their energy on creates temporary happiness and a way to escape the troubles at home. According to The State of Our Unions, 2005, marriages have declined 50% from 1970, because more people are choosing cohabitation, or living together without a legal commitment, over marriage. Marriage is being replaced by cohabitation because it requires less of a commitment. Cohabitating couples have twice the breakup rate of married couples because

there is less reason to work on the relationship. With cohabitation people don't have to worry about the legal repercussions of divorce and leaving is as easy as packing. Studies have proved that cohabitating before marriage increases the chances of divorce up to 85%, so even if live-in couples eventually marry, it is likely that they will divorce. Parents don't take the needs of their children into consideration over their own needs as often as they should. 40% of cohabitating couples bring children into the relationship, creating less stability for the children and teaching them that relationships don't require commitment. Children from divorce are more likely to develop social problems and their grades are 20% lower than students living with both parents. The U.S. has the lowest number of children who grow up with both biological parents among Western nations, 63%. Society should value family over the individual. The American attitude needs to be changed because commitment and responsibility are becoming second to personal needs. If people thought of "us" more then "me," there would be more happy marriages. People need to accept that relationships take time and work, not only for themselves, but for the wellbeing of their children.

4. Role of the child The United States came to be associated in their minds with the concept of individual freedom. This is probably the most basic of all the American values. The American emphasis on the individual, rather than the group, affects children in a contradictory way. On the one hand, it may cause them to get more attention and even have more power than they should. On the other hand, because most children have mothers who are working outside the home, they may not get enough attention from their parent. Worse yet, parents who feel guilty for not having enough time with their children may give them more material things to compensate for the lack of attention. Studies show that both parents are now spending less time with their children, due to work habits and busy lifestyle. In general, American families tend to place more emphasis on the needs and desires of the child and less on the childs social and family responsibilities. Most of they want their children to have nice things. They want them to enjoy life, have toys to play with, engage in fun and fulfilling activities, and be happy. While this is a noble goal, it is important to consider that there is the possibility that they are giving their children too much. When they receive too much, there is the possibility that they miss out on valuable life lessons. Children need parents who love them. But parents can do more harm than good by expressing their love with gifts. Children shouldn't confuse gifts with love. The joy of giving gifts to children has two positive aspects: children feel good by receiving gifts and parents feel good by knowing they have made their child happy. It sounds simple and harmless, but there is an unfortunate caveat in the process. The unexpected, rarely understood danger of giving gifts to children or anyone is that givers are reinforced to give by the good feeling they receive from seeing others pleased by their actions. This is a normal and very human response, but it also helps explain why so many people over-gift. One might give more to feel even better, and a problem ensues. Most people have seen a two- or three-year-old at a birthday party or Christmas with more presents than could be practically used. Some wise parents will put a few gifts away and bring them out over later weeks and months to prolong the surprise. If children grow up being immersed in gifts there are implications for emotional development. Specifically, children can develop expectations that the world operates by material rewards. There are other gifts that can be given by parents that are free and of greater importance than things. Children must learn that they have value as people that their true worth comes from how they can contribute to their communities and how the time they devote to friendships are important.

Parents give children gifts by giving their own time to children through guidance and conversation. A healthy parent-child relationship does not become healthy because parents shower children with gifts. Neither do parents help the relationship by trying to impress the child and the neighbors with gifts that are unreasonably expensive or too adult-oriented. Parents should not feel that they need to convince others of how much they love their children. There is no greater complement to a parent than to have children who represent the family well away from home with good manners and appropriate behavior. They dont have to be wearing expensive jeans to accomplish that. A valuable lesson that can serve a child early is that clothes and belongings should not define the worthiness of a person. Children do not need to feel that they are better than other children and therefore they receive better stuff. It encourages children to be boastful and malign the belongings of others. Of course it continues to en hance a childs sense of materialism. It is good for parents to assess their giving and ask where it is leading. If dad spends two hundred dollars on an iPod for his six-yearold son, where will dad go from there? One can understand a six-year-old wanting the iPod, but it is more important that the child learns lessons in managing disappointment, as disappointment will be a real part of everyones life eventually and for life. For examples. Teenagers are famous for seeking independence from their parents, but research shows that many teens continue to spend time with their parents and that this shared time is important for teens' well-being, according to Penn State researchers."The stereotype that teenagers spend all their time holed up in their rooms or hanging out with friends is, indeed, just a stereotype," said Susan McHale, professor of human development and director of the Social Science Research Institute at Penn State. "Our research shows that, well into the adolescent years, teens continue to spend time with their parents and that this shared time, especially shared time with fathers, has important implications for adolescents' psychological and social adjustment." The researchers studied whether the stereotype of teens growing apart from their parents and spending less time with them captured the everyday experiences of families by examining changes in the amount of time youths spent with their parents from early to late adolescence. On five occasions over seven years, the team conducted home and phone interviews with mothers, fathers and the two oldest children in almost 200 white, middle- and working-class families living in small cities, towns and rural communities. At the start of the study, the oldest children in each family were about 11 and the second oldest were about 8 years old. During the home interviews, teens reported on their social skills with peers and their self-esteem. After each home visit, the researchers also conducted a series of seven nightly phone interviews, asking teens about their activities during the day of the call, including who participated in the activities with them. According to youths' reports of their daily time, although parent-teen time when others were also present declined from the early to late teen years, parent-teen time with just the parent and the teen present increased in early and middle adolescence -- a finding that contradicts the stereotype of teens growing apart from their parents. "This suggests that, while adolescents become more independent, they continue to have one-on-one opportunities to maintain close relationships with their parents," McHale said. Furthermore, teens who spent more time with their fathers with others present had better social skills with peers, and teens who spent more time alone with their fathers had higher self-esteem. The researchers also found that the decline in the time teens spent with parents and others was less pronounced for second-born than for first-born siblings. Thee also found that both mothers and fathers spent more time alone with a child of their same gender when they had both a daughter and a son.

In the years since World War II, so much stress has been placed on the psychological needs of children that the number of experts in this field has increased enormously. Child psychologists, counselors, and the social workers are employed to help children with problems at school or in the family. Many books on how to raise children have become best sellers. Sometimes these book offer conflicting advice, but almost all of them share the American emphasis on the development on the individual as their primary goal. Some Americans believe that the emphasis on the psychological needs of the individual child have been carried too far by parents and experts alike. Dr. Benjamin Spock, the most famous of the childrearing experts, finally concluded that what is making the parents job most difficult is todays child -centrered viewpoint Many conscientious parents , said Spock, tend to keep their eyes exclusively focused on their child, thinking about what he needs from them and from the community, instead of thinking about what the world, the neighborhood, the family will be needing from the child and then making sure that he will grow up to meet such obligations Although America ns may not agree on how bets to nurture and discipline their children, they still hold the basic belief that the major purpose of the family is the development and welfare of each of its members as individuals.

5. Equality in family The American family has been both criticized and lauded; it has not really been studied as a culture making institution. When the concept of culture is applied to the analysis of the character and function of the family, it appears that in American family life today there is a decrease in the practices which create consensus and a moral order and an increase in individual freedom and disorganization. Both ideals of freedom and consensus need realization. As an organization of parents and off-spring meeting the universal necessity to rear the young, the family seems simple, basic and easy comprehensible. Yet we know that family relationships vary widely from one culture group to another with varying effects upon the resulting personalities. Nor are the functions of the family universally the same. The American family parents and children appears on the surface as a simple conjugal type with no important or formal connections with remoter kin, no rituals of ancestor worship and no intricate economic ties. It a small compact group of 2 generations, bound together by ties of affection and functioning to care for the young until they reach years of maturity and can repeat for themselves the process of family rearing. Individualism lies at the very core of American culture. To study the the history of American family life, we have to keep in mind two things. One is that the United States is a capitalist society in nature, where individualism is extremely emphasized, the other is that, family, as a basic unit of human reproduction and social institutions, always keeps changing as society changes. Americans greatly cherish such values as individual freedom and self-reliance, equality of opportunity and competition, wealth and hard work. These values were formed in different periods in the U.S. history and help people better understand some aspects of American character and how they affect the present American family life. A long with the American emphasis on individual freedom, the belief in equality has had a strong effect on the family. In relationship between the father and children, the father is accepted as ruler and master; the childrens relation with him ar e very formal, and love for him is always combined with fear. In the United States, the democratic idea of equality destroys much of the fathers status as ruler of the family and lessens the emotional distance between father and children. There is less formal respect for, and fear of, the father. But there is more affection expressed toward him. There is much more social equality between parents and children than in most aristocratic societies or societies ruled by centuries of tradition.

This can be witnessed in arguments between parents and their children, and in the considerable independence granted to teenagers. In fact, some Americans are worried about that there is too much democracy in their home. On the other hand, Americans give their young people a lot of freedom because they want to teach their children to be independent and self-reliant. American children are expected to leave the nest at about age 18, after they graduate from high school. At the same time, they are expected to go on to college or to get a job and support themselves. By their mid20s, if children are still living with their parents, people will suspect that something wrong. Children are reliant adults. To the American family, young people should be be independent and self-reliant as soon as possible.

6. Four stages of Marriage Relationships. The idea of equality also affects the relationships between husbands and wives. Women have witnessed steady progress toward equal status for themselves in the family and in society at large. According to Letha and John Scanzoni , two American sociologists, the institution of marriage in the United States has experienced four stages of development. In each new stage, wives have increased the degree of equality with their husbands and have gained more power within the family. Stage 1: Wife as servant to Husband. During the nineteenth century ,American wives were expected to be completely obedient to their husbands. As late as 1850, wife beating was legal in almost all the power in family matters other than that which her husband allowed her .Her possessions and any of her earnings belonged to her husband. The husband acquired rights to his wife's person, the value of her paid and unpaid labor, and most property she brought into the marriage. A wife was obliged to obey and serve her husband, and the husband was subject to a reciprocal duty to support his wife and represent her within the legal system. According to the doctrine of marital unity,16 a wife's legal identity "merged" into her husband's, so that she was unable to file suit without his participation .During the nineteenth century, women were not allowed to vote, a restriction that in part reflected womens status as servant to the family. Stage 2: Husband-Head ,Wife-Helper. During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, opportunities for women to work outside the household increased. More wives were now able to support themselves. If necessary, and therefore were less likely to accept the traditional idea that wives were servants who must be their husbands. Even though the great majority of wives chose not to work outside the home, the fact that they might do so increased their power in the marriage. The husband could no longer make family decision alone and demand that the wife follow them .The wife was freer to disagree with her husband and to insist that her views be taken into account in family decision. Even though the wifes power increased ,the husband remained the head of the family. The wife became his full time helper by taking care of his house and raising his children .She might strongly argue with him and sometimes convince him, but his decision on family matters was usually final. This increase in quality of women in marriages reflected increased status for women in the society at large and led to womens gaining the right to vote in the early twentieth century. The husband-head, wife-helper marriage is still found in the United States. Economic conditions in the twentieth century ,however ,have carried most marriages into different stages.

Stage 3: Husband-senior Partner ,Wife-junior Partner. During the twentieth century, more and more wives have taken jobs outside the home. In the 1940 ,for example, only 14 percent of married women in the United States held jobs outside the home .In the 1990s ,more than 60% do. When married women take this step ,according to Scanzoni, their power relative to that of their husbands increases still further .The wifes income becomes important in maintaining the familys standard of living. Her power to affect the outcome of family decisions greater than when her duties were entirely in the home. Although she has become a partner ,however ,the wife is still not an equal partner with her husband, since his job or career still provides more of the family enterprise. Even though she has a job ,it has a lower priority than her husbands. If for example, the husband is asked to move to advance his career ,she will give up her job and seek another in a new location. type ,since the majority of women have jobs outside the home .The main reason seems to be that it has become increasingly difficult for families to maintain their standard of living on just one income .It is also due to the desire of American women for greater economic opportunities. As a result women gained more authority over their children and a larger role in running the household. While the father had once exercised control over the way children were raised, once he was absent from the household for most of the day, women began making the important child-rearing decisions, meting out punishments and controlling their offsprings daily lives. At the same time, however, the woman became divorced from the outside world, in part because of the widespread belief that, as the moral center of the family, she needed to be protected from its temptations and evils. Gradually, nineteenth-century women were relegated to life in a small domestic circle. Women carried on their daily activities in their homes and neighborhoods and did not often venture into business or politics. Nevertheless, after about 1820 there was a steadily growing trend toward considering womens and mens roles as roughly equal, though separate and distinct. The changes in a womans role were the result not only of shifting work patterns, but also of lower fertility rates, new attitudes toward children, the greater availability of consumer goods, and high mobility, which eroded community ties. This shift had just begun in the middle of the nineteenth century and did not become entrenched until the end of the century. Yet most American familieswhether rich or poor, free or slave, nativeborn or immigrantattempted to approach the new domestic ideal in some fashion. Stage 4: Husband Wife equal partners. Since the late 1960s ,a growing number of women have expressed a strong dissatisfaction with any marriage arrangement where the husband and his career are the primary considerations in the marriage. By the end of the 1970s ,for example, considerably less than half of the women in the United States still believed that they should put their husbands and children ahead of their own careers .In the 1990s ,most American women believe that they should be equal partners in their marriages and that their husbands should have equal responsibility for child care and household chores. In an equal partnership marriage, the wife pursues a full time job or career that has equal importance to her husbands. The long standing division of labor between husband and wife comes to an end. The husband is no longer the main provider family income ,and the wife no longer has the main responsibilities for household duties and raising children .Husband and wife share all their duties equally. Power over family decisions is also shared equally. The rapid change in womens attitude toward marriage in the 1970s reflected ra pid change in the larger society. The Womens Liberation movement appeared in the late 1960s, demanding an end to all forms of sexual discrimination against females. An Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution was proposed which would make any form of discrimination on the basis of sex illegal, and though is has failed to be ratified, it continues to have millions of supporters.

The reality of life in the United States is that although most American women now have an equal say in the decisions affecting the family ,they generally earn less than men for the same work .Also ,most women are still spending more time taking care of the children ,cooking and cleaning house than the husbands are. Many women are resentful because they feel like they have two full-time jobs- the one at work and the one at home .In the 1980s ,women were told they could have it all-fast tract career ,husband ,children and a clean house. Now some women are finding that lifestyle if exhausting and unrewarding. Some young women are now choosing to stay at home until their children start school ,but many others who would like to cannot afford to do so. Juggling two careers and family responsibilities can be as difficult for men as it is for women ,especially if there is truly an equal division of duties. American fathers are often seen dropping the kids off at the baby sitters or taking a sick child to the doctor .Some businesses are recognizing the need to accommodate families where both parents work. They may open a day care center in the office building ,offer fathers paternity leave to stay home with their new babies ,or have flexible working hours .Unfortunately ,these benefits are still the exception. While young couples strive to achieve equality in their careers ,their marriages, and their parenting ,society at large still lacks many of the structures that are needed to support them. 7. The role of the family in society The American ideal of equality has affected not only marriage but all forms of relationships between men and women. American gains a number of benefits by placing so much importance on achieving individual freedom and equality within the context of the family. The needs and desires of each member are given a great deal of attention and importance. However, a price is paid for these benefits. American families are less stable and lasting than those of most cultures. The high rate of divorce in American families is perhaps the most important indicator of this instability. The American attitude toward the family contains many contradictions. For examples, Americans will tolerate a good deal of instability in their families, including divorce, in order to protect such values as freedom and equality. On the other hand, they are strongly attached to the idea of the family as the best of all lifestyles. In fact, the great majorities of persons who get divorce find a new partner and remarry. Studies show consistently that more than 90 percent of Americans believe that family life is an important value. What is family life? We have seen that only 26 percent of the households are a typical American family a father, mother, and children. Many of them are really step families, or blended families. Since most divorced people remarry, the parents may each have children from a previous marriage; often result in very complicated and often stressful relationships. A child may have four sets of grandparents instead of two, for example. Blending families is not easy, and sadly, many second marriages fail. In addition to traditional families and blended families, there are a number of single parents, both mothers and fathers (more mothers), raising their children alone. Many of the single mothers are divorced, but some have never married. Indeed, by the mid-1990s, a startling one-third of all new babies were born to single mothers. Sometimes single parents and their children live with the grandparents for economic and emotional support. There are all sorts of arrangements. In recent years, some gay and lesbian couples have created family units, sometimes adopting children; some have sought to have single-sex marriages recognized by law. The definition of family has become much broader in the 1 990s. the majorities of American would now define it as people who live together and love each other.

Sociologists and psychologists tell us that the family is the best place for children to learn moral values and a sense of responsibility. Beginning in the early 1990s, experts began to voice concern over what was happening to many children in America. Today, the state of the America family is frequently discussed, not only by experts but by the press, elected officials, and the general public. The majority of Americans believe that the institution of th e family and family values are both in deep trouble, and they are asking the schools to provide more moral education than in the past. But if you ask Americans how their own families are, most will tell you they are generally happy with their family life. 8. American Family Values 8.1. Family Tradition In family, parents often teach their children the Principles and Values of Free Individuals in a Free Society. Although at times we may fail, we work tirelessly to be men and women of Integrity, Pro-activity, Self-discipline, Humility and Empathy. We believe in the Principle of Human Freedom to ensure we sustain our Free Society. We believe in the Principle of Universal Harmony so we sustain our Families by living in "synch" with the earth and our universe. Therefore, What Messages Do Parent Send Our Children? As our children grow within our Families they formulate their Principles, Values and expectations of life. There are certain Natural Principles that have been built into our Founding Documents. What about life should we teach our children? What makes them good people and what makes them good citizens? What are the American Family Values we teach our children? From analyzing the above parts on family in American, there are 11points that a majority of Americans agree as family values. Particularly, six of them as clearly traditional: respecting ones parents, being responsible for ones actions, having faith in God, respecting authority, married to the same person for life, leaving the world in better shape. The other five are blend of traditional and newer, more expressive values: Giving emotional support to other members of the family, respecting people for themselves, developing greater skill in communicating ones feelings, respecting ones children, living up to ones potential as an individual. 8.2. Principles and Values Now here is a good question: "What is the difference between a Principle and a Value?" This has many answers depending upon who you ask. From the World Book Dictionary, a Value is an established ideal of life, objects, customs, ways of acting, and the like, that the members of a given society regard as desirable. Again, from the World Book Dictionary, a Principle is a fundamental belief, a rule of action or conduct, a truth that is a foundation for other truths; fundamental, primary, or general truth1. In simple terms, Values are the building blocks of Principles, while Principles show how Values are related to each other. Examples of Values might be: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. An example of a Principle might be: Human Beings have an inherent right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The line is thin here, and not all would agree with these definitions. What are the Values held true by a Free Individual in a Free Society? What Values equip a person to function well in a Free Society? A person who lives the Values that permit them to thrive in a Free Society would be called a good person. Fundamentally, Human Beings expect to be treated fairly. To be fair we must be honest, forthright and sincere with others. This is called integrity. It means we keep our word; "you can take it to the bank". "Our word is our bond." This why our Credit Rating is important, it is an "objective" measure of how well we keep our promises in modern society. Remember The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Human Beings are able to choose; unlike animals and plants who merely react to external stimulus. When we choose we are accepting the consequences of our choices. We must have self-discipline to choose wisely and grow responsibly. As Free Individuals we must accept responsibility for the consequences of our choices if we are to remain free to choose. Going about life each day requires us to know where we are and know where we are headed. We are each "Captain of our own ship". Freedom of choice enables us to exercise pro-activity, to go after our goals and visions. We must each take responsibility for our lives and control our own destiny. A Free Society provides the best opportunity to make our dreams come true. Communication between Free Individuals requires us to give each other a chance. Giving each other a chance requires one Free Individual to understand and have Empathy for another where we "put ourselves in the other's shoes". There is an old Native American saying: "Do not judge another until you have walked 20 miles in their moccasins". Interaction with other Human Beings requires us to understand the relationship of one Free Individual to another. As we exercise Humility we demonstrate this knowledge. We understand the worth of each Free Individual, including ourselves, in our Free Society. Coexistence with Free Individuals requires that we respect each other and treat each other with dignity until a Free Individual proves through their actions and words that they are unworthy. 9. Comparison with Viet Nam 9.1. Family structure Generally speaking, Vietnamese family structure is more complex than that of the American family, which is essentially nuclear in nature and which excludes relatives and in-laws. Vietnamese family roles are more numerous and more fined than in America Vietnamese people distinguish between the immediate family and the extended family. The Vietnamese immediate family includes not only the husband, wife, and their unmarried children, but also the husband's parents and the sons' wives and children. The extended family consists of the immediate family and close relatives who share the same family name and ancestors and who live in the same community. The complexity of the Vietnamese concept of family is reflected in the rather complex terminology designating relationship. Each member of the extended family has a particular designation according to his/her relative position and his/her role in the family structure. People are often referred to by the relationship term rather than by given name In the past, the number of the member in a Vietnamese family is very big. One couple can have 5 to 10 children, even some family in rural can have more than 10. As with members of the immediate family, members of the extended family are bound together by a strong sense of collective responsibility and mutual obligation. The notion of blood relationship is always present in the mind of the Vietnamese. In honor or in disgrace, members of the extended family will share the same fate as if they were members of the immediate family. They are expected to give one another moral and material assistance, especially in time of stress. The notion of family ties is imprinted in the mind of the Vietnamese because of the importance of filial piety. Respect and love are demanded of young people to members of the parental generation and above. Uncles and aunts must be treated with respect as if they were one's own parents. In addition to the consciousness of blood relationships and the linguistic ties that reinforce generation relationships and age seniority, members of the Vietnamese extended family are closely bound by the common veneration of the dead. Ancestor worship is a hyphen between the dead and the living and a strong tie between members sharing the same ancestry. Through such rites as the cleaning of the ancestral tombs and celebration of ancestral

death anniversaries, which all members of the extended family are expected to attend, the ties which bind the Vietnamese to other members of his family are reinforced. 9.2. Marriage and Divorce In the past, most marriages were arranged by the parents or extended family, and while children were sometimes consulted, it was nearly always the parents' final decision. Children had no choice for their life; they must follow their parents decision. It was not unusual for the brides and grooms to meet for the first time at the day of their engagement. However, in the last few decades, Vietnamese women and men marry based on love rather than arranged marriages After marriage, woman became housewife and mother. She was expected to be depended upon her husband, took care of children and even grandchildren as well as performed all household tasks. A wife can be unhappy in her marriage, nevertheless, rather than accepts divorce; the family encouraged her to sacrifice and to endure the difficulties of the marriage for the sake of her children. In Vietnam, divorce is legal, however, the extended family will effects on the couples decision before divorce to keep their familys fame and prevent the children from being hurt 9.3. Equality in family The father or eldest son is the family spokesperson, the father is the head of the family. Wives who are not wage earners demonstrate more subordinate patterns of decision making. Women tend to continue the attitude that husbands have the legitimate right to make final decisions and usually will withdraw from spousal conflict to maintain harmony in the family. Men are decision makers and support the family. Their job is to carry out heavy-duty chores and to be strong in times of crisis. Women prepare all meals, whether or not they are employed outside the home. Women do most of the household chores unless children are old enough to help. Women in the family are responsible for caring for an ill patient. Women act as primary providers at the bedside, regardless of the patient's sex. They are expected to pamper the patient with a daily bath and meals. When women get jobs more easily than men, however, traditional roles and family relationships are strained. In a patriarchal society, Vietnamese woman had limited rights and took a secondary place in family. Women were brought up according to a strict discipline and have been traditionally less educated than men. Woman in the past were taught that they have to obey three men in their life. Firstly their father, secondly their husband and finally their oldest son. Boys and girls are not free to do what they want. Yet, girls are under strict supervision. Obedience and respect were the traditional virtues which Vietnamese children were taught to exhibit in their family. Discipline and physical punishment were acceptable remedies for disobedience. At an early age, children are taught by their parents to behave according to the principle of filial piety (Hiu tho). Filial piety consists of loving, respecting, and obeying one's parents. They are expected to obey and honor parents and respect elders, and they are taught to be honest, quiet, and polite. 9.4. The role of the family in society The family is the basic institution in society; it maintains society and protects the individual. The family is the basic social unit of Vietnamese society. Throughout its history the family has formed the corner stone of Vietnamese culture and society. The family is the first school of a child in which the child learns everything in both behavior and linguistic response. People now aware the importance of a happy family and maintain it in a long time 9.5. The family values

Loyalty to the family

The family is the center of the Vietnamese common man's preoccupation and the backbone of Vietnamese society. By virtue of the principle of collective and mutual responsibility, each individual strives to be the pride of his family. Misconduct of an individual is blamed not only on himself, but also on his parents, siblings, relatives, and ancestors. Likewise, any success or fame achieved by an individual brings honor and pride to all members of his family. The Vietnamese child is taught from early childhood to readily forget himself for the sake of his family's welfare and harmony. Central to the concept of family is the obligation of filial piety which is considered the most essential of all virtues in Vietnamese society. The child is expected to be grateful to his parents for the debt of birth, rearing and education. He is taught to think of his parents and ancestors first, even at his own expense, to make sacrifices for his parents' sake, to love and care for them in their old age. The Vietnamese man who lacks filial piety is looked down upon and ostracized not only by his own family but also by the community. Respect for other people.

The Vietnamese common man is expected to show respect to people who are senior to him in age, status, or position. At home, he should show respect to his parents, older siblings, and older relatives. This is expressed by obedience in words and action. Respect is part of the concept of filial piety. Outside the family, respect should be paid to elderly people, teachers, clergymen, supervisors and employers, and people in high positions. Learned and virtuous people enjoy special respect and admiration. But respect is not a one-way behavior. The Vietnamese common man also expects other people to show respect to him, by virtue of his age, status, or position. Special respect is gained by leading a virtuous life, by accomplishing certain heroic deeds or by achieving a high degree of intellectuality. Respect is expressed by specific behaviors and linguistic devices inherent in the Vietnamese language. It is one of the essential factors in the value system of the Vietnamese people 9.6. Changes in Vietnamese family The adoption of Doi Moi has lead to Vietnamese society being bombarded with new influences. This includes; industrialization, westernization, modernization, individualism and capitalism. All of these factors have had a profound impact on the nature of the Vietnamese family. Marriage The changes during this period have lead to a number of modifications of the traditional structure and nature of marriage. Marriage is still regarded as an important institution in Vietnamese society, despite the influences of westernization and western ideas few couples in Vietnam cohabitant before marriage. Young people in Vietnam now have the right to decide on their marriage partner but this is seldom followed through without parental consent. This is especially so as the parents bear the burden of the wedding expenses. In many cases the introduction capitalism has lead to a rise in the standard of living and the elaborate nature of Vietnamese wedding ceremonies. The changes in the ideas of marriage have not lead to a significant increase in cohabitation, but there has been a considerable rise in the amount of newly web couples who chose to live separately from the family. 77.3% of newly wedding preferred to live along while 89. 1% of single women would prefer to stay that way rather than live with in-laws. Structure of the family

The western style nuclear family is becoming more and more common in Vietnam. After marriage, the couples tend to separate from their parent to build their own nuclear family. A survey conducted in Ha Noi in 1995 showed that nuclear families accounted for 66% percent of all family types while the traditional three generation household accounted for 33%. Changing gender roles Almost all of the Vietnamese people now changed their perception in term of gender equality. In family, the wife can pursue a full time job or career that has equal importance to her husbands. The husband is no longer the main provider of family income and the wife no longer has the main responsibilities for household duties and raising children. Husband and wife share all these duties together. Power over family decisions is also shared equally. The reality of life in Vietnam is that although most Vietnamese woman now has equal say in the decisions affecting the family, they are still spending more time taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning house than their husband are

Topic 2 : The traditional American values and beliefs.

I.

Overview of American cultures, traditional values and beliefs.

The culture of the United States is a Western culture. Aside from the Native Americans who were living on the North American continent when the first European settlers arrived, all Americans came from foreign countries, or their ancestors did. From the 1600s to the birth of the new nation in 1776, most immigrants were from northern Europe, and majority were from England. It was these people who shaped the values and traditional that became the dominant culture of the United States. Historically, the US has been viewed as the land of opportunity, attracting immigrants form all over the world. The opportunities they believed they would find in America and the the experiences they actually had when they arrived nurtured this set of values. Three represent traditional reasons why immigrants have been drawn to America: the chance for idividual freedom, equality of opportunity, and material wealth. In order to achieve these benefits, however, there were prices to be paid: Self- reliance, competition and hard work. In time, these prices themselves became a part of the traditional value system. The six basic values always were reflected in all aspects of Americans life.

1.

Performances of Freedom and self-reliance in real life of native American. 1.1. Privacy

Above all values, Americans prize freedom and self-reliance the right to control all aspects of their lives, including the personal and the economy. A core American value privacy is closely linked to freedom and self-reliance. Privacy is a foundational individual good that respects personal dignity and protects patients from embarrassment and discrimination. Privacy is also important to Americans. They place high value on privacy. U.S. Americans like their privacy and enjoy spending time alone. Privacy is showed in many aspects of real life in America.

The most important thing to understand about American privacy is their devotion to individualism. From an early age, children are trained to be independent and responsible for their own futures. They are trained to make their own decisions in life and to have their own opinions. They are not trained to see themselves as members of a close-knit, tightly interdependent family, religious group or tribe. Privacy often begins at an early age, with children sleeping in separate rooms from their parents and they even give each child a separate bedroom (if parents can afford it). A person beyond the age of twenty or so on, still living his or her parents is looked as immature or abnormal. They assume such people are weak not having the opportunity to do their own thing. Americans assume that people have private thoughts they never share with anyone. Confidentiality abound for doctors, lawyers, psychiatrists, and others to prevent personal situations becoming known. Three questions that you should not ask Americans are: How old are you? How much money do you make?; and How much do you weigh?. Generally, Americans will only ask these questions of close friends and in private, and even then, they might be considered too forward. Although Americans are welcoming people, you should not try to be too friendly or personal with them too soon. Americans value their privacy a lot. Dont just shoe you at someones house without first calling and making an appointment. Even if someone says come over at many time, dont take it literally. Casual unannounced visits are less common than in some other cultures. In the U.S., it is inappropriate to visit even close friends without calling ahead. If a person wants you to visit their home, they will call you first and specify the date and time. In American culture, in order to succeed and find out what you are meant to do in life, you must be strong and independent. U.S. They are encouraged to not depend (too much) on others including their friends, teachers and parents. Likewise in these cultures, accomplishments or successes are considered an honor to ones family or team. In America, however, accomplishments or successes are likely attributed to hard work, perseverance, and innate abilities of the individual. Americans consider the ideal person to be individualistic, self-reliant, and independent. They avoid becoming dependent on others. Americans will often speak openly about things they dislike. Americans are not taught, as in some other countries, to mask their emotional responses. If they are tired or unhappy, you will hear it in their voice, or see it in their face. However, they will try to do so in a respectful manner. If Americans do not speak openly about what is on their minds, they will often convey their reactions in nonverbal ways, like facial expressions, body position, and gestures. In summary, closely associated with the value placed on freedom and self-reliance is the importance assigned to privacy. Americans assume that people need some time to themselves or some time alone to reflect. They may have difficulty in understanding students from cultures where individuals are less comfortable being alone and always prefer the company of others. 1.2. Family Americans view the family as a group whose primary purpose is to advance the happiness of invidual members. The result is that the needs of each individual take priority in the life of the family. In contrast to many other cultures, the primary responsibility of the American family member is not to advance the family as a group, either socially or economically. Neither is it to bring honor to the family name.

Americans do not like to have controls placed on them by other family members. For example, both men and women expect to decide what job is the best for them as individuals. Indeed, young Americans are encouraged to make such independent career decisions. What would be best for the family is not usually considered to be as important as what would be best for the individual. On the other hand, many Americans give their young people a lot of freedom because they want to teach their children to be independent and self-reliant. American children have been expected to leave the nest at age of 18 after they graduate from high school. They are expected to go on to college or get a job to support themselves. By their mid-twenties, if children are still living with their parents, some people will suspect that something is wrong. Developing self-reliance - the ability to care for ourselves and our families - is the responsibility of every members. They become selfreliant as they learn to love work, as they seek inspiration to find the best ways to provide for ourselves, and as they work with family members to meet basic needs. When they are self-reliant, they use our blessings and resources to prepare for and avoid problems. Self-reliance, however, is enhanced as they pray for the courage to meet with faith the challenges that will surely come. Self-reliance also enables them to keep our covenant to care for others. 1.3. Compararison with immigrants and Vietnamese people. Individual freedom and self-reliance are two basic values in American basic value system and they affect much Americans lives. Freedom: All of individuals have the right to control their own destiny without outside interfernce from the

government, a ruling noble class, the church, or any organized authority. Sel-reliance: Americans believe they should take care of themselves and solve their own problems and most of

them believe that they must be self-reliance to keep their individual freedom. In comparison with Immigrants Although individual freedom and self-reliance are basic American values, there still have difference between Native Americans and Immigrants in reality. In the United States, besides Native Americans, there also have Spanish Settlers, French Missionaries, Black slaves and British colonists. Some of them have difficulty in becoming assimilated in American culture, especially, Black Americans. Although these immigrants have made significant gains in the last 30 years, many are still unable to escape from poverty and unemployment, therefore, they are concerned as independent people when the large number of them receive welfare-benefits. In addition, the individual freedom and self-reliance of African-Americans seemed to be very weak because of their enslavement. Although slavery was abolished in 1860s, many of them are also trapped in cycles of poverty, unemployment, violence and despair inner city. In comparison withVietnamese Factors Privacy American Place high value on privacy: Children are trained to be independent and responsible to their own futures: achieve both financial and emotional Vietnamese Also respect privacy but not so strong as American: Children can get support from their parents until they finish their studying and find a job or may be longer.

independence from their parents as early as posible, 18 to 21. Children sleep in separate rooms from their parents when they are very little. Shoul not ask som private questioned : how old are you? How much money do you earn? Family -Primary purpose is to advance the happiness of individual members - Americans want to make independent dicisions and not be told what to do by grandparents, parents - Marriage: Parents have little control, generally, not much influence overwhom their children marry - Divorce: Legal and normal in American society Education -American students are very independent, are encouraged to express their own opinions in class and think for themselves - The development of social and interpersonal skills may be considered as important as the development of intellectual skills. 2.

Children often live with parents in a long time or may be in all life. When was a little child: often sleep in the same room with parents It is normally acceptable to ask private questions: How old are you? How much money do you earn?

-Primary purpose is to advance the happiness of whole family, keep the home peaceful and cosy. - Generally, grandparents, parents have strong influence over childrens dicisions - Parents have significant effect on their childrens marriage - Divorce is also legal, however, it is often concerned as serious problem and not good thing -Vietnamese students often depend much on their teachers, have fewer own opinions in class. - Vietnamese education still emphasis much on knowledge of fixed subjects at school

Equality of opportunity and competition in real life of native American

Each individual should have an equal chance for success. Life is a race for success. Equality of opportunity means a person does not win that because he/she was born in a wealthy family or lose because of race and religion. A person must run the race and compete with each other in order to succeed.If competing unsuccessfully,he/ she will not fit into the mainstream of American life. 2.1. In term of education. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to get a good education from elementary schools through college.The basic system of public schools was established to ensure principle of equality.There are no separate educational systems.Over 60% Americans aged 25 to 39 have taken some colleges courses.There are about 15 million students attending college now.The elitist private universities have yielded a great deal to public pressure for greater equality of opportunity in education.Harvard is a good example. Learning to compete successfully is a part of growing in US. Competition is

encouraged by strong programs of competitive sports provided by public schools. Americans tried various methods to achieve racial balance in the public schools: affirmative acting. Student government is another extract popular activity designed to develop competitve, political, and social skills in students. Equal educational opportunity is the logical and operational proxy for the more general ideal of equal occupational opportunity. 2.2. In term of career In the US, positions and posts that confer superior advantages are open to all applicants. Applications are assessed on their merits, and the applicant deemed most qualified according to appropriate criteria is offered the position. In term of career ladder, American people in different races, religions, genders,... have the same opportunities to get promotion, not white males are bosses, others can only be staffs forever or something like that. Of course equality of opportunity is just an ideal basic value in America. In fact, there can not exist 100% equality of opportunity in general and equality of job opportunity in particular. There remains discrimination at certain level especially in term of sex and race here. Immigrants often experience disadvantages in term of wage, working hours, safety, length of employment, and unemployment compensation. Apart from skills and language ability problems, its a kind of discrimination. The black and yellow are often considered as lower class than the white in the perception of white people. Asian people are welcomed to the US just because of their intelligence and hard work, but mostly scientists and expects for the sake of scientific study and research to contribute to the development of the US science and technology. With equality of opportunities in education and career, American people have to face more severe competition in their own jobs as a consequence. In the US, right after graduating from high schools, students can choose to either join labor market or study higher. Besides, a large amount of immigrants penetrate US each year makes the competition in careers of American people become more and more severe. The 2008 global financial crisis resulted from the United States housing bubble and then 20082012 global recession and European sovereign-debt crisis made the US economy cloudy, resulting in high rate of unemployment and stiffer job competition in the US.

2.3 Comparison with immigrants and Vietnamese people 2.3.1. Comparison with immigrants The idea of "opportunity" is central to the American creed. Americans have traditionally thought of their country as providing opportunity for all-the people to better oneself, to make something of oneself, to get ahead. The individual must take advantage of the opportunity, but the opportunity itself is there. The idea of the "land of opportunity" has been part of America's self-understanding throughout its history. Immigrants came here hoping for a better life than they had in the "old country." By comparison, land and work seemed plentiful in the "New World." Starting with little a family or an individual could build a decent life for themselves. Whether or not people's actual experience in America confinned these expectations of unbounded opportunity, there is no doubt that the idea of opportunity has been a deeply held conception of the promise of American life.

The notion of "opportunity" was important not only for the generation of immigrants but their children as well. For the second generation opportunity came to mean "bettering oneself". Public education, generally un-available in the family's country of origin, was an important factor in allowing the second generation to aspire to a higher position in society than their parents. The notion of opportunity still plays a central role in our self understanding as a society; and it has been joined by a newer con-ception, that of "equality of opportunity" or "equal opportunity." However the real equality of competitition between native American and immigrants is quite different. do people in the society actually gain valued positions and rewards solely on the basis of their abilities. Are the successful ones always those with the greatest ability, independent of background, race, sex, connections, and the like? Is there really equal competitive opportunity, or only some but unequal competitive opportunity? Sometimes the reason is out right racism on the part of those choosing people for positions-the white males doing most of the hiring may just prefer other white males rather than minorities or women. Often the discrimination is more subtle. This sort of racism is now generally acknowledged, and some efforts gathered under the general rubric of "affirmative action" have been made to correct for it, though such efforts have diminished in recent year and the Reagan administration has mounted a strong attack on them. More qualified white males are sometimes turned down in favor of less qualified blacks. This development is, however, weaker, especially in recent years, than the public perception of it, especially among white males. Moreover, this so-called "reverse discrimination" is certainly a much less powerful and widespread. How to overcome discrimination as an immigrant by learning English: legal immigrants have to cope with is that they have not made any effort to learn English and that they expect others to learn their language. It is an overgeneralisation to say this at the least, but it does bring up the all important issue of language. If you are moving to America from a nonEnglish speaking country, then it would be wise to try and familiarise yourself with some common expressions in English. Start off with greetings, days of the week, numbers and try to practice some sentences starting with "who?", "what?", "why?", and "where?" Do some extra research before you emigrate and visit your local library. There you will find audio cassettes and other aids that will help you to learn some useful phrases in English. Then invest in a good, pocket sized phrasebook and dictionary that you can carry with you wherever you may go. 2.3.2. Comparison with Vietnamese Vietnam is a populous country and everyone in the country has the equal opportunity of living, studying and working. Vietnam's education system is opened for children at all social classes. They have the same opportunity to be educated and take part in many social activities. Students have to complete each other to enter university and rely on their own ability. It is not important to care about their position or their social class. When students are in the same class, they will be treated in the same way. The equality of competition in Viet nam is also represented in work. Viet nam is a developing country and it is opend the door to the world. People are recruited in a position according to their ability and efforts. The higher education they get, the more important position they have in the organization. It is not dificult for people to change their social class and be sucessful with their job if they are qualified. However, there is still a problem that offen occurs in state-owned

enterprises. Some incompetent people get a high position thank to their good relationships or relatives. This problem is a burning issue in our society and need to be eliminated to build an aqual country. Besides, The equality in Vietnam society in people's life. It is not important you are poor or rich, you have the same right and responsibility with law. And nowaday, women can take part in many social activities and get a high position job as men. 3. Material wealth and hard work in real life of native American 3.1. Social Status In the United States, material wealth is very important. It became a value to the americans people. We can say that the material wealth has traditionally been considered as a measure of social status in the Unites States. So what is social status? It is ranked from being a lower class to being a higher class. The quality and quantity of an individuals material possessions became an accepted measure of success and social status. People who have much more material possessions will get a higher class in society, they will be lived a fabulous life. Americans have paid a price for their material wealth: hard work. Hard working is rewarded with material wealth. Americans work hard constantly looking for ways to better their lives. A good example how americans contribute social life will set women of those times. Women responsible for taking care of the household, kids they churned butter, tended chicken, sewed garment they would try to keep an ideal household. Some other women in order to boost household income they often took in boarders, helped operate family stores, small shops or mills. These women desire of bringing contribution to social life by working and helping men, shows the true American spirit and desire to work hard, to gained material wealth and to get higher class in social. Especially,the aspiration to material wealth was main reasons why immigrants came to the united states. Many immigrants viewed America as a place where they could end poverty and have a chance to do wonderful things. They wanted to raise their standard of living through hard work even if it that would be possible only for the next generations. Most Americans still believe in the value of hard work butsometimes there is a difference between idealism and reality in Americans life . In fact, not only Americans people but also Immigrants they together work hard to gain material wealth and get a high class in society however there is an unequality of opportunity between the rich and the poor, between Native Americansand Immigrants. For example, in reality some people have a better chance for personal success than others. Those who are born into rich families have more opportunity about education, economic. than others who are born into poorer families.Many women have fewer chances than men. Especially, many Immigrants today have fewer opportunity than those who came bofore them. When were there more high-paying factory jobs and the economy was growing more rapidly. This leads to the poverty in America: society poverty, political poverty, economic poverty.. As long as is one of confict between classes, poverty will continue to exist and add fire to the many other social problems that currently exist. Income inequlity is a good example to illutrate the unequlity of opportunity in this country. America government has to implement policies to reduce income inequality. A priority should be the reduction or emilination of tax breaks that primarily benefit the well- off, which would create space for growth- friendly reductions in marginal tax rates for all taxpayers. Provision affortable child care will similarly improve labour force participation rate and incomess for

women. Improving educational outcomes, particularly for immigrants and social- economically disadvanced population, will have long term impacts on their employment opportunities, income and inquality. 3.2. In business Business to Americans are directly or indirectly owned and operated by private individuals or groups of individuals in order to make a profit. There are also have public, government owned institutions and nonprofit organizations. Business institutions are at the heart of American way of life. One reason for this is that Americans view business as being more firmly based on the ideal of competition than other institutions in society. Business is based on the ideal of competition which is the major source of progress and prosperity. Thus competitive business institutions are respected. Business competition is seen by most Americans as encouraging hard work. If two business people are competing against each other, the one who works harder is likely to win. The one who spends less time and effort is likely to lose. Therefore they must develop the habit of hard work in order to not fail. Business institutions have traditionally received respect in the united states. One aspect of the great American Dream is to rise from poverty or modest wealth to great wealth. This has usually been accomplished through successful business careers. For this dream to be realized, one usually has to pursue successful business career. Most wealthy Americans have achieved their wealth through successful business. They often started with very little. Americans strongly preferred business to farming because it offered the opportunity to get rich more quickly. Business is seen not only as the easiest way for individuals to become rich but also as benefiting the entire nation. Through competition more people gain wealth. To most Americans, careers in business nowadays still offer the best opportunity for the ambitious individual to become wealthy. In this respect, Bill Gates more than embodies the modern-day version of successful businessmen, for he does not simply become wealthy, but gains wealth fast as well faster than anyone else. 3.3 Comparison with immigrants and Vietnamese people American is a third-largest nation in the world with abundance as a gift of nature. There are more than three million square miles of land. When the European settlers first arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries, most of this land was rich, fertile farmland, with plenty of trees and animals. However, it would be a mistake to say that the abundant natural resources of America were the only reason why the United States became a wealthy nation. The beliefs, determination, and hard work attitude were eventually important. Traditionally, the people of the United States have been proud of their nations ability to produce material wealth so that they could maintain a high standard of living. The opportunity to share in the good life has attracted immigrants to the United States for generations. One of the popular dreams of Americans is enriched ambition. The phrase going from rags to riches reflected the aspiration, eagerness for enrichment, keen on building well being life especially they want to change their material life through running their own business. A lot of billionaire mirrors start their career with two white hands, even though they was born in poor family and have a little money but they still overcome the most difficult circumstances to fulfill their dream..

The striking reason why immigrants have traditionally come to the US is to have a burning ambition of better life-that is, to raise their standard of living. For the vast majority of the immigrants, it was probably the most attractive reason for leaving their homeland. As concerned, they take advantage of the USs remarkably abundant natural resources. They consider US as a land of plenty where millions people could come to establish their destiny. Most immigrants did not get rich overnight or many of them suffered terribly but the majority of them were eventually able to improve upon their former standard of living. Even if they were not able to achieve the economic success as expected, they could fairly certain that their children would have the opportunity for a better life. By contrast, Vietnamese people did not take material wealth into the first consideration. They often have a self-satisfied sentiment, think that working for living, eating but not for attaining social status or taking risk to enrichment. In order to gain their material wealth, Americans have paid a righteous price, that is, hard work. Although this new world is renowned as affluent nation with rich natural resources and large land are, all these resources have also been ran out. Only by hard work could these natural resources be converted into material possessions, assets, allowing a more comfortable standard of living. Thanks to these God-given advantages, American regard material possensions as the natural reward for their hard work. Therefore, material wealth is not merely as tangible evidence of peoples work but also their abilities. For immigrants, they always think that, they must take the best advantages of golden chance in the rich nation. They are industrious, diligent, hard working and dont want to miss any opportunities to seek their prosperity. An excellent exemplification to demonstrate for this viewpoint is the ambitiousness of Vietnamese American those who make up about half of all overseas Vietnamese and are the fourth-largest Asian American group. Vietnamese Americans have come to America primarily as refugees, with little or no money. However, they made every attempts to establish their own fortune. For instance, Phuoc Loc Tho, the first Vietnamese-American shopping center in Little Saigon, California. Many Vietnamese Americans have established businesses in Little Saigons and Chinatowns throughout North America. Like many other immigrant groups, the majority of Vietnamese Americans are small business owners. Throughout the United States, many Vietnameseespecially first or second-generation immigrantsopen supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries specializing in bread, cake, beauty salons and barber shops, and auto repair businesses. Restaurants owned by Vietnamese Americans tend to serve ethnic Vietnamese cuisine, Vietnamized Chinese cuisine, or both, popularizing ph and ch gi in the United States. The younger generations of the Vietnamese-American population are well educated and often find themselves providing professional services. As the older generations tend to find difficulty in interacting with the nonVietnamese professional class, there are many Vietnamese-Americans that provide specialized professional services to fellow Vietnamese immigrants. Likewise, another flood of immigrants is the Chinese American community, the largest overseas Chinese community in North America. The Chinese American community comprises the largest ethnic group of Asian Americans, comprising 25.9% of the Asian American population as of 2010. Chinese Americans are noted for their high rates of self-employment. Chinese restaurants account for one third of all the ethnic restaurants in the United States. In 2007, there were over 109,614 Chinese-owned employer firms, employing more than 780,000 workers, and generating more than $128 billion in revenue. Other social indicators as the financial and socioeconomic opportunities offered by the United States have lift many Chinese Americans out of poverty joining the ranks of America's middle class, upper middle class, as well as the

enjoyment of substantial well being. In addition, Chinese Americans tend to be involved in their own business start-ups and founding their own independent companies II. Conclusion : Land of dream.

American Dream America has been a land of dreams. A land where the aspirations of people from countries cluttered with rich, cumbersome, aristocratic, ideological pasts can reach for what once seemed unattainable. Here they have tried to make dreams come true. Yet now... we are threatened by a new and particularly American menace. It is not the menace of class war, of ideology, of poverty, of disease, of illiteracy, or demagoguery, or of tyranny, though these now plague most of the world. It is the menace of unreality. American dream is "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position." The American Dream is a national feature of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The ethos today simply indicates the ability, through participation in the society and economy, for everyone to achieve prosperity. According to the dream, this includes the opportunity for one's children to grow up and receive a good education and career without artificial barriers. It is the opportunity to make individual choices without the prior restrictions that limited people according to their class, caste, religion, race, or ethnicity. American Dream has become the pursuit of material prosperity - that people work more hours to get bigger cars, larger homes, the fruits of prosperity for their families - but have less time to enjoy their prosperity. Others say that the American Dream is beyond the grasp of the working poor who must work two jobs to insure their familys survival. Yet others look toward a new American Dream with less focus on financial gain and more emphasis on living a simple, fulfilling life."to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity .the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him." Topic 3 : Ethnic and Racial Assimilation in the United State a. Ethnic and racial assimilation in the United State

1.

Melting pot or Salad Bowl

American has traditionally been referred to as melting pot or salad bowl, welcoming people from many different countries, races, and religions, all hoping to find freedom, new opportunities, and a better way of life. The United States is described as a melting pot where various racial and ethnic groups have been combined into one culture, as a salad bowl where the various groups have remained somewhat distinct and different from one another, creating a richly diverse country. The truth probably lies somewhere between these two views: Since 1776, an enormous amount of racial and ethnic assimilation has taken place in American, therefore some groups continue to feel a strong sense of separateness from the culture as a whole. Many of these groups are really bicultural. That is, they consider themselves Americans, but they also wish to retain the language and the cultural traditions of their original culture. People of Hispanic origin were on the North American continent before settlers arrived from Europe in the early 1960s. In Florida and the Southwest, there were Spanish and Latin American settlements established centuries before the thirteen colonies joined together to form the United States in the late 1700s . Because of their long history and the continued influx of newcomers into the established communities, many Hispanics, or Latinos, have taken a special pride in maintaining their cultural traditions and the use of the Spanish language. In general, over the years, whites from different national and religious backgrounds have been gradually assimilated into the larger American culture, with some exceptions. 2. The establishment of the dominant culture Most of the early settlers were from England, whom were white. Of the white citizenss, more than 8 out of 10 traced their ancestry back to England. There were also a large number of African Americans, made ud a surprising 20 percent of the population. Only 1 million Native American who paid taxes were included in the census count. It was the white population that had the greater numbers, the money, and the political power and therefore this majority soon defined what the dominant culture would be. Such Americans are sometimes referred to as WASPs ( White Anglo Saxon Protestants ). Their characteristics became the standard for judging other groups. Those having different religion or those speaking a different language were in the minority and would be disadvantaged unless they became assimilated. In the late 1700s, this assimilation occurred without great difficulty. European groups intermarried and mingled with little thought of any difference. The dominant culture was therefore English speaking, Western European, Protestant and middle class in character. It was this dominant culture that established what became the traditional values. Immigrants with these characteristics were welcome, in part because americans believed that these newcomers would probably give strong support to the basic values of the dominant culture. 3. The assimilation of Non-protestant and Non-Western Europeans During the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, immigrants caming from poverty-stricken nations of southern and eastern Europe arrived the US. They spoke languages other than English, and large numbers of them were Catholics or

Jews. American at that time were very fearful of this new flood of immigrants. Because there were so many new immigrants that they might change the basic values of the nation in undesirable ways. American tried to meet what they saw as a threat to their values by offering English instruction for the new immigrants and citizenship classes to teach them basic American beliefs. The immigrants, however, often felt that their American teachers disapproved of the tradition of their homeland. Moreover, learning about American values gave them little help in meeting their most important needs such as employment, food, and a place to live. Far more helpful to the new immigrants were the political bosses of the Northeastern US, where most of the immigrants first arrived. Many American strongly disapproved of the political bosses. This was partly because the bosses were frequently corrupt. They often stole money from the city government they controlled and engaged in other illegal practices. The bosses, it seemed, were teaching the immigrants to be dependent on them rather than to rely on themselves. Moreover, the bosses were buying the votes of the immigrants in order to give themselves a monopoly of political power in many larger cities. This practice destroyed competition for political office, which American viewed as an important tradition in politics just as it was in other facets of American life. Despite these criticisms, many scholars believe that the political bosses performed an important function in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, they help to assimilate large numbers of new immigrants into the larger American culture by finding them jobs and housing, in return for their political supports. American has a rapidly expanding economy at the turn of the century made it possible for these new immigrants. Immigrants came to accept most of the values of the larger American culture and were in turn accepted by the great majority of American. 4. The African- American experience The process of assimilation in the United States has been much more successful for white ethnic groups than for nonwhite ethnic groups. Of the nonwhite ethic groups, Americans of African descent have had the greatest difficulty in becoming assimilated into the larger culture. African-Americans were brought to the United States against their will to be sold as slaves. Except for the Native American Indian tribes who inhabited the United States before the first white settlers arrived, other ethnic groups came to American voluntarily-most as immigrants who wanted to better their living conditions. The enslavement of African-Americans in the United States was a complete contradiction of such traditional basic American values as freedom and equality of opportunity. It divided the United States into two increasingly different sections: the southern states, in which black slavery became the basis of the economy, and the northern states, which chose to make slavery against the law. A minority of whites in the north insisted that slavery and freedom could not exist together in a free country and demanded that slavery be abolished, even if this meant war with the South. A much number of northern whites believed that freedom and equality of opportunity needed to be protected for white people only, but they were afraid that black slavery would eventually take away their economic freedom.

When Lincoln won the presidency in 1860, the Southern states left the Union and tried to form a new nation of their own based on slavery. A Civil War between the North and South resulted, which turned out to be the bloodiest and most destructive of all nations wars. When the North was finally victorious, black slavery ended in the United States. However, African-Americans were not readily assimilated into the larger American culture. Most remained in the South, where they were not allowed to vote and were legally segregated from whites. Although conditions were much worse in the segregated South, blacks continued to be the victims of strong racial prejudice in the North, as well as in the South. 5. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s In 1954 the United States Supreme Court declared their decision about racial segregation in public schools, where did not provide equal education opportunities for black Americans. Black leaders throughout the United States were greatly encouraged by this decision. They decided to try to end racial segregation in all areas of American life. The most important of these leaders was Martin Luther King, Jr.,. He was a black Protestant minister with a great gift for inspiring his people. Luther King led thousands of African-Americans in nonviolent marches and demonstrations against segregation and other forms of discrimination. Luther Kings goal was to bring about greater assimilation of black people into the larger American culture. His ideals were largely developed from basic American values. He wanted greater equality of opportunity and freedom now for his people. He did not wish to separate his people from American society but rather to gain for them a larger part in it. On the contrary to Luther King, one of many black leaders was Malcolm X, he urged a rejection of basic American values and complete separation of blacks from the white culture. Malcolm believed that American values were nothing more than white mans values used to keep blacks in an inferior position and blacks must separate themselves from whites, by force if necessary, and build their own society based on values that they would create for themselves. Because he saw Christianity as a white region, Malcolm turned to a faith based on Islam, and he became a leader or the black Muslim faith. The great majority of American blacks, however, shared Martin Luthe r king, Jr.s Protestant religious beliefs and his goal of assimilation rather than separation. Most African-Americans continued to look to King as their leader. Largely as a result of Kings activities, two major civil rights laws were passed during the 1960s that removed racial segregation from public facilities in the south and also removed the barriers that had prevented black people from voting in that region. 6. Race relations after the Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights laws of the 1960s helped to bring a significant degree of assimilation of blacks into the larger American culture. The laws eventually helped to reduce the amount of prejudice toward the black people. For instance, the number of African Americans attending the colleges and universities holding elective public office, and earning higher incomes increased dramatically in the late 60s and 70s.

In addition, in 1984 and 1988, Jesse Jackson, a black leader who had worked with king in the 60s became the first African American to run for presidency. Although he did not win, he received national attention and influenced the policies of the Democratic Party. African Americans are now mayors of major cities, members of congress; they hold positions throughout all levels of the government, local, state, and national. They are sports heroes, celebrities, professors, doctors, lawyers, and there is now a sizeable black middle class, as well as a number of wealthy African Americans. More than 80% of whites now say they would vote for a black president, someone like General Colin Powell, for example. He was the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the senior military leader in the United States. However, there are still issues between races. Although African Americans represent about 13% of the population, they are grossly unrepresentative in congress. The median income of a married black man who works full time is 23% behind a married white man. Segregation and discrimination are against the law but residential patterns create largely segregated neighborhood schools in many urban areas. Half the whites in the US live in the suburbs but only a forth of blacks. They are the most frequent victims of violence, and now more than 1 in 5 young males have a criminal record. Over 40% of the black children are born to unmarried women. Some point to the destruction of the family structure as the cause of many social problems african-americans face. 44% of blacks said the problems are due to white discrimination against them. Some African Americans have given up on ever having equal treatment within a society dominated by whites. 7. A universal nation The new immigrants did assimilate to life in the US and enriched the cultural diversity of the nation despite the dicision of closing the borders. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, millions of immigrants came from eastern and southern Europe, bringing cultural traditions perceived by the dominant culture as quite different. By the 1920s, the number of new immigrants slowed to a trickle because of closing the borders to mass immigrants of American. Assimilateing to life in the United States, they greatly enriched the culture diversity of the nation, and they did not cause major changes to its system of government, its free enterprise system, or its traditional values. It was also a new threat to Americans when they allow immigrants to come. In 1965, the United States allowed many more immigrants to come and entirely eliminating the older law bias in favor of white European immigrants. As a result, the US is now confronted with a new challenge : taking in large number of new immigrants who are nonwhite and non European . About 90% are from Asia, Latin American, and the Caribbean. The US is also known as the country which has significant numbers of illegal immigrants in the world. Many worry about what the impact will be on thei American society such as economy, culture, values Can the American economy expand enough to offer these new immigrants the same opportunities that others have had? What will be the effect on the traditional value system that has defined the US for over 200 years?

However, there are some wonderful benefits that America can get from immigrants According to Ben Wattenberg, the new immigrants will be of great help to the nation. The first thing should be mentioned is that the diversity will give the nation great influence and appeal to the rest of world during the 21st century. In southern states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia, the African American influence is particularly strong. In fact African American culture has had a strong, if often unremarked, influence on mainstream American culture for a very long time. For example, many foreigners (and many Americans, for that matter) are surprised to learn that most of the styles of music that are considered in other parts of the world as typically American, such as jazz, blues, rock n roll, rap, and hip-hop, originated in the African American community In addition, although the U.S has often been called a melting pot (or, more recently, a salad bowl, a mosaic, or a stir-fry) of many different cultural and religious groups, the dominant image of the U.S. portrayed by American movies and television is that of a relatively homogeneous society. The typical American is often portrayed as young, white, and middle class. The predominant values and ideas that have historically shaped American culture have been those of the white, middle class male. In general, Although racial and ethnic minorities have long played a role in shaping American society, their cultural values have not always been recognized and rarely have been valued. Their influence on mainstream U.S. culture has grown considerably over the past few decades, however,and seems likely to increase. A. 1. Vietnam has a diversity of ethnics The Vietnamese government does not use the term indegenous people ( ngi dn tc thiu s) for any group, but generally, this term is used to refer to the ethnic minorities living in the mountainous areas. Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country which has 54 recognized ethnic groups; the Kinh represent the majority, comprising 86%, and the remaining 53 are ethnic minority groups accounting for around 14% of the country's total population of 89 million. Each ethnic group has its own distinct culture and traditions, contributing to Vietnam's rich cultural diversity. The term ethnic minorities is often used interchangeably with indigenous people in Vietnam. The Thai, Tay, Nung, Hmong and Dao, are fairly large groups, each with between 500,000 and 1.2 million people. There are many groups with fewer than 300,000 people, however, sometimes only a few hundred. Around 650,000 people belonging to several ethnic groups live on the plateau of the Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) in the south. All ethnic minorities have Vietnamese citizenship. The ethnic minorities live scattered throughout the country, inhabiting midland, coastal and mountain areas, but are concentrated mostly in the Northern Mountains and Central Highlands. Ethnic groups intermingle closely with each other but no group possesses its own customary territory. Two or three groups can be found in the same village and, through everyday community relations, they all know each other's language, customs and traditions. Ethnic and assimilation in Vietnam

2.

Comparison with the United State America Viet Nam

Comparison Characteristics

The United States is a diverse country, Vietnam is a multi-nationality country racially and ethnically. The United States with 54 ethnic groups. The Viet (Kinh) Census Bureau also classifies Americans people account for 87% of the countrys as "Hispanic or Latino" and "Not population and mainly inhabit the Red Hispanic or Latino", and a which River delta, the central coastal delta, the Latino Mekong delta and major cities. racially composes the

identifies Hispanic Americans as diverse ethnicity that

largest minority group in the nation. Origin Hispanic and Latino Americans have Vietnamese people are an ethnic group origins in the Spanish-speaking countries originating from present-day Northern of Latin America and Spain. Most of the Vietnam and Southern China. Latin American countries are, like the United States, quite racially

diverse. Consequently,no separate racial category exists for Hispanic and Latino Americans, as they do not make up a race of their own; when responding to the race question on the census form they choose from among the same racial categories as all Americans, and are included in the numbers reported for those races. Assimilation Ethnic and racial assimilation in the US Ethnic assimilation in Viet Nam could occurred in 6 periods (White, American hardly occur. Because Viet Nam has 54 Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black or separated ethnics that were recognized African American, Native Hawaiian and by Government. Each group has its own Other Pacific Islander, and people of two culture, diverse and special. Beliefs and or more races), was not separated. religions of the Vietnamese ethnic Therefore the ethnic in US has no minority groups were also disparate boundary as clearly as racial. from each other. A common community between the Viet people and other ethnic minority peoples and had been

established

continuously

consolidated and developed. Number of There are two ethnic groups: Hispanic There are 54 ethnic groups:

Ethnic

and Latino.

Topic 4: The American religious heritage 1. Freedom of religion 1.1. Freedom of religion in the US The fundamental American belief in individual freedom and the right of individual to practice their own religion is at the central of religious experience in he United States. The great diversity of ethnic backgrounds has produced religious pluralism, almost all of religions of the world are now practiced in the United States. The phrase under God can mean something different to members of the approximately 313 religions and denominations in the United States, from monotheists who believe in one God (in the Judeo-Christian and other traditions), to polytheists who believe in many Gods, to others who believe in no God, or a God as represented by animal spirits, alien groups, or psychoactive substances. However freedom of religion must be guaranteed two important components. The first is a prohibition on the establishment of religion by the government the separation of Church and State. The second, ensures that the government allows for the practice of religion. For example, 93 of all American believe in God , 78.3% percent of American are Christians, 1.7% percent are Jewish, and another 3.9% belong to other religious faiths such as Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism. All religions make important contributions to American culture. There are now almost as many Muslims living in the United States as there are Jews. People of Hispanic origin now make up nearly one-haft of the Catholic church. Besides Asian immigrants have brought their traditional religions of East Asia such as Daoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Buddhism. Native American religions are still practiced and studied today, particularly for teaching about living in harmony with nature. Many cities were named by these missionaries and settlers San Francisco, Sante Fe, San Antonio. Freedom of religion is of special importance in the U.S, as this country ranks among the first of the advanced democracies in religious faith and practice. Recently, studies have shown 70 percent of adult Americans to be members of Christianity

or Jewish religious groups and 95% to express faith in God. Freedom of the religion can be tied into Social Studies in the subjects of American and World History, Government/Civics, and Western Civilization. 1.2. Freedom of religion in Vietnam At present, there are 20 million religious followers, nearly 62,500 dignitaries, monks and 22,345 worshiping places in Viet Nam. Mahayana Buddhism is the largest religion in Vietnam (9.3%/80.8% of none). There is a significant minority of Catholic Christians (6.7%). Other religions include Protestant Christianity, Theravada Buddhism, Islam, Hoa Hao, and the syncretic Cao Dai religion. Although according to a 1999 census most Vietnamese list themselves as having no religious affiliation, religion, as defined by shared beliefs and practices, remains an integral part of Vietnamese life, dictating the social behaviors and spiritual practices of Vietnamese individuals in Vietnam and abroad. Many citizens consider themselves non-religious, although they may practice traditional beliefs such as veneration of ancestors and national heroes. Adherence to religion is believed to be high, with about 70 percent professing religious belief. Some 50 percent of the population identifies as Buddhist. Ten percent are Catholic, approximately 2 percent are Protestant, and the rest consist of followers of Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, and other faiths. Ethnic minorities historically practice different traditional beliefs than those of the ethnic majority Kinh. Many ethnic minorities, particularly among the Hmong, Zao, and Jarai groups in the Northwest and Central Highlands, have converted to Protestantism. A 2002 Pew Research Center report claimed that 24% of the population of Vietnam view religion as very important. The constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as well as its 2004 Ordinance Regarding Religious Belief and Religious Organization formally allows religious freedom. The 2004 ordinance, for example, declares: The State guarantees freedom of religious belief and of religion for its citizens. However, government restrictions remain on organized activities of many religious groups, the government maintains a prominent role overseeing officially recognized religions. In 2007, Viet Nam News reported that Viet Nam has six religions recognized by the State (Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Cao Dai, and Hoa Hao), and that the Bahai Community of Viet Nam had been awarded a certificate of operation from the Governments Committee for Religious Affairs. Every citizen is declared free to follow no, one, or more religions, practice religion without violating the law, be treated equally regardless of religious belief, and to be protected from being violated in their religious freedom, but is prohibited from using religion to violate the law. In fact, there are some limitations in religious practice in Vietnam. Foreign missionaries are not legally allowed to proselytize or perform religious activities. No other religions than the aforementioned eight are allowed. Preachers and religious associations are prohibited to use religion to propagate ideologies that are opposed to the government. however,

preachers and religious associations who abide by the law working in Vietnam today are aided and honored by the government. 2. The development of Protestantism 2.1. The development of Protestantism in the US The Protestant branch of the Christian faith broke away from the Roman Catholic church in Europe in the sixteenth century because of important differences in religious beliefs. (The Eastern Orthodox branch of the Christian faith had separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054). At the time of the Protestant Reformation, the Roman Catholic church was the center of religious life in western European countries; the Catholic pope and the priests played the role of parent to the people in spiritual matters. They told people what was right and wrong, and they granted them forgiveness for sins against God and the Christian faith. The Protestants, on the other hand, insisted that all individuals must stand alone before God. If people sinned, they should seek their forgiveness directly from God rather than from a priest speaking in Gods name. In place of the power and authority of priests, Protestants substituted what they called the priesthood of all believers. This meant that every individual was solely responsible for his or her own relationship with God. After the Protestants broke away from the Catholic church, they found that they could not agree among themselves about many beliefs. Therefore, the Protestants began to form separate churches, called denominations. (The largest Protestant denominations in the United States now are Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and the United Church of Christ). There was much bitterness among some of the religious groups in the 1600s, and many Protestant denominations experienced religious persecution. A number of people were even killed because of their beliefs. The result of this persecution was that many Protestants were ready to leave their native countries in order to have freedom to practice their particular religious beliefs. Consequently, among the early settlers who came to America in the 1600s, there were many Protestants seeking religious freedom. In the previous chapter we noted that this desire for religious freedom was one of the strongest reasons why many colonial settlers came to America. Generally speaking, the lack of any established national religion in America appealed strongly to European Protestants, whether or not they were being persecuted. A large number of Protestant denominations were established in America. At first, some denominations hoped to force their view and beliefs on others, but the colonies were simple too large for any one denomination to gain control over the others. The idea of separation of church and state became accepted. When the Constitution was adopted in 1789, the government was forbidden to establish a national church; no denomination was to be favored over the others. The government and the church had to remain separate. Under these conditions, a great variety of different Protestant denominations developed and grew, with each denomination having a live and let live attitude toward the others. Diversity was accepted and strengthened. Today, the various Protestant denominations have completely separate church organizations, and although there are many similarities, there are also significant differences in their religious teachings and beliefs. 2.2. The development of religions in Vietnam

The earliest forms of Vietnamese religious practice were animistic and totemic in nature. The decorations on Dong Son bronze drums, generally agreed to have ceremonial and possibly religious value, depict the figures of birds, leading historians to believe birds were objects of worship for the early Vietnamese. Dragons were another frequently recurring figure in Vietnamese art, arising from the veneration of Lac Long Quan, a mythical dragon-king who is said to be the father of the Vietnamese people. The Golden Turtle God Kim Quy was said to appear to kings in times of crisis, notably to Le Loi, from whom he took the legendary sword Thuan Thien after it had been dropped into Hoan Kiem Lake. Besides animals, mountains, rivers, and other entities of the natural environment were believed to have spirits, protecting humans who worshipped adequately and punishing those whose worship was lacking. Contact with Chinese civilization, and the introduction of the triple religion of Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism, added a further ethical and moral dimension to the indigenous Vietnamese religion. Buddhism came to Vietnam as early as the second century CE through the North from central Asia and via Southern routes from India. Mahayana Buddhism first spread from China to Vietnams Red River Delta region around 300 CE. Theravada Buddhism arrived from India into the southern Mekong Delta region many years later, between 300-600 AD. At present, there are 10 million Buddhist followers, 20,000 pagodas and 38,000 Buddhist monks and many schools offer Buddhist training in Viet Nam. Roman Catholicism first entered the country through Portuguese Catholic missionaries in the 16th century and strengthened its influence during French colonial rule. At present, there are six million Catholics, 6,000 churches and 15,000 Catholic priests in Viet Nam. Protestants are a small religious minority constituting from 0.5 to 2% of the population or around one million people (or 1%) as the newest government census (2006). Though its numbers are small, Protestantism is the countrys fastest-growing religion, growing at a rate of 600% in the last decade. Protestantism was introduced in 1911 at Da Nang by a Canadian missionary named Dr. R.A. Jaffray. The first Protestant organization recognized by the government was the Evangelical Church of Vietnam in 1963. At present, there are one million Protestants and 500 Protestant churches in Viet Nam. Cao Dai is a relatively new, syncretist, monotheistic religion, officially established in the city of Tay Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. The term Cao Dai literally means high Channel, or figuratively, the highest place where God reigns. At present, there are 2.3 million Cao Dai followers, 7,100 dignitaries and 6,000 temples in Viet Nam. Muslim religion was introduced in Viet Nam by the Cham people in the 10th and 11th centuries. At present, there are 100 mosques, 70,000 Muslim followers and 700 dignitaries in Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, An Giang, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai provinces and Ho Chi Minh city. Hoa Hao, also called Hoa Hao Buddhism, is another indigenous religion created in 1939 in Hoa Hao village, Tan Chau district, An Giang province. This religious sect is concentrated in the Mekong River delta and its membership is estimated at about 1.2 million. 3. The heritage 3.1. The Protestant heritage of the US

3.1.1. Self-improvement Protestantism has been a powerful force in shaping the values and beliefs of Americans. One of the most important values associated with American Protestantism in the values of self- improvement. Christianity often emphasizes the natural sinfulness of human nature. Unlike Catholics, Protestants do not go to priest for forgiveness of their sins; individuals are left alone before God to improve themselves and ask for Gods guidance, forgiveness and grace. For this reason, Protestantism has traditionally encouraged a strong and restless desire for self-improvement. The need for self-improvement, once established, reaches far beyond self-improvement in the purely moral or religious sense. It can be seen in countless books which explain how people can be happier and more successful in life by improving everything from their vocabulary to their tennis game or even their whole personality. Books of this type are often referred to as self-help books, and many are best sellers. They are the natural products of a culture in which people believe that God helps those who help themselves. One of the most popular self-help books ever written in the United States was written by a Protestant minister, Norman Vincent Peale. As its title states, it stresses the power of Positive Thinking. According to Peale, the key to selfimprovement and success is self-confidence and ensure personal success in life. Americans buy hundreds of millions of self-help books a year, and typically, half of the New York Times best-seller list of nonfiction books are related to self-help. In addition, Americans attend thousands of self-help seminars and support group meetings to help them stop smoking or drinking, lose weight, be better parents, have happier relationships, and develop self-confidence. 3.1.2. Material success, hard work and self-discipline The achievement of material success is probably the most widely respected form of self-improvement in the United States. Many scholars believe that the nations Protestant heritage is also largely responsible for bringing this about. The idea of mixing materialism and religion may seem contradictory; region is considered to be concerned with spiritual matters, not material possessions. How can the two mix? Some of the early European Protestant leaders believed that people who were blessed by God might be recognized in the world by their material success. Other Church leaders, particularly in the Unite States, made an even stronger connection between gaining material wealth and being blessed by God. In 1900, for example, Bishop William Lawrence proclaimed, Godliness is in league with riches Material property is helping to make national character sweeter, more joyous, more unselfish, more Christ-like. Americans religious leaders, however, never encouraged the idea of gaining wealth without hard- work and self- discipline. Many scholars believe that the emphasis on these two values made an important contribution to the industrial growth of the United States. Protestant leaders viewed the work of all people as holy, not just that of priest. They also believe that the capacity for self- discipline was a holy characteristic blessed by God. Self- discipline was often defined as the willingness to save and invest ones money rather than spend it on immediate pleasures. Protestant tradition, therefore, may have

played an important part in create a good climate for industrial growth of the United States, which depended on hard work and willingness to save and invest money. The belief in hard work and self- discipline in pursuit of material gain and other goals is often referred to as the Protestant work ethic or the Puritan work ethic. It is important to understand that this work ethic has had an influence far beyond the Protestant Church. Many religious groups in the United States share this work ethic, and even Americans who have no attachment to a particular church are influenced by the work ethic in their daily lives. Interestingly, in the last few decades, there has been a shift both in the work ethic and in the meaning of work. Yankelovich and other researchers report that in the past, most Americans did not expect their work to be interesting or enjoyable. In the 1950s, for example, most people saw the jobs primarily as a source of income. Now, by the margin of four to one, they expect their work to give them a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment, in addition to their income. Some people are also beginning to question whether working long hours to have success and material wealth is really worth the sacrifice. Perhaps less might be better. For example, the average work week in the U.S for those full-time employed was 42.9 hours along with 30% of the population working more than 40 hours per week. It should noted, however, that many of those in the top two earning quintiles often work more than 50 hours per week. The average American worker earned $ 16.64 an hour in the first two quarters of 2006. Overall Americans worked more than their counterparts in other developed post-industrial nations. While the average worker in the Denmark enjoyed 30 days of vacation annually, the average Americans had 16 annual vacation days. In 2000, the average Americans worked 1,978 hours per year, 500 hours more than the average German. Overall, the US labor force was the most productive in the world (overall, not by hour worked), largely due to its workers working more than those in any other post-industrial nations (excluding South Korea). Americans generally hold working and being productive in high regard; being busy as and working extensively may also serve as the means to obtain esteem. 3.1.3. Volunteerism and humanitarianism The idea of self-improvement includes more than achieving material gain through hard work and self-discipline. It also includes the idea of improving oneself by helping others. Individuals, in other words, make themselves into better persons by contributing some of their time or money charitable, educational, or religious causes that are designed to help others. The philosophy is sometimes called volunteerism or humanitarianism. Historically, some of extremely wealthy American have made generous contributions to help others. In the early 1900s, for example, Andrew Carnegie, a famous American businessman, gave away more than $300 million to help support schools and universities and to build public libraries in thousands of communities in the United States. John D. Rockerfeller, another famous businessman, in explain why he gave a large sum from his private fortune to establish a university, said, The good Lord gave me my money, so how could I withhold it from the university of Chicago? the motive for humanitarianism and volunteerism is strong. Many Americans believe that they should devote part of their time and wealth to religious or humanitarian causes in order to acceptable in the eye of God and the eye of other Americans. Many businesses encourage their employees to do volunteer work, and individuals may get tax deductions for money given to charity.

3.1.4. Born again Christian and the religious right Perhaps the most dramatic example of the idea of self-improvement is the experience of being born-again. Some individuals who have had this experience say that when they truly opened their hearts to God and Jesus Christ, their lives were so completely changed, it was like being born again. Whether they identify themselves as born-again Christians, Evangelicals, mainline Protestants or Catholics, they tend to hold conservative religious beliefs. Estimates are that onethird to one-half of all Americans consider themselves to be religious conservatives, although they do not all have the same beliefs. For example, Democratic President Jimmy Carter and Republican President George W. Bush have both spoken publicly about their born-again experiences. Many of those who are religiously conservative are also politically conservative. Since the 1980s, they have been gaining numbers and political strength in the United States. Under such names as the Religious Right or the Christian Coalition, these individuals have joined together to oppose legalized abortion or to support prayer in the public schools, among others issues. 3.2. Religious heritage of Vietnam Religion has exerted a deep influence on Vietnamese culture and the Vietnamese concept of life. Over time, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have merged to become what is collectively known as the Triple Religion, or Tam Giao. The triple religion, referring to the syncretic combination of Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism remains a strong influence on the beliefs and practices of the Vietnamese, even if the levels of formal membership in these religious communities may not reflect that influence. Although most Vietnamese consider themselves as Buddhist, they are likely to follow Confucian social theories, while Taoist theories are more likely to be followed in order to understand the nature of the cosmos. The religious belief of the common Vietnamese is a synthesis of the three traditional religions which have been coexisting peacefully for centuries in Vietnam. The attitude towards life, death, and the world beyond bears a deep imprint of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. 3.2.1. Buddhist heritage Buddhism has planted its roots so deeply in Vietnamese culture that it was no longer considered an imported religion. It had been the court religion; now it had filtered down to the villages and hamlets. Here mixed with Confucianism and Taoism it has become an indigenous part of the popular beliefs of the people. Buddhism presented to Vietnam a new look at the universe, the individual and life. It had a particularly strong effect on morals and behaviors. Regarding morals, the strong influence of Buddhism, to certain extent, resulted in certain characteristics of Vietnamese people such as: gentleness, tolerance, hospitality, generosity, non-violence, compassion and humility.

Regarding behaviors, there are some customs resulted from and affected by Buddhism, such as the widely use of flowers, lights, candles, lamps and incense for devotions in Vietnam on family alters, graves, in the pagoda, or for presentations when calling on bonzes or older relatives. 3.2.2. Confucian heritages The Confucianism, which places strong emphasis on duty, courtesy and virtue, plays an important role in shaping social beliefs, systems and lifestyles of the Vietnamese people. The influence of Confucianism on Vietnam was tenacious because it was rooted in the countrys educational system until the 20th century. It was after Vietnam achieved independence that Chinese influence and Confucianism became important in Vietnam. Because of a political philosophy that was favorable for the monarchy, Confucianism was promoted and supported by the government. In 1253 the Institute for National Studies was founded by the King to teach the classical books of Confucius. Under the Le dynasty, studies of the Confucian doctrine attained their apogee. With the French conquest and the influence of Western philosophies, Confucianism began to decline. However, Confucianism still pervades the thinking and behavior of Vietnamese people from all walks of life. Confucianism has exercised a powerful influence in the formation of Vietnamese society where family is the basic unity. The Confucian doctrine which commands children to respect their father and mother and honor their memory, provides strength, stability and continuity to the large family group. Vietnamese people still tends to feel that the family is more important than the individual, to respect learning and to believe that Man should live in harmony with his surroundings. Vietnamese people have a tradition of respecting teachers, elders and authorities and being responsible to their families and society. Because, according to the Confucianist virtue principle, a persons actions determine his future, much emphasis is placed on education in Vietnam, resulting in the countrys current high literacy rates. Confucianism gave Vietnam a highly organized hierarchical society. Yet, while encouraging the improvement of the individual, it did also appeal his positive relationship with the community. In this sense, Confucianism is antiindividualistic. Confucianism is vividly seen throughout Vietnam in the Festival of the Arrival of Spring, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Childrens Festival and the Festival of Tet. It should be noted that the Vietnamese people do not follow many of the Confucian tenets. As an illustration, the pronouncement that when the father dies, the mother should obey the children has in reality never been practiced. The widowed mother is till respected and obeyed by all her children. However, the value of Confucianism as a moderating influence upon social behavior is being rapidly superseded by the flexibility and openness in a developing society. 3.2.3. Taoist heritage

Another religion which has a deep imprint on the way of life of the Vietnamese is Taoism. The Taoist philosophy emphasizes contemplation and the simplicity of life, and has become intrinsically part of other popular religions. Taoists believe in one supreme being, the Emperor of Jade, and worship him, other deities who assist him, and ancestors. The two principal assistants to the Emperor of Jade are Nam Tao and Bac Dau, who keep the register of all beings in the universe. Although Taoism has a limited formal organization in Vietnam today, the concepts of Taoism are in evidence in the daily life cycle of the Vietnamese. Many of the more basic beliefs and practices of Taoism have been absorbed into other religions found in Vietnam, and affect the cultural patterns. These ideas are to be observed in older medical practices; the consultation of horoscopes and astrologers in making marriage arrangements, the selection of auspicious dates, and in the ceremonies of worship pertaining to Spring, Fall, the ploughing of the land and planting of the seed. 4. A national religion 4.1. Whats the so-called American national religion? In the countries from which the American colonists emigrated, the dominant values of the nation were often supported by an organized national church. American Protestants made certain that no organized national church would exist in their young country. Americans, however, have developed a number of informal practices that combine national patriotism with religion. A number of scholars have referred to these practices as the national religion of the United States. The main function of this national religion is to provide support for the dominant values of the nation. Thus, it does in an informal and less organized way what nationally organized churches did for European nations in earlier times. The informal national religion in the United States mixes patriotism with religious ideas in songs and in ceremonies that proclaim Gods blessing on America, its basic values, and its actions as a nation. The national religion can be observed on many occasions when Americans gather together on national holidays, at political conventions, and especially at sports events. Before a ball game, the players and fans stand up for the national anthem, and sometimes a religious leader will offer a prayer. This practice is taken so seriously that in 1996, the National Basketball Association (NBA) actually suspended a professional basketball player who refused to stand during the national anthem. The NBA stated that he could not play in games unless he agreed to follow their rule requiring players to stand in a respectful manner during the national anthem. Patriotic songs such as God Bless America and America the Beautiful are as well known to most Americans as their national anthem. These songs are sung frequently on public occasions and may also be sung at Protestant worship services, expressing the idea that the United States has received Gods special blessing. Expressions of the national religion can also be seen when the United States sends military forces overseas; the Gulf War provided good examples of the mixing of prayer and patriotism.

Some observers of American society believe that the various practices that are called the national religion can have harmful effects. Sometimes these practices can help to create a climate in which disagreement with current national practices is discouraged or not tolerated. In the 1960s, for example, some citizens considered the young people who protested against the war in Vietnam to be un-American. They told the young protesters, America love it or leave it. This phrase became a slogan that illustrated their excessive patriotism. When the national religion helps to create a climate that encourages excessive conformity with prevailing national practices, it can have a harmful effect. However, it usually serves a different function: to express the belief of most Americans that it is important to be a nation of people who believe in God and are loved and protected by God. The earliest Protestant settlers believed that by coming to America, they were carrying out Gods plan. This belief gave them confidence that they would succeed. Today, Americans still need to believe that their nation will continue to succeed, and the national religion helps to answer this need by reminding them of their religious heritage. It is a means of maintaining their national self-confidence in a rapidly changing world. Americas Protestant heritage seems to have encouraged certain basic values that members of many diverse non-Protestant faiths find easy to accept. This has helped to unite many different religious groups in the United States without requiring any to abandon their faiths. Cultural and religious pluralism has also created a context of tolerance that further strengthens the American reality of many different religions living peacefully within a single nation. 4.2. Is there a national religion in Vietnam? The history of religion in Vietnam, as in most countries, is characterized by state efforts to impose certain beliefs and practices on the population. Confucianism, a set of ethical and spiritual beliefs that developed in tandem with the Chinese imperial system, was the official religion during the 1,000 years of Chinese rule that began in 111 BC. Buddhism, which filtered into the country as a popular religion during Chinese rule, was adopted as the de facto state religion after it regained independence in the 11th century, and remained the principal religion thereafter. However, the Nguyen dynasty attempted to impose a strict form of Confucianism in the 19th century. Under French rule, Vietnam was generally a place of religious pluralism, including new, politicized offshoots of the main religions that opposed both French colonial rule and communism. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam officially has no national religion, but in fact certain religious traditions as for example the veneration of ancestors and guardian deities are negotiated as being fundamental to the conception of Vietnamese culture and national identity Venerating both historical personages or legendary heroes and heroines is a religious practice often characterized as typically or authentically Vietnamese. They are valorized as an assertion of a distinct and strong national identity, and have come to symbolize values that are perceived to be threatened by foreign influence. Ancestor worship is recognized as the core of Vietnamese cultural identity. As a ritual of return to the origin, focused on family, community, commensality and autochthony, ancestor worship has been called the national religion of Vietnam as well as Vietnams religion of nationalism. 5. American current situation

For the first time in its history, the United States does not have a Protestant majority, according to a new study conducted in October 2012. The only reason is that the number of Americans with no religious affiliation is on the rise. The percentage of Protestant adults in the U.S. has reached a low of 48 percent. The drop has long been anticipated and comes at a time when no Protestants are on the U.S. Supreme Court and the Republicans have their first presidential ticket with no Protestant nominees. The trend also has political implications. American voters who describe themselves as having no religion vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. Americans with no religion support abortion rights and gay marriage at a much higher-rate than the U.S. public at large. These nones are an increasing segment of voters who are registered as Democrats or lean toward the party, growing from 17 percent to 24 percent over the last five years. The religiously unaffiliated are becoming as important a constituency to Democrats as evangelicals are to Republicans. Researchers have been struggling for decades to find a definitive reason for the steady rise in those with no religion. The spread of secularism in Western Europe was often viewed as a byproduct of growing wealth in the region. Yet, among industrialized nations, the United States stood out for its deep religiosity in the face of increasing wealth. Now, religion scholars say the decreased religiosity in the United States could reflect a change in how Americans describe their religious lives. In 2007, 60 percent of people who said they seldom or never attend religious services still identified themselves as part of a particular religious tradition. In 2012, that statistic fell to 50 percent.

Topic 5: The Americans business 1/ The Characteristics of American Business. Compare with Vietnam business:

The similar characteristic between American and Vietnamese business is that the initial as well as the most important purpose of doing business is profit. All companies operating in the market have to compete to increase their sales and their benefits; and non-profit institutions are not considered as business. However, the difference is the word private seems not to be suitable to describe Vietnam business. In Vietnam, there are still many state-owned enterprises and companies participating in business. Some Vietnamese people even prefer stateowned companies because of its stability and prestige. 2/ How business competition reinforces other values Compare with Vietnam business:

In Vietnam, business also is seen as a vitally important factor which reinforces the societys values. Vietnam enterprises or companies have to compete severely with other ones for market share, revenues and benefits. However, actually, competition in Vietnam does not create as many impacts as in America.

Firstly, competition in Vietnam business cannot totally ensure that there is no monopoly power. Vietnams enterprises compete with each other under the governments laws and regulations. Obviously, our government does not allow any unfair competition. However, because of the inadequate legal system as well as the lack of careful inspection, there are still many problems in business competition such as corruption, bribery, etc. that enable many companies to take unfair advantages to their competitors as well as customers. Therefore, competition seems not to protect the freedom of the businessman in Vietnam. This also the reason why the word freedom does not associated with Vietnam competitive business. In addition, competition is likely not to strengthen the ideal of equality of opportunity. In fact, in Vietnam society, people concern seriously in the individuals social status, property and family background. Besides, propriety and courtesy play a major role in personal relationships. In other words, Vietnam society is comprised of an interconnected network of personal relationships. Therefore, in Vietnam business, many people attain wealth not because of their real talent and ability, but their relationship, money or family background. This creates unfair situation amongst businessman, especially for people coming from rural area. 3/ The Prestige of Business and the Dream of Getting Rich Compare with Vietnam business:

Many Vietnamese people also have a dream of getting rich for a better life, and business also is the most possible way for them to make the dream come true. Many Vietnamese people who have ambitions, talent, and ability become successful entrepreneurs with their own business. For example, Mr. Doan Le Nguyen Duc, who started his business by directly operating a small carpentry workshop, specialized in making furniture for students in the commune, becomes one of the most influential businessman in Southeast Asia; Dang Le Nguyen Vu a person from a poor family in rural area built one of the largest processing coffee company in our country; etc. However, there still is a larger number of Vietnamese people desire to have a stable live with a stable job. They do not want to compete or take risk for their own business. All the things they need is finding a job and sticking with it for their whole life. It is the reason why many Vietnamese people prefer working in state-owned companies than other kinds of business organization. 4/ Two kinds of American Business Heroes Compare with Vietnam business:

Related to this point, there are some differences between 2 nations. Firstly, in America, people consider businessman who gets wealth and benefits the entire nation as heroes. There are two kinds of heroes is the entrepreneur and the organization man/woman. However, in Vietnam, this awareness seems not to work. Vietnam has a long history in protecting country from invaders and people proud of the nations history than its business. Therefore, people who devoted and sacrificed for the countries are often considered heroes. Nowadays, politicians are sometimes heroes in Vietnameses hearts, not businessman. Americans often talk about Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc. but Vietnamese often remark Vo Van Kiet, Pham Van Dong, etc. as their heroes.

Another difference is that, in America, people admire a person who can achieve the material wealth such as money, big house, high social positions, etc. in his life; but Vietnamese people admire the way a person can achieve these things. They prefer businessman who become rich in a transparent way with his/her real ability; and they does not appreciate people who is successful based on unfair activities like using money or taking advantages of family backgrounds, relationships, etc., inspite of how rich this person is. 5/ American Business in the Global Marketplace Compare with Vietnam business:

At the moment, Vietnam still is a developing country, so our country has many disadvantages in the global marketplace. Only several Vietnam companies can expand its business to other foreign countries; and it is likely that no enterprise thinks of outsourcing their customer services and technical support services. Besides, Vietnam imports many accommodations from other countries in the world, and Vietnam market is full of foreign goods. On the other hand, the exporting activity is still weak. Therefore, the companys business usually faces with deficit. However, Vietnam business is developing strongly. New companies and enterprises have established in all sectors. They not only bring wealth for the country but also create many new jobs for the unemployment. Thus, the manufacturing jobs in Vietnam have been increasing highly. 6/ The Changing American Workforce Compare with Vietnam business:

In Vietnam, the number of immigrant workforce is really low, and the main working population is Vietnamese people. There is no domination of white people as well as discrimination between immigrant and local workers. However, the limitation in number of immigrant workers brings some disadvantages for Vietnam workforce. This leads to the lack of diversity, experience and skilled labor source. The similarity of Vietnam and America is the change in position of woman in business. Previously, Vietnamese woman suffer the discrimination and do not have many opportunities to advance in the company. They also earn less money than men do for the same work. However, currently, the woman has higher position. Many of them become managers, CEOs or successful entrepreneurs. The main differences between American business and Vietnam business: America The characteristics of business _ Competition protects the freedom of the individual by ensuring that _ Because of the inadequate legal system as well as the lack of careful inspection, there are still many _ The business associates with 2 words: private and profit. Vietnam _ The word private seems not to be suitable. There are still many state-owned enterprises and many people prefer them than private ones.

there is no monopoly power. Companies compete fairly to succeed in the market. Business competition reinforces values. _ Competition strengthens the ideal of equality of opportunity. The success and status go to swiftest person, regardless of social class. _ The great dream of American is getting rich. Almost all American people desire to take risks to have their own business. _ Americans considered businessman (entrepreneur and organization man/woman) as their Business heroes. heroes. _ Americans admire people who get wealth. _ Developed country with business power. _ Exports make up about oneBusiness in global market. _ Manufacturing jobs has been declining. quarter of the global economic input.

problems in business competition that enable many companies to take unfair advantages to their competitors as well as customers _ In Vietnam business, many people attain wealth not because of their real talent and ability, but their relationship, money or family background. This creates unfair situation amongst businessman. _ Many people also dream of getting wealth and desire to be their own bosses. However, almost people want to have a stable job and stick with it for their whole life. _ People who devoted and sacrificed for the countries are often considered heroes. Nowadays, politicians are sometimes heroes in Vietnameses hearts, not businessman. _ Vietnamese people admire the way a person get wealth. _ Developing country with many disadvantages in global marketplace. _ Mainly import goods from other countries and usually face with deficit.

The dream of getting rich.

_ Many new jobs have been creating for unemployment.

_ A large number of immigrants in working population. The changing workforce _ White males have dominated business.

_ The number of immigrants in Vietnam workforce is really low.

_ There is no discrimination between white or black people.

Topic 6: Education 1. education system in the US

Comparing to Vietnamese education system There are three recognized stages in Vietnams education system: The first stage is primary education at the age of six. This is compulsory stage to achieve basis general knowledge. The second stage is secondary education at around the age of eleven or twelve to prepare for either higher

education or vocational training. The second stage - secondary school includes two levels: Junior secondary school (children of age 11-15). Senior secondary school (children of age 15-18).

All Vietnamese children have to complete primary and junior secondary school (age 6-15). After finishing junior secondary school, they can attend high school or vocational training, and then going to tertiary education. The third stage is tertiary education. It is a further education, award academic degrees such as university, college.

There is a nationwide system of nursery schools. Children must attend at least 1 year to nursery school before going to primary school.

Aspect The study hours

US From 8:00 a.m. till 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. The classrooms in the USA are named by the teachers, and the students move from class to class.

VN From 6:30 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The classrooms belong to classes. The teachers move from class to class. Thus, the classroom becomes an un-separated part in our student life and memory. Students in Vietnam should respect and obey their teachers in the same manner as their parents. The students in Vietnam always keep a certain distance from the teachers, and always show respect to them. A Vietnamese student will quietly raise his hand and will answer only if called. Students are taught passively and the teaching method is very teacher-oriented. A typical class is when the teacher writes the summary of the lecture, the students copy everything down and then learns it by heart. Students seem to be better than American

Classroom

The relationship between the teachers and the students

American students may say what they think in their minds, provide opposite opinions, or discuss equally in the class.

The study methods

The teacher usually picks a topic and lets the students talk and discuss about it. While the class is debating the topic, no one has a wrong opinion and every point of view is welcomed and fairly evaluated. Even when a student makes

unpersuasive statements, the teacher tries to avoid rejecting his speech too strongly.

students at doing exercises in science, as they remember Math equations, Physics laws and Chemistry formulas. However, it is hard for Vietnamese to make a speech in public or to take on leadership in a team. Vietnamese culture does not let students be free in wearing clothes and showing their own opinions such as saying what they want. Therefore, they have to wear a uniform which is typical for each school. They conceive those tight regulations are intended to help the students understand the position and duty of a student. For this reason, many students feel this environment very hard to fit in, and they do not have freedom.

School rules in high school

High schools in the United States do not put so many strict rules for students because they do not want to tighten students freedom in studying. For example, most of high schools in America let their students choose any style outfit to wear and even do make-up when they go to school everyday.

Topic 7: Government and politics in the United States I. Introduction

The United States is a constitutional democracy, a type of government characterized by limitations on government power spelled out in a written constitution. Written in 1787, the U.S. Constitution is both the oldest and shortest written constitution in the world. It serves as the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution outlines a federal government with three separate branches: the legislative branch (Congress), the executive branch (the presidency), and the judicial branch (the courts). 1: A Suspicion of Strong Government The ideal of the free individual has had a profound effect on the way Americans view the government. Traditionally, there has been a deep suspicion that government is the natural enemy of freedom, even if it is elected by the people. The bigger and stronger the government becomes, the more dangerous most Americans believe it is to their individual freedom. This suspicion of strong government goes back to the men who led the American Revolution in 1776. These men believed that the government of Great Britain was determined to discourage the freedom and economic opportunities of the American

colonists by excessive taxes and other measures that would ultimately benefit the British aristocracy and monarchy. Thomas Paine, the famous revolutionary writer, expressed the view of other American revolutionists when he said, Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one. The Great Society era of confidence that government can solve all our problems is gone, probably forever, and 66 percent now say that people are more angry with the Federal Government than they used to be. In its place is widespread belief that government is not only not the solution to our problems, but is probably the cause of many of them. People of every race, age, education level, economic status, and political leanings think that what the government is doing is making their lives worse rather than better. Cynicism and disillusionment are the bywords. Nearly half of Americans believe it is "very likely" that our government is "withholding what they know about nerve gas or germ warfare attacks on American troops during the Persian Gulf War." The common denominator of all these poll results is government coverup; Americans just don't believe their government is honest. When observers were asked for their explanations for this depressing news, some said it is the legacy of Vietnam, Watergate, or Iran-Contra. Others blamed it on the fact that seven of Hollywood's ten highest-grossing films last year featured anti-government themes. . America is supposed to be a country with two parties, based on confrontation, advocacy, and energetic debate about real issues that people care about. Democracy isn't about getting along with the other branches or passing bills that the President is sure to sign. Unfortunately, the perception outside the Beltway is that the leaders of both parties lie to us and to each other, and that both parties fundamentally agree on all major issues while they go on TV talk shows to tilt with windmills about details. The Republican leadership squabbles are not problems of "message" or "communication" that a Dick Morris can fix. The Republican Congressional leadership's agenda is all wrong. Republicans' number-one goal should be to cut taxes across the board for all taxpayers based on a significant cut in federal spending mischief. 2: The organization of the American Government The government is divided into 3 braches: The legislative, the executive and the judicial branch. In the USA, the head of government (the President) share his powers with Congress and the Judiciary system which are independent on each other but the same time depend on each others decision to function correctly. The executive branch includes the President who has responsibility to carry out the law, the vice President and Executive Office of the President. The Supreme Court and lower national courts make up the judicial branch. The Judicial branch settles disputes about the exact meaning of the law through court cases. The legislative or lawmaking branch of the government is called the Congress. Congress has two houses: the Senate, with two Senators from each state regardless of its size, and the House of Representative, consisting of a total of 435 Representatives divided among the 50 states by population. (In the house, states with larger population have more representatives than state with small population, while in the Senate, each state has equal representatives).

If anyone of e branches starts to abuse its power, the other two may join together to stop it, through a system of checks and balances. The Constitution is most careful in balancing the power of the legislative and executive branches because these two are the most powerful of three branches. The President and both houses of the Congress have almost complete political independence from each other because they are all chosen in separate elections. It is quite possible in the American system to have the leader of one political party win the presidency while the other major political party wins most of the seats in Congress. However, the national government often seems to speak with two conflicting voices, that of President and that of Congress. If the president vetoes a legislative bill passed by Congress- that is, if he refuses to sign it the bill dies unless two-third of both The Houses and Senate vote to override the veto. On the other hand, a treaty with foreign government signed by president dies if the Senate refuses to ratify it. Although the American system of divided government power strikes many observers as inefficient and even disorganized, most Americans still believe in it strongly because it has been able to meet the challenges in the past and it gives strong protection to individual freedoms. II.3: The Ideal of the Free Individual In the late 1700s, most Americans expected the new national government created by the Constitution to leave them alone to pursue their individual goals. They believed that the central purpose of government was to create the conditions most favorable to the development of the free individual.. Before the Civil War of the 1860s, the American ideal of the free indidividual was the frontier settler and the small farmer. President Thomas Jefferson expressed this ideal when he said: those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God , if ever he had a chosen people Jefferson glorified farmers for being free individuals who relied on no one but themselves for their daily needs. He believed that farmers, being dependent on none but themselves, were the most honest of citizens. Throughout his life, Jefferson favored a small, weak form of Government, which he believed would encourage the development of a nation of free, self-reliant farmer citizens. From the end of the Civil War until the Great Depression of the 1930s., the successful business person replaced the farmer and the frontier settler as the ideal expression of the free individual. The prevailing view of Americans during this time was that government should not interfere in the activities of business.. If it were to do so, it would threaten the development of free individuals whose competitive spirit, self-reliance, and hard work were developing the US into a land of greater and greater material prosperity. Government, therefore, remained small and inactive in relation to the great size of the nation and the amount of power of business corporations. There were some government regulations over business during this period, but these had only a small impact on business practices. From the 1870s, until the 1930s, business organizations and ideas dominated American government and politics.. The Republican party, one of the nations two major political parties, provided the means for maintaining this dominance. The

Republicans were more successful than their rivals, the Democrats, in electing presidents and congressmen during this period, and the Republicans strongly supported government policies favorable to business. 4: The development of Big Government: The Welfare State 1. History of the welfare state in America. Traditionally, Republicans have favored letting businesses compete with little or no government regulation. On the other hand, Democrats have traditionally favored using government to regulate businesses and protect consumers and also to solve social problems. It was, Democratic president who presided over the creation of big government. The Great Depression of the 1930s greatly weakened the businesspersons position as the American ideal of the free individual, and big business lost respect. The severity of the Great Depression created new demands for government relief. After the stock market crash of 24 October 1929, millions of Americans lost their jobs and found themselves without adequate means of financial support. Between 1929 and the summer of 1932, the unemployment rate skyrocketed from 3.2 percent to 24.9 percent. In the face of this economic crisis, President Herbert Hoover stressed that relief for the needy should be the responsibility of private, local, and state relief agencies. Yet the need for assistance was staggering and could not be met by the institutions Americans had traditionally relied upon to provide public aid. In 1932, Congress established the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, which was authorized to lend $300 million in relief funds directly to the states. However, the true expansion of the American welfare system came during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, who took office in 1933. For the first time, the federal government committed itself to providing economic security for its citizens. By the end of the 1930s, the United States had become a world leader in social spending. Roosevelts New Deal grew into what became a permanent welfare state that provided payments for retired persons, government checks for the unemployed, support for families with dependent children and no father to provided income, health care for the poor and the elderly, and other benefits for needy persons. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) provided funds to the states for the needy, both in the form of direct cash grants and on a matching basis. For the most part, the funds were distributed by the states with federal supervision. Work projects to provide jobs to the unemployed were administered by FERA, as well as the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)both created in 1933. By February of 1934, FERA, the CWA, and the CCC combined reached 28 million people, 20 percent of the American population. Although the welfare state has continued to grow, it has never been fully accepted by many Americans. They fear that economic security provided by the Government will weaken self-reliance, an idea that is closely associated in the minds of Americans with individualism freedom. Many Americans believe that although the welfare state began with good intentions,it is now at best a necessary evil. At worst, it presents a danger to individual freedom by making an increasing number of Americans dependent on the government instead of on themselves. In this way, the strong traditions of individualism and self-reliance have made Americans less accepting of welfare programs than the citizens of other democracies such as those in Western Europe. Because welfare programs go against the basic value of self-reliance, many Americans believe that having no to go on welfare to meet daily needs is a personal embarrassment nad a mark of failure. Even people who have beenn supported by

welfare payments for much of thier lives complaint that the system is degrading and causes them to lose self-respect. Reforming the welfare system has become an important political issue for both the Republicans and the Democrats. In 1996, a welfare reform bill was passed. It placed limits on the number of years people can receive welfare payments. The welfare system in the United States has aslo been troubled by racial problems that began with black slavery before the Civil War of the 1860s and conitnued with racial segregation in the South in the 1960s. Although Americans blacks have made significant gains in the last thirty years, many are still unable to escape from poverty and unemployment. For this reason, a large number of people who receive welfare benefits are black Americans. Sadly, some of the old racial prejudices against black Americans have been transferred to welfare programs. 2. Eligibility Requirements for State Welfare Program Eligibility for a Welfare program depends on numerous factors. Eligibility is determined using gross and net income, size of the family, and any crisis situation such as medical emergencies, pregnancy, homelessness or unemployment. A case worker is assigned to those applying for aid. They will gather all the necessary information to determine the amount and type of benefits that an individual is eligible for. The Federal government provides assistance through TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). TANF is a grant given to each state to run their own welfare program. To help overcome the former problem of unemployment due to reliance on the welfare system, the TANF grant requires that all recipients of welfare aid must find work within two years of receiving aid, including single parents who are required to work at least 30 hours per week opposed to 35 or 55 required by two parent families. Failure to comply with work requirements could result in loss of benefits. 3. Types of Welfare Available The type and amount of aid available to individuals and dependent children varies from state to state. When the Federal Government gave control back to the states there was no longer one source and one set of requirements. Most states offer basic aid such as health care, food stamps, child care assistance, unemployment, cash aid, and housing assistance. 4. How to Apply for a Welfare Program To apply for a welfare program one must contact the local Human Service Department located in the government pages of the phone book. It may be listed as Human Services, Family Services or Adult and Family Services. An appointment is made with a case worker. The case worker will give a list of required documents needed at the appointment. Common documents asked for are proof of income, ID, and utility bills or other proof of residency. Once an appointment is completed a case worker will review all required documents, applications and information provided at the meeting. They will use this information to determine eligibility 5: The role of special interest group The great expansion of government programs since 1930s is only part due to the growth of welfare programs that help the poor and the needy. Practically all social and economic classes of Americans have seen the need to take advantage of, or to

protect themselves from the actions of government, especially the action of national government. To accomplish this, American with similar interests have formed specially group to more effectively influence the actions of government. Although lobbying group have existed throughout the nations history, they have grown significantly in both numbers and power in recent year. The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is an American non-profit lobbying group that advocates for the protection of the Second Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights, and the promotion of firearm ownership rights as well as marksmanship, firearm safety, and the protection of hunting and self-defense in the United States. The NRA sponsors firearm safety training courses, as well as marksmanship events featuring shooting skill and sports. According to a 1999 Fortune survey, lawmakers and congressional staffers considered NRA the most influential lobbying group. Its political activity is based on the principle that gun ownership is a civil liberty protected by the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights, and it calls itself the oldest continuously operating civil rights organization in the United States. According to its website, the NRA has 4.3 million members. Although few interest groups have been as successful as NRA, most well-organized interest group have achieve a large measure of success. By Organizing into groups that put pressure on government offices., people can get more rewards, avoid more government restrictions than if they try to do individuals In Washington, DC, lobbying usually targets congresspersons, although there have been efforts to influence executive agency officials as well as US Supreme Court appointments. It has been the subject of academic inquiry in various fields, including law, public policy, and economics. While the number of lobbyists in Washington is over 12,000 people, those with real clout number in the dozens, and a small group of firms handles much of lobbying in terms of expenditures. As an activity, lobbying takes time to learn, and requires skill and sensitivity, and depends on deft persuasion, and has much in common with generally non-political activities such as management consulting and public relations. Every body in American has lobby No single interest dominate governments and politics as business groups did before the Great Depression. Instead government and politics and based on reaching compromises with a large number of groups and pleasing ad many as possible. 6: The new individualism and the old individualism Interest group government can be seen as expressing a new form of American individualism. Unlike frontier individualism or business individualism, individuals do not claim to succeed on their own but rather by forming groups to influence the government. Although most Americans have benefits in some way from government-sponsored programs, many experts believe that interest group government is harmful to the US. They believe it places emphasis on peoples ability to influence the government rather than their ability to produce goods and services that enrich the society. The Democracy party emerged from the New Deal as the supporter of the idea thar government should not do more for all classes and all kinds of Americans. poorer and less-privileged Americans tended to support the Democracy party. Blacks

and other nonwhite minorities ( such as Hispanics ) are often underprivileged and have tended to vote for Democrats. Therefore, the Democratic party has traditionally been more racially and ethnically diverse than its political rival, the Republicans. The diversify was reflected when the Democrat Bill Clinton was elected president in 1992 after 12 years of Republican president. The Republican party was not changed by the New Deal as much as the Democrats were. The Republicans continued to stress anti-government and pro-business ideas much as they has before the Great Depression. Republicans argued that Democrats gave too much attention to the complaints of womens rights groups and racial and ethnic minority groups. Many observers have questioned whether the traditional stances of either party truly serve the needs of the country. Comparision of government and politics between America and Vietnam America Party The two major parties in America are the Democratic and Vietnam Vietnam is a single-party state or only one

Republican political party, the Communist Party of Vietnam is legally allowed to hold effective

parties. Legislative branch Called the Congress which

is The National Assembly (Vietnamese: Quoc

responsible for making the federal hoi) is a unicameral legislative body. It is laws. Congress consists of two houses: the highest representative organ and the the Senate and the House of highest state organ. The National Assembly is the only organ vested with constitutional and legislative powers

Representatives.

Executive branch

The Executive power lies with the The President and Vice President is chief President of the United States who is of state, elected to a five-year term by given the job of executing, enforcing, the National Assembly. The Government is and administering the laws and the executive arm of the National government. Assembly and the highest administrative The President is both the chief of state body of the Vietnamese state. It is headed and the head of government. The Vice by the prime minister, and consists of President is also part of the Executive deputy prime ministers, ministers and other Branch, ready to assume the members. Presidency should the need arise.

Elections

Elections occur in the United States at Vietnam elects on national level a head of all levels including local, state, and state - the president - and a legislature. federal. The President is in office for four The president is elected for a five year term years. The candidate who gets elected by the parliament. More than 99% of all is the one who gets the highest number candidates were selected by Communist

of votes in their respective state.

Party and most of them were from their own party.

Election is implemented per 4 years.

Election is implemented per 5 years. or People's Councils term is up, the new National Assembly shall be elected; Election Day is set to be a Sunday.

Election day is the Tuesday after the Two months before the National Assembly first Monday in November.

Judiciary

The judicial power of the United States The Vietnamese judicial system is based is vested in the Supreme Court and the upon Socialist legality. The highest court to federal courts. Their job is to interpret appeal in Vietnam is the Supreme peoples and apply US laws through cases Court of Vietnam. Also there are the brought before them. provincial small municipal courts to look after the provincial matters.

Topic 8: Americans value at the crossroad I.The American war in Vietnam and Watergate scandal 1-The American war in Vietnam 1.1- Historical events The other major event in the 1960s was the American involvement in Vietnam. At first, the United States supported South Vietnam with only money and military advisers. The number of advisers in Vietnam jumped from 800 to nearly 17,000 during the early 1960s while John F. Kennedy was U.S. president. After Kennedys death, President Johnson vastly increased the number of American troops in Vietnam. For example, in 1961 South Vietnam signed a military and economic aid treaty with the United States leading to the arrival (1961) of U.S. support troops and the formation (1962) of the U.S. Military Assistance Command. In early 1965, the United States began air raids on North Vietnam and on Communistcontrolled areas in the South. By 1966, the struggle in Vietnam became a major American war with about 190,000 U.S. troops in South Vietnam. And by 1968, the US had half a million troops in this country. Finally, in 1975 North Vietnam conquered South Vietnam. Most Americans had been brought up believing that the United States had never lost the war. However, this was the first time it had happened. The reason that the United States entered the war in Vietnam was to stop the spread of Communism (domino theory) in Southeast Asia. American leaders feared that Communist forces would gain control of Vietnam and then it would be spread

throughout the Asia. Another reason was that after France left Vietnam the US felt they needed to take matters into their own hands. So, what was the American attitude to American involvement in Vietnam? Firstly, American at home thought it was the good idea to stop Communism. They supported this action. As time went on and more and more American soldiers got killed in Vietnam, American people changed their attitudes about the war. There was a stronger opposition to Vietnam War than to any previous. Anti-war protests spread out throughout the country. Americans believed that Vietnam was a place they didnt belong in. So far, many Americans and soldiers have felt ashamed of involving war in Vietnam. And they are trying to find the ways to offset their guilty to Vietnamese victims. II.3.1.2- The attitude toward the war of Vietnam and United state So, what was the American attitude to American involvement in Vietnam? Firstly, American at home thought it was the good idea to stop Communism. They supported this action. As time went on and more and more American soldiers got killed in Vietnam, American people changed their attitudes about the war. There was a stronger opposition to Vietnam War than to any previous time. Anti-war protests spread out throughout the country. Americans believed that Vietnam was a place they didnt belong in. So far, many Americans and soldiers have felt ashamed of involving war in Vietnam. And they are trying to find the ways to offset their guilty to Vietnamese victims. How is Vietnamese peoples attitude toward American involvement in this country? Of course, all of Vietnamese people consistently protest American involvement in Viet Nam. They accepted to sacrifice their lives to protect their country from the dominance of America in particular and the rivals who want to dominate Viet Nam in general. And this was one of the reasons why Vietnam could win America. II.3.1.3- The consequences of the war in Vietnam and United State The consequences of the war are very strong, both in Vietnam and the United State. As for America, they had to pay high price for involvement in Viet Nam in terms of money, human life and spirit. Firstly, the United State spends too much money on the war in Viet Nam. 1968 alone, U.S. cost for involvement in Viet Nam was up to $ 100 million per day, 10 times than the money they spent on poverty in America. An American people, Tom Ryden, estimated that the final expenditure spent in the war in Viet Nam was about $ 676 billion. Another economist Steven estimated this expenditure was about $ 925 billion).In addition, there were far more American soldiers who died the war in Vietnam. For example, from mid-1961 to 1974, a total of 57,259 Americans died in Vietnam; among which 8,000 blacks and 37,000 (64%) under the age of 21. Besides, there were more wounded Americans during the war. Whats more, Americans had to suffer from obsession because of the war they caused for Vietnamese people. Until now, they have been in guilty of their actions. In facts, its hard for searchers to calculate exactly the loss that American suffered in the war with Viet Nam.

What about Viet Nam? Like the United State, Viet Nam had a big loss in the war against America. Viet Nam also had to spend more money in the war against the U.S. There were many Vietnamese people died as well as wounded in the war. The consequences have been extended up to now. It is the sequela of Agent Orange that American scattered in Viet Nam. In addition, more and more facilities, houses, roads, schools had been destroyed because of bombs. In summary, Viet Nam has suffered from many looses that the United State caused to Viet Nam in the war. II.The Watergate scandal The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s as a result of the June 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the water gate office in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement. The affair began with the arrest of five men for breaking and entering into the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate complex on June 17, 1972. In the process of investigating, the FBI found that President Nixon had a tape-recording system in his offices and he had recorded many conversations. Recordings from these tapes implicated the president, revealing he had attempted to cover up the break-in. Eventually, a Senate investigation revealed the truth and Nixon was forced to resign. The scandal eventually led to the resignation of Richard Nixon, the President of the United States, on August 9, 1974, the only resignation of a U.S. President. The scandal also resulted in the indictment, trial, conviction and incarceration of 43 people, including dozens of Nixon's top administration officials. Prior to Watergate scandal, everyone in America believed that politicians truly have the people's best interest in mind. There was never any question as to why politicians do what they do, or how they do it. Basically everyone trusted the government. After Watergate, Americans began to realize that politicians can be corrupt. This realization leads to a higher demand from the public to know more of what politicians are doing "behind the closed doors." For this reason, everyone could always know where the president is at all times. The failure of the Vietnam War effort and the resignation of the President Nixon in disgrace made many Americans pessimistic about the country. Furthermore, in the late 1970s, there was an economic recession and oil crisis. For the first time since the depression of the 1930s, average Americans faced the possibility that their future standard of living might actually go down, instead of up. In 1973, President Jimmy Carter observed: the erosion of our confidence in the future threatening to destroy the social and political fabric of Americathe symptoms of this crisis of the American spirit are all around us. This is the message Americans not want to hear. In 1980 American elected Ronald Reagan president. Owner of Reagans basic beliefs was that the U.S should turn as much as possible to its pre 1930s when business institutions were strong and government institutions were weak. He believed that there was no reason why Americans could not have the same opportunity in the 1980s to get rich, the US could be as wealthy and strong as it ever had been in the past His belief and effort has influence in the US economic improvement: the Americans economic had the great expansion from 1945 to 1965; the largest tax cut in American history by $2.6 trillion dollars; the debt has most tripled in less than a

decade. The 1980s was the decade when there was the longest economic growth ever, inflation and interest rates dropped, more than 19 million new jobs were created; the US went from the largest money lender to the biggest borrower on earth. III. The need for new national Values As the 21st century begins, a number of leaders in politics, edu and other professions believe that the United States must adopt some new values to go along with the older traditional ones. 1- The Conservation of natural resources Americans should learn to use less and waste less. But conservation has never been a strong value to them, who have believed that their country offered an endless, abundant supply of natural resources. Until late in the nineteenth century the resources of America were commonly regarded as inexhaustible. Some of them were considered an obstruction to the countrys development. Over very large areas of the country the forests were regarded as an enemy to be destroyed and burned. Indeed at the present time, this is locally true. Americans were support to be illimitable. Any man might have a farm for the asking. It was held, and indeed is held by many at this time, that the countrys mineral resources will last through the indefinite future, and therefore that t hey may be drawn upon advantageously as rapidly as possible In 1909, the National Conservation Association was established, and then the great movement for the conservation of the natural resources of United States may be said to have been fairly launched. Already a large number of the more intelligent people of the country are beginning to understand its importance, beginning to understand that upon conservations rests the possibility of a numerous and well nourished population in the country Recently, progress has been made more and more Americans are recycling their paper, cans, bottles, and other goods- but old wasteful habits die hard. Furthermore, the need to protect the environment conflict with the need for jobs in the Northwest, where conservationists battle lumper companies that want to cut down ancient redwood trees. A belief in the value of conservation is still weak compared with other America values, It can become stronger only as Americans see the need for it more clearly .2- National Cooperation. Americans may need to place a stronger value on cooperation on a national scale to achieve important national objectives. The American idea of the national good has never been based on national cooperation but rather on the freedom of the individual, maintaining those conditions that provide the greatest freedom and prosperity for the individual. It is far more difficult for Americans to accept shared sacrifice for the common good and well- being of the entire country. For examples, although the majority of Americans believe that it is extremely important to balance the national target and reduce the deficit, they do not want to see cuts in government programs that benefit them personally

The American value of competition also hinders the development of a spirit national cooperation. Competition sometimes encourages feelings of suspicion rather than the mutual trust that is necessary for successful national cooperation. Although Americans often cooperate successfully on the local level in neighborhood groups and churches. A request by the national government for shared sacrifice may be seen as coercive and destructive rather than voluntary and constructive. However, the demands of the 21st century may compel Americans to place a greater value on national cooperation to solve problems that affect them all, directly or indirectly. IV.The United State: The first Universal Nation? One of other challenges that the United States faces is the absorption of a new way of immigrants that begins in the mid1970s. As a result of Viet Nam War and events that followed, large numbers of refugees from South East Asia came to the United States in the 1970 and 1980. In the 1980 and 1990s, there were a large number of immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribean, some seeking political freedom, other looking for jobs and economic well- being. As a result of geographic location of the United State and immigrant policies favoring family reunification these populations have been growing more rapidly than those coming from other part of the world. Sometimes nations reach a saturation point where they cannot take more people from other countries and still function well. From time to time, the United States has chosen to limit the number of immigrants it permits. They can no longer absorb millions of new immigrants when the United States may reach again the saturation point of the number of immigrants. On the other hand, many recognize that immigrants bring new life and energy to the United States. These immigrants may be an important source of youth a vitality for the nation. Perhaps most importantly, the diversity of ideas and culture in the United States may be one of the great sources of strength as it moves in to 21 st century. Ben Waterberg, an expert in American culture, believes that the United States has an advantage because it is becoming a microsm of the world- it may be the first universal nation- where people from every race, religion, culture and ethnic background live together in freedom, government. However, it is not admired in many parts of the world. American movies, television and videotapes are often thought to have too much sex, violence, and loud music. Foreign observers note the high divorce rate, the level of violent crime and other negative facts of American life. However, the American people and their value have reached another historic crossroad. How American respond to these changes is a question that can be answered only as events of the 21st century unfold.

I.

Comparisons with Vietnam

Items

American

Vietnam

Factors affect history

The U.S, goes through different - Traditional legend with Lac Long Quan &

political and economic phases that have a Au Co symbolizes the importance of uniting strong effect on the mood of the people. the two main geographic and cultural areas of

They are faithful to the concept of Viet Nam -- the mountains (representing the individualism, freedom and self-reliance. north) and lowlands (representing the south) in forming one united country. - Being under the control of so many different entities for centuries has certainly affected the Americans always consider they are nation as a whole.

No.1 and their country has most power.

The population of Vietnam has diversity, with 54 ethnic

The U.S has always had a racially considerable

and ethically diverse population. Sometimes nationalities, including Kinh people, Tay-Thai these people get along well together and Group, Khmer, Hmong, and the Cham and sometimes they do not etc.

Americans have traditionally had a strong distrust of their government but they have also had a strong faith in its design. The framework of political system was designed to protect the freedom and the individual rights of the citizens. Over a period of 200 years, they

Vietnamese people have a strong trust

of their government with a single-party. The political system was establish to serve peoples benefits Vietnam has made a number of changes to its constitution, laws, and practical policies in the area of human rights since the Doi Moi, or the economic reform in 1986. Vietnam also has a Declaration of Independence

have amended the constitution 26 times.

The rights of free speech and the existence The Vietnamese Constitution states that of a free press are allowed, even related to citizens have right to freedom of speech and

abortion or sexual preference. They strongly publication in accordance with law. These believe in their ability to invent creative rights solutions to all problems. are shown through the rapid

development, diverse forms and rich content of the mass media.

There

is

long

tradition

of -

Vietnamese values are based on

isolationism.

collectivism or allegiance to the family that responsibilities, rights and

They are skeptical about international believe

economic alliances, more interested in what commitments of a group or a family is more is happening close to home than what is important than their own individual desires happening in the rest of the world. They family value and concept of respect. want to know how to events, national or international, will affect them personally.

Challenges to values

20th There was mass immigration from southern In northern Vietnam, a drought and eastern European countries, at times as coupled with pests caused the winter-spring century In many as a million per year- 1 percent of the harvest of 1944 to decrease by 20%. After that total population. Then this number was there was a flood during the harvest season, lower. About a third of immigrants did not causing the crisis to occur. find the better life they were seeking The Vietnamese Famine of although industry was growing and many 1945 occurred in northern Vietnam from manufacturing jobs were given to new October 1944 to May 1945, during the immigrants. Japanese occupation of French Great depression seriously affected Indochina in World War II. Between 400,000 economy and even population with the and 2 million people are estimated to have baby boom. starved to death during this time. Besides, The Cold War with the Soviet the illiteracy rate was 95% . Union was full swing, leading to fears of a nuclear holocaust and the communist takeover of the world. From 1965 to 1972.Thousands of US troops arrived equipped with heavy weapons

Two problems in 1950s, 1960s that and tanks and backed by the most powerful attacks and use of chemical weapons

America had to deal with are poverty and bombers of the time B52s. The wide spread segregation.

About one-forth of the population lived in destroyed many villages and decimated poverty. There was a legal segregation with jungles. Civilians died in large numbers. the black in the South, especially in education. The 1960s are most often as a decade of violence and unrest (popular leaders were assassinated) Now The absorption of a new wave of Vietnam is regularly ranked among

immigrants makes the population to grow the most corrupt countries in Asia. In 2011 more rapidly. Sometimes the nation reached Transparency International ranked Vietnam a saturation point. There are two sides, one 116th out of 178 countries by its corruption affects economic-social situation, one bring perception index. This may cause a great new life and energy into the U.S. damage to property of the State, community and citizens; obstacles in the development process; effects on ethical standards; negative influence on civil servants; and a decrease in the peoples trust in the State.

Much of American culture is not For many decades, Vietnamese admired in many parts of the world culture is highly appreciated , it has seen a Movies, TV programs, and videotapes are greater re-exposure to Asian, European and often thought to have too much sex, American culture and media. violence, and loud music. Some elements generally considered to be There is a high divorce rates, the level of characteristic of Vietnamese culture violent crime. include ancestor veneration, respect for community and family values, handicrafts The for Need Conservation has never been a Vietnamese people made

New strong value to Americans, who have conservation efforts early. believed that their country offered an endless, resources. abundant supply of natural

National values

In 1891, Congress passed the Forest Reserve Act. Since then, conservation Efforts to protect natural habitats began in movement was noticed, with the leading of 1962 with the creation of Vietnam's first President Roosevelt. However, American national park at Cuc Phuong. Then there were

conservation movement did have difficulties Decree on Forest Protection in 1972, Decision when in the early 1900s, the conservation No. 194/CT of the Council of the Ministers in movement in America was split into small 1986, to establish a system of special-use groups. forests covering 87 protected forest areas; laws for forest protection in 1991 and for A greater value should be placed on the conservation of natural resources environment protection in 1994 People also have reasonable exploitation policies for other resources like oil, coal,

Recently, progress has been made with bauxite recycling but old wasteful habits die hard. Now, conservation of natural resources is still essential. Vietnamese Americans idea is mainly based on characteristic has a good traditional However,

reunification.

the freedom of individual and it is far more

sometimes, it becomes co bng attitude or

difficult for them to accept shared sacrifice herd behavior, which hinders the development for the common good and well-being of the of an organization entire country Americans need to place a stronger on co-operation on a national scale to achieve important national objectives It is very important to give ones own

ideas and dare to act.