In Matthew Hutson's New York Times article, he makes the argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritans who originally founded the United States still permeate our culture today. What do you think? Do you believe his argument, and if so, why? If not, why not?
Be sure to adhere to the rubric as you respond. This is your last blog posting of the semester; make it count.
Due date: Monday, December 17, 2012 by 8 am. No exceptions.
In Matthew Huston’s article "Still Puritan After All These Years" he makes the argument that values and beliefs of the Puritans is still apart of United States, I believe this is true because we as Americans are not going to just forget what we have learned. We as an Americans learned that working hard, living by the golden rule, and having patriotism is the standard for living in America. The reason for all this is because we had to set standards to differentiate between civilized people and barbarians. The values and beliefs of the Puritans back then are the American standards now.
ReplyDeleteyeah yeah yeah..nah for real doe. Good job homie.
Delete
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's article "Still Puritan After All These Years" he makes the argument that Americans attitudes are still influenced by Puritan beliefs. I believe that the idea Matthew has about Puritan beliefs influencing our society is somewhat true. In our society today there are a lot values that seemed to be based off Puritan beliefs. The Golden Rule,good work ethics, and no sex before marraige are all values that most Americans follow today that seem to be based of the Puritan way. Matthew writes "Whatever these Americans expicitly believed (or didn't believe) about God, something like Puritan values seemed to be guiding their moral judgments."; he is suggesting that Puritan values are guiding their decisions, but he is not coming out and actually saying it. I believe the values of puritans still do permeate some aspects of American life.
-Cole
I agree that the values and beliefs of the Puritans still reside in our culture today because as Matthew stated, we still follow by the same values they did. In our society it can be seen that as a whole the nation believes that from working hard, we receive something good in return. Also the golden rule can be seen in our society as people mostly think of the decisions they make before they make them. Independence is another thing we adopted from the Puritans because they came here of their own free will to be independent from Britain and to start a new life. In the article an experiment is even conducted to observe these values displayed in our nation and the results turned out to be that American's share the qualities of the Puritans.
ReplyDeleteThis is Damian
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Huston’s New York Times article exemplifies an argument based upon whether our culture follows the beliefs that founded the United States of America. I agree with the argument, because as Americans we cherish our quality life. I believe that our life on earth is only a holding place until our time comes. I can remember my parents telling me that in order for me to make something of myself I first must obtain an education. An education is one of the many values and beliefs that Americans seem to cherish the most. The Puritans values and beliefs are not different than our own. Money, property, family, and work ethics are values I think Americans cherish as well. I know that no one is exactly the same, and that every family is constructed different than my own, but what the Puritans found value in is what we, Americans, find value in also. Teaching and enforcing these values are how generations to come are going to be familiar with what our day and age find most important.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Hutson’s argument in “Still Puritan After All These Years” is that Americans still hold onto to some of the same values that the Puritan founders valued. I believe that this is somewhat true. My reasoning for that is because Puritans in the early 17th century valued religion heavily. Today in America people value religion but the difference between now and then is that now people aren’t forced to live by the Bible. In the 17th century people lived their lives according to the Bible, and now people hardly ever go to church or even pick up the Bible. On aspect that hasn’t changed from the 17th century to now is the value people put on education. The values put on education were set in place to improve society as a whole and now in present day that value still rings true. I do believe his argument because Americans do still value some of the same aspects of society as our Puritan founders did. Many of the values we have today mirror the values of those in the 17th century.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Hutson’s New York Times article makes an argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritan is still in the soil of the United States culture. I believe we do still go by the guide lines of the Puritans culture because we still do hold some values and beliefs of the Puritans. We, United States, does believe that if we work hard and live right to the best of are abilities we will be reward in the long run, which is a belief of the Puritan. I think that we have be taught or brought up with certain values and belief and we can’t just change what we have been taught. The American heritage does seem to circulating around work, sex, and morality. In the Puritan time, they believed that education is the key to success and we, Us, still believe in the say idea. We have values and moral of the Puritans, but we don’t live our life by every moral and value they had. I think that we have a standard of living that resembles the Puritan’s moral status and belief.
ReplyDeletePuritan Blog Post
ReplyDeleteI believe that some of the Puritan beliefs are evident in America today. Some of the beliefs and values like, not having sex before marriage, the American dream and etc, still permeate our culture because, like the Puritans back then we all strive for a better life. Though we still hold some of the Puritan beliefs we have evolved from their culture in many ways. For one Americans now are more accepting to homosexuality then back in the 17th century where you could get hung or pressed for acting in “devilish” ways. Children are free to be themselves, back then kids where to be seen not heard around adults and had to follow the bible.
In Matthew Hutson’s New York Times article, he makes an argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritans still spread throughout our culture today. I think this is true in certain cases, but not in every way. For instance, education was very valuable to the Puritans. In today’s society, education is still very important. In both time periods, education led to economic success. On the contrary, religion is one of the beliefs that aren’t widely spread among the United States today. Honoring God used to be a mandatory act of one’s daily life, but now some people aren’t even able to quote a single bible verse. Many Americans do not attend church, and several people do not believe in having a religion. Moreover, they live by inspirational quotes that are man-made. Therefore, I do not completely believe his argument, because not all of the Puritans values and beliefs are still in our culture today.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that Matthew Hutson’s argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritans who originally founded the United States still permeate our culture today. I think that Americans much like the puritans have a sense of prudishness. I know that some people seem to judge and look down upon certain groups that don’t exactly fit into society or satisfy the norms. Sometimes people don’t realize it, but when a homosexual person walks in front of them, they will pay more attention to them than if any other person were to pass by. In the New York Times article, we read that Americans share the prudishness of the Puritans by students judging promiscuous women more harshly than British students. Does this sound similar? In addition, we also share the same values. We believe that working hard and being benevolent will take us very far. Some Americans feel that if they are giving, then they will receive a lot in return. Also, today, many people’s goal is to reach success. They feel that if they succeed then they will be at the top. This is very much like the Puritan belief. In the article, we see that today’s working habits are much like the Puritans’ work ethic. We both believe that success is a path to salvation. These Puritan values and beliefs are engrained into our society, and we will continue to live with them.
ReplyDeleteIn the New York Times article, “Still Puritans After All These Years” written by Matthew Huston makes an argument about the values and beliefs are still embedded in America. Well, I somewhat agree because Americans still follow by some of the beliefs of education and religion. However, the Puritans believed heavily in education, the same as America because most Americans have that mind set of reaching the American Dream. America have the same belief as the Puritans did, that whatever they work for it will be granted into them based on their hard work. But we still have children dropping out of school, simply because they don’t want to succeed I mean not saying they never had dreams of succeeding, but they don’t apply themselves to strive for it. I believe if the older generation spoke heavily of culture values such as education and religion then the Puritans values and beliefs would stand out more. As far as religion, the Puritans had strong beliefs and values on this part of their culture. As for in America people follow by the beliefs and values of religion, but not as strongly as they did back then. Religion isn’t even talked about in the school house now, which tells me that religion isn’t the main topic as it was with the Puritans. Also with the world being so chaotic, it seems as if we may have less people praying and following the will of God.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think the views discussed in Matthew Hutson's argument between the correlation of Puritan views and American Standards are somewhat true. On one hand, the customs of the Puritans laid a foundation towards the morals of the future American people. I mean it's a parallel society. Committing a "sin" in the Puritan society would probably beget ostracization, excommunication, or possibly even death. People who commit sins in the modern American society, who probably be ostracized, excommunicated, or possibly put to death. Sounds familiar? As much as the U.S attempts to distance itself from it's humble beginnings, the U.S. can't help but carry a little baggage along the way. Furthermore, the Puritan way of life gave us the value that makes America the most, the value of hard work. On the other hand, there are a lot of values that we don't value anymore. The importance of the church and value of God, has been taught less and less as time has went by. The strict and wrathful parenting style of the Puritans has also been frowned on from time to time. America has a lot of values; many of which came from a number of other cultures and races. Ultimately, it seems modern Americans owe a bit to their Puritan ancestors; however, America not every Puritan value resonates through to modern America.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's article "Still Puritan After All These Years" he make an completely true argument. Americans are still influenced by Puritan beliefs. We still teach children even today the "Golden Rule" and Religion how our Puritan ancestors have done many years before. We as Americans don't usually forgot what we learn we take it and do something great with it such as having a good work ethic, putting all of our faith in God and having patriotism for our country. We would not have learned these beliefs if it wasn't for the Puritans.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Puritan's values have continued to remain in today's culture. Like the Puritans, Americans value education; although, our reasons for wanting obtaining education are different. Americans want to be successful. Like the Puritan's society, many our laws and governments policies were shaped by religion. For example, some states forbid abortions because some senators believe that a child's conception is a gift from God or something of that nature. The American Dream is also similar to Puritans beliefs. The American Dream states that through hard work people can advance their position in society(though I'm starting believe that less and less on a daily basis).
ReplyDeleteIn his article "Still Puritan After All These Years," Matthew Hutson makes some good points about the way Americans today are still influenced by the Puritan values that the original settlers of America lived by when they first came here. Hutson wrote about a finding that proved that when Protestants are reminded of work, they are less sensitive to the emotions of those around them. I can relate to this because when I'm doing homework or working on something important, I tune people out more and don't listen as closely to their problems. Also, Hutson wrote about a study in which Americans were found to be more harsh when judging "promiscuous" women than British people. I know a lot of people who criticize people like Paris Hilton and Snooki extremely harshly because they are known to be quite promiscuous. I think these beliefs can ultimately be traced back to the Puritans who first came to this country.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's article he makes an argument that the values and beliefs of Purtians is in the american culture today. I agree with his argument because like the purtians we vaule education. In america it is required to have an education to have a job even if it is at a fast food place. The puritans also believed that if we work for something, we will be rewarded in the end and americans believed that too. If we work for something in life, there is usually some kind of reward in the end. For example, if we work for a career in sociology and finish school for it, in the end the reward for it will be a successful life and making good money by doing something you love.
ReplyDeleteIn the article “Still Puritan After All These Years” Matthew Huston makes the argument that Americans in today’s society still maintain some of the same values and beliefs that the Puritans valued. I believe this argument is absolutely true. Americans still believed what the United States was founded on and this isn’t just going to change overnight. We as Americans still believe in freedom of religion, the “American Dream”, working for what we have in life, and education. When the Puritans were around they lived by the Bible to the tee. In today’s world we have the freedom of religion which means Americans have the choice in what they may believe in whether it maybe God or something else. American’s still value education the same as the Puritans because with an education comes power which can be very influential. When individuals are educated they are given the opportunities to better their lives and communities. Personally my parents have always pushed me to do my very best in school and this just proves that Americans still cherish education. I agree with Matthew Huston and his points he made within the article. Even though all the values that the Puritans when by aren’t exactly the same the foundation of the same values are definitely still around today.
ReplyDeleteWhy would Matthew Hudson claim us to still be Puritan – in this age, why would we be?
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hudson’s article “Still Puritan After All These Years,” Hudson claims that we, Americans, still have a connection to our Puritan ancestors – meaning that we still behave as they do. In my belief and reasoning, when looking at societal values, I do not believe so. Mainly because we have integrated with other cultures so much that we, as a whole, cannot be much like our puritan ancestors. Hudson states, “They found that American students judged promiscuous women more harshly than British students did.” By this example, and mainly from what I have seen, especially in the South, promiscuous women are more accepted today than they were in the Puritan age. Although they are not fully accepted yet, the attitudes which the Puritans had do not reflect in the lives of those in our society. At that time, promiscuous women were shunned, and, of course, hated by society. Now a days we see very little of this; therefore, counter arguing Hudson’s claim. Also, one professor, David D. Hall, whose opinion is also stated in the article states, ”The direct lines are few;” Hall blatantly, tells us that our connections with our ancestors are very few. That means there are not many, and if there are not many then the similarities are slim. Although Hudson throws a well developed pitch, he’s argument ceases to contain a backbone. Sociologically, society is much different from its Puritan ancestors, especially now that we have immigrants from all over the world, migrating and becoming Americans. An example would be teenagers of today. When examining young behavior one can see that Christianity lies within the few. One may “call” them self a Christian, but true Christianity reflects back in actions. During the Puritan age, if you say you were a Christian, you were expected to show it. Today, that has drastically changed. Hudson clearly does not have an argument – Puritan coding may be in our blood, but it no longer rests in our mind.
In Matthew Huton’s New York Times article, he argues that the values and beliefs of the Puritans still permeate in our culture today. In my opinion, I strongly agree with his argument that in United States the Puritan’s values and beliefs still exist. Americans have continued to pass on the beliefs and values to each of the upcoming generations. So, the Americans in present-day are familiar with the American values and cherishes them. Some of the American values are our Natural Rights, money, work ethic, property, education, success and our family. Our beliefs as Americans are the culture traditions and the American Dream. So relating to the article, the American values and beliefs are similar to the Puritans. For example, in the article it states, “Whatever these Americans explicitly believed (or didn’t believe) about God, something like Puritans values seemed to be guiding their moral judgment” thus with this quote it demonstrates that both Americans and Puritans value the same. In addition, in the article it says, “Martin Luther and John Calvin argued that work was a calling from God. They also believed in predestination and viewed success as a sign of salvation. This led to belief in success as a path to salvation; hard work and good deeds would bring rewards, in life and after” and by this it can be concluded that this is part of the American Dream where Americans would have the chance to succeed. I remember when my mom would tell me that I should cherish having the American life because I have more opportunities here due to the American Dream. She would tell me to take advantage of it because she didn’t have many opportunities; therefore, that’s why we moved here in the first place. For that reason, she wanted the family to have a better life, a better education, a better chance of opportunities, and a better chance of being successful in America. Overall, I agree with Matthew Huton’s New York Times article because America still upholds some of the same values and beliefs as the Puritans.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hudson’s NY Times article, he argues that the values and beliefs of the Puritans still permeate our culture today; I agree with his argument. I agree with Matthew Hudson’s argument because our culture is still admires hard-work and self-sufficient just as the Puritans who originally founded the U.S. did. As Hudson states in the article, “hard work and good deeds would bring rewards”; I definitely think this is reflective of both the Puritans’ belief and the today’s culture. For example, the Puritans who founded this country worked hard and diligently for the U.S. to be the reward of a prosperous and successful nation we are now. Consequently, the American people have adopted these rules and used them as guidelines and no matter how much of a crisis American people may be in, we find a way to work our way out of it alone and preferably without the help of our neighboring country. Whenever America is suffering with catastrophe, such as Hurricane Katrina and/or the 911 Terrorist Attack, we stand strong and remain patriotic as a country. We work hard for what we earn and we embrace our ability to progress on our own.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Huston’s article titled, "Still Puritan After All These Years" he makes the argument that values and beliefs of the Puritans are still apart of the United States today; I do believe this statement to some degree. My reasoning behind this is the value of working hard or hard work had decreased in the values of some of the younger generations today. Some teenager are given every thing they ask for (super sweet 16's, new cars, phones,etc.). Unlike them I have to work hard for everything I have; even if it seems like I have it all don't be fooled. Yes, I do have a car but the money I make at my job goes to gas and the car payment every month. Yes I have an iPhone but I also have to pay that phone bill, or else I won't have a phone. Though the values of hard work are hardly valued, the values of religion, politics, and education are stronger than ever. Between 2008 to 2014, the opinions and concerns of who should be the president of the United States has been one controversial debate. Also, because taxes are being cut so harshly and holding a job is more crucial, education has been one of the main things people have left to fall back on. My family doesn't pressure me about going to school after I graduate high school, but they know that the only way I can be successful in life and financially stable is to further my education and begin a career that interests me. Overall, I can partially agree that America still holds the same values and beliefs as the Puritans did.
ReplyDeleten Matthew Hutson's New York Times article, he makes the argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritans who originally founded the United States still permeate our culture today, I agree with this argument. He explains to us about how Puritans worked hard to receive success which then led them to salvation. This is seen in America almost every day. Everyone works for something better than what they have. For example, immigrants from all over the world come to America and work their butts off to live the dream life just as the Puritans did. Hard work is the only way. Another point that Hutson made was the morals that most Americans possess. I agree that most of us share the morals and values as the Puritans. We believe in doing what's right, even if it is for someone else. We are always willing to lend anything if it is benefiting our neighbor. Also, we look down upon illegal activities that corrupt society. We as Americans share the same values and beliefs towards what is right or wrong even if we are christian, Muslim, or neutral. Our country is based off of the the beliefs and characteristics that we adopted from our puritan ancestors and we will continue to progress into a society that works harder and maintains our traditions so that we will never forget where we came from.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's New York Times article, he firmly argues that the beliefs and values that Puritans brought over to the US are still influencing us today. I have to agree that the Puritans beliefs and values do still influence us because we have some of the same goals. We work hard for everything we want and for anything in life, also we have similar morals. For instance, most Americans believe in having a non corrupt government and follow most laws that keep people from doing anything crazy because its something we, as Americans, believe in. Our Puritan ancestors brought these beliefs over seas circa 400 years ago, and yet they still linger around the country. All in all, the Puritans really has affected the values and beliefs of all Americans.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Huston’s article "Still Puritan After All These Years" he states that the values and beliefs of Puritans who originally founded the United States still pervade throughout our culture. After reviewing American values, I’ve come to agree with Matthew Huston. My reasoning for agreeing with Matthew Hudson is because the Puritans who originally founded America valued success like many Americans do today for the same reasons. Matthew Hudson even states that Puritans “belief in success as a path to salvation: hard work and good deed would bring rewards, in life and after.” Americans today value success for the same reasons as Matthew described in the previous quote. Also, much like Americans value religion, Puritans did so as well. Although Americans have different beliefs when it comes to religion, they value their religion just like Puritans. Americans and Puritans both are very strong minded and serious about their beliefs and religion. Needless to say, I think that we as Americans have beliefs that are very similar to the Puritans because they set the standards for what it meant to become or be an American or live the American dream as time passed. The values of Puritans who originally founded the United States still pervade this country because it’s all we as Americans know growing up in America!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's New York Times article "Still Puritan After All These Years", he makes the argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritans who originally founded the United States still permeate our culture today. I somewhat agree wih Hutson. I believe his argument is true. Most people say money make the world go around and thats true because the Puritans view of success and the key to success is still the same. We work for everything we want, need and earn in this world. Also, we are scared of change unless its making money. For example, when Obama was elected president people was against him because he was trying to save money and help the poor and when he is helping and spending money on the poor people become selfish and think that he is wasting money. Yet, when he pass the act that give women equal pay as men, people, mostly women join him because they dont have to work as hard to the same amount of money. I agree that there are many values and beliefs that we still carry on that the Puritans influenced on our culture today.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson’s article, “Still Puritans After All These Years” he makes the argument that America still holds on to some of those values and beliefs that first came from the Puritans. I do somewhat agree, it’s easier to keep going with what you have learned from the beginning of time so that’s what America has done. From the educational values, wealth, religion, and labor; the views are somewhat different on these values now. Some people don’t value education as much because they end up dropping out, some don’t value religion as much they go from one to another searching for one they think may fit them and their ideas. Many still believe in working hard to get what you deserve and have achieved, and this helps them strive to achieve the American Dream for them and their family. Religion is a value that has always been around and had strong and steady beliefs and mostly consisted and based their culture on it. It has changed for different people because many want to start new cultures and all this has changed the views of other Americans.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew's article, "Still Puritans After All these Years" he makes a claim about the value and beliefs are continued throughout America. This can be agreed with because Americans take education into consideration, just as the Puritans. I agee with Matthew because many people strive to obtain what they want in life. Americans had the same beliefs Puritans did and they both agreed with the importance of education.Americans aren't going to dismissed or forget about what was learned previously(Puritans. Americans are going to remember everything that counts.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's "Still Putitan After All These Years," I think we still have values and beliefs of the Puritan way, because we as Americans have a specific standard of living. We all live by certain rules, becuase how we were raised. These ideas all came from the Puritan time period. Take religion for exapmle, we all, well most, have some type of religion that they follow. Some are more strict about it then others, but we still follow the same rules that were being followed in the 17th century when it came to how we must act according to our specific beliefs. I think the same for the education view point. Everyone in Amnerica takes education seriously. Only wanting to improve people's education, the American veiews and beliefs are the same as the Puritans. even in the 17th century, the Purtians were intrigued in making the education system stronger; I believe that Americans are still working hard to better our education system as we speak.
ReplyDeleteIn Matthew Hutson's New York Times article, “Still Puritan After All These Years”, Hutson makes the argument that the values and beliefs of the Puritans who originally founded the United States still permeate our culture today. I find this to be true, many Puritan beliefs and values are in fact seen and fill out culture today. I agree with Huston, because as children, myself included we grow up being taught things just as the Puritans were taught such as the “golden rules”. Another example would be the teaching of believing in a higher being to achieve have live on the “path to salvation”, as mentioned in Hutson’s article. I don’t think that many people, including myself realize that we do live very similarly to the Puritans until brought to our attention, and Hutson makes it evident in his article. I believe Hutson is conveying, morally whether known or unknown, we are morally raised with the “Puritan thoughts” already embedded in our culture, which is why I agree with his article
ReplyDelete