If You Were Part Of A Focus Group Participant

if You Were Part Of A Focus Group Participat

Hello Class and Professor. If you were part of a focus group participating in a research project to determine the top ten core values in the American society today, what contributions would you offer (list at least three). Note that your list of three need not be yours personally.

Some contributions that I would offer include values that have been around for a long time. For example, freedom of speech, individualism, equality, life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, justice, etc.

I believe these values are some of the top core values in our society because they are commonly used as reasons to fight a court battle. People in our society believe strongly in their individual rights and won't hesitate to protect those rights against anyone who challenges them. In your opinion, which American business firm should be included in the top ten of those most attuned with American core values? In my opinion, I would say Google is one of the top ten businesses most attuned with American core values. I say this because Google is focused on the individual user (individualism), they provide perhaps the most used tool for allowing freedom of speech (You Tube), they certainly focus on society’s pursuit of happiness by allowing people to search for and look up anything they might want or need, and they believe in equality of each user because they rely on the votes of millions of users to identify what works best for their online tools, as well as determining what information is deemed most important.

Google also provides employment to a lot of people which allows them to pursue life, and anything else they may wish. In my opinion, Google represents what the American dream is. They represent capitalism, which in my opinion, is what drives our economy and our way of life. In our textbook, chapter four, figure 4.2 shows Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. This can help us determine why we value the things that we do.

Basically, what things are most important to us. I say this because knowing what is important to us can help us determine what things we must value in order to meet those needs. For example, if we didn't have a need for safety, self-actualization, or ego, then would we really value life, liberty, or equality? I think the answer is no. That is, we value life, liberty, and equality because these values help meet our basic needs.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of core values in American society reveals a complex web of principles that underpin the national identity and cultural fabric. Among these, freedom of speech, individualism, and equality stand out as cardinal virtues that have historically guided societal debates, policymaking, and civil rights movements. In a focus group tasked with identifying the top ten core values, contributions should encompass these enduring principles, which symbolize the aspirational standards and collective conscience of Americans.

Freedom of speech, enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, exemplifies the fundamental right to express opinions without censorship or restraint. This value underpins the democratic ethos, fostering open dialogue, contestation, and the exchange of ideas crucial for societal progress. Its protection reflects societal commitment to individual autonomy and free expression, even amid contentious or unpopular viewpoints.

Individualism emphasizes the importance of personal independence and self-reliance. It champions the notion that individuals should have the liberty to pursue their own goals, lifestyles, and beliefs. This value manifests through cultural practices that reward entrepreneurial spirit, personal accountability, and the recognition of individual rights. It has been instrumental in shaping the American Dream, fostering innovation, and supporting social mobility.

Equality, another central pillar, signifies the belief that all individuals should have equal rights and opportunities regardless of race, gender, or social background. Its historical significance is reflected in the Civil Rights Movement, women's suffrage, and ongoing efforts toward social justice. Equality underscores the moral foundation of fairness and justice, shaping policies and societal attitudes aimed at reducing disparities and promoting inclusivity.

In addition to societal core values, certain American businesses epitomize these principles and serve as cultural ambassadors. Among them, Google emerges as a prime example of a corporation aligned with American ideals. Google's focus on individual users demonstrates its commitment to individualism by providing tailored, accessible services that empower personal choice and expression.

Moreover, Google facilitates freedom of speech through platforms like YouTube, which enables content creation and dissemination across diverse viewpoints. The company’s emphasis on user ratings and community feedback fosters a sense of equality among users, granting everyone a voice and influence on the platform’s content standards. By offering widespread employment opportunities, Google contributes to societal pursuits of life and economic prosperity, embodying the American Dream and capitalism in action.

Understanding why certain values resonate universally involves examining Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which elucidates the motivational factors influencing human behavior. According to Maslow, basic needs such as safety, physiological requirements, and social belonging underpin higher-level pursuits like self-actualization and esteem. Values like life, liberty, and equality serve as tools to fulfill these fundamental needs, providing stability and fairness necessary for individual development.

In conclusion, the core values of freedom of speech, individualism, and equality encapsulate pivotal aspects of American identity. These principles are reflected not only in societal movements but also in corporate practices that seek to uphold and promote them. Recognizing their significance aids in comprehending how cultural ideals influence behaviors, policies, and economic systems, ultimately shaping the ongoing narrative of American society.

References

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