Stefany Alicea

ELA 11
Paul Healy
An analysis of the American Spirit and Chris McCandless
Red, white and blue dancing across the sky. The decorative pieces that we
believe represent our country hanging from our neck, wrist and hands. The
Fourth of July is the image that comes to mind when the words American Spirit
are heard. The traits that embody what the American Spirit range from
optimism, perseverance, freedom, to a strong work ethic and moving forward
with pride. These characteristics have an underlying theme of moving ahead
and ending up better than when you started.
There is a stereotypical group of people who people have agreed embody
the American Spirit. It seems that in the book, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer,
where the author goes on to discover what events occurs prior to the passing of
the young college graduate: Chris McCandless, this is not the stereotypical
embodiment of the American Spirit. Chris, who always struggled to fit in, felt the
need to go on a life fulfilling adventure to Alaska. He left his parent, whom had
emotionally scarred him for most of his childhood, without a word, disposed of
all his belonging, and hitchhiked to Alaska. He met many people who fell in love
with his spirit, but his ambition blinded him and he died while trying to live of
the land.
There are two overpowering feelings towards Chris; many think that he
was an arrogant teenager who got himself killed by overestimating himself,
while others admire Chris for following his dream. This debate spills over to

whether Chris embodies the American Spirit or if hes just another person who
puts shame to the title. Yes, Chris does embody the American Spirit due to its
ambiguity. The purpose of this paper is to set a new way of thinking about the
American Spirit and who can embody it. The characteristics that are said to
make up the American spirit are nothing more that characteristics shared
throughout the world.
To begin thinking critically about the American Spirit, we must begin by
thinking about what shapes ones values and characteristics. To get a clear sense
of why humans share common characteristics, such as optimism, perseverance,
and innovation, it is imperative to talk about education and how it shapes ones
value. Childhood is an important time where any values valued by a society are
passed on to the following generation.
As it turns out, the major factors that influence ones characteristics and
values are: education and upbringing. There are multiple studies, like the one
done by Desni Yuniarni in Character Education in Early Childhood, where it
shows the importance of school in shaping an individual's characteristics.
Yuniarni mentions that the optimism and perseverance are universal
characteristics, able to be expressed by all children. To enhance these
characteristics in young students, the authors suggest they be incorporated into
a school curriculum. School is an important place to teach young students to be
able to distinguish from right and wrong, and care enough to choose right. In
each and every society, there is education, whether through a structural
building or at home, that shapes the future generations and perpetuates the
prior ideals and beliefs.

Given that an education about values is ever-present in every culture,

society and community, it is simple to conclude that there are shared
characteristics that are the foundation of a childs life. Different cultures
prioritize different values; the values and characteristics, such as respect and
perseverance, are incorporated as part of that cultures tradition. These
characteristics are taught and reinforced by parents or guardians. Optimism and
perseverance were focused on in this article helping to solidify the claim that
these are shared by children throughout the world.

Although everyone is connected by their upbringing, it is still argued that

the different values and characteristics that are prioritized in varying cultures,
make it seem as though theyre large differences in between cultures. It is often
thought that our cultures and religions act as barriers that separates and
distinguish our beliefs. It is important to take pride in our differences, but also
take notice about the similarities that are present.
Cultures seem to distinguish us from others, it creates a whole different
basis of need and structure; just like different religions there are differences in
the following base and the people. But just like religion, there is cogivmmon
ground between cultures and it lies simply on the human need to be in a society.
In the empirical article Culture and Organization by Geert Hofstede, through his
observation of human behavior, he is able to determine that humans display
certain characteristics that are rewarded by the society. For example, in America

and about every other country in the world, having perseverance and a strong
work ethic are rewarded, so therefore they are common characteristics between
people. Hofstede believes that "because our values are programmed early in our
lives, they are non-rational (Hofstede 20). They are not rational because we do
not often question ourselves on our beliefs, we simply act. He argues that the
reason humans have a distinct pattern or choose certain choices is because in
the center is a system of societal norms, consisting of the value systems
(mental programs), [are values and characteristics] shared by most of the
population (Hofstede 24). These societal norms determine what and how
individuals act or choose. Since the societal norms in many countries
incorporates a strong work ethic, the ability to be able to persevere and be
optimistic in all situations, it is easy to conclude that cultures doesnt exclude
these characteristics but embraces them. The reason these characteristics have
not left or have been the norm for such a long period of time is because the
societal structures reward these behaviors and characteristics. The simple
matter here is that these characteristics and values are the norm because
theyre beneficial to the individual as well as the society.

Body 3:
Given the fact that characteristics just as perseverance and optimism are
present in the lives of most, if not all, humans, it is bizarre to give them a name
and say they are only present in one country. Of course, it seems that this is the
case when talking about the American Spirit. This labeling of such universal
traits makes it easier to exclude other countries and individuals, because it

sounds so unnatural to say a phrase such as An Individual born and raised in

China embodies the American Spirit.
The characteristics that embody the American Spirit are nothing more
than universal characteristics present in other cultures and societies. Granting
ownership to one country, by saying the American Spirit, creates a new way of
thinking and excludes a large portion of the world. The studies that have been
previously mentioned prove that these characteristics are universal, thus giving
one country ownership over them seems unrealistic. These characteristics that
embody the American Spirit have been general for numerous years which makes
them universal. In A Short List of Universal Moral Values by Richard T. Kinner et
al, it is described that A value only [becomes] Universal when it becomes so
abstract or general as to be essentially meaningless (21). It seems that this is
the case with characteristics such as optimism and perseverance. They are so
common that it is hard to find examples of people who have not acted on them.
This leads to the next point: that the society is whom formulates what
characteristics are favorable. Darwin argues that human conformity arises from
... the desire for approval and sympathy (Kinner et al,7). Individuals who study
behavioral science have found that people will act in the manner that is most
beneficial (Hofsteed). This directly correlates with religion, because there are
negative consequences to doing what is wrong or not favored by the society. It
seems that in all religions there is an overlying themes of what is right and
wrong. In the studies done by Richard T. Kinner et al, in A Short list of Universal
Morals and Values, they explain the ever present sins were theft, murder,
dishonesty, and hypocrisy while the favorable and rewarded traits were

justice, compassion, and forgiveness [which] were universal (8). Thus all the
characteristics that embody the American Spirit are nothing more than
characteristics that are rewarded by the society, and therefore are practiced
more often.
Human characteristics cannot be confined to one country or event; even if
they were being represented in such events and countries it doesnt give that
country ownership over them. In every country in the world there have been
people who expressed optimism, perseverance and the ability to move forward
with pride. America is not the only, and saying the American Spirit basically
say that America is the only country with citizens that represent these
characteristics; but in fact its not the only one. The evidence that have provided
proves that these characteristics are universal, thus giving one country
ownership over them seems unrealistic and unfair.

Body 4:
It is important to shift the focus and talk about individuals who embody
the American Spirit. Giving examples of people who are not the stereotypical
embodiment of the American Spirit is important. Opening up this title to
unorthodox individuals opens up the perspective that these characteristics are
not for one type of person.
Now to reiterate back to the points made about the book Into the Wild, by
Jon Krakauer, and the point about the main character: Chris McCandless;
needless to say Chris does embody the American Spirit. He was a young man

looking to get ahead and live his version of a fulfilled life. His work ethic was
ideal. In the book it was described when Chris worked in a wheat mill, that he
would take all the undesirable jobs. Furthermore, when he was hired at a
McDonalds, the manager had no complains about him because he did his job as
he was instructed. The few jobs that Chris had that were described in the book,
portray him as an individual who took pride in his work and made sure he did
the best he could; this is just another way in which he represented the American
Spirit, through his determination to be the best employee he could be.
On the other hand, Chris portrayed his perseverance to live the life he
wanted and his optimism, despite the fact that his family had tried to confine
him to one path, is what makes him stand out. He traveled in ultimate
freedom (Krakauer 163) when he hitchhiked through America on his journey to
Alaska. He put his goals first, and wouldnt let anything stand in the way. Even
when he was offered in extension to work at a wheat mill with Westernberg, a
friend whom Chris made along the way, he refused because it would delay his
trip. Westerberg offered to fly Chris, but Chris was never one for shortcuts,
stating flying would be cheating(Krakauer 67). Chris took focus of his goal, and
with an optimistic attitude he did all he could to make it to Alaska.
Chris understood the importance of sticking with his plans and goals and
wouldnt let anything come in between them. Chris meets all the characteristics
simply because of their general definitions; and even though he embodies many
of them simple due to his extremist lifestyle. He is free from any burdens,
persevered to get to that stage in his life, was optimistic he would get there, and
most importantly worked hard to make it a reality. Anyone brought up in a

society that values these characteristics will be able to represent them. Chris
was brought up in a family that ended up better than how they started,
financially which is what many people believe is the American dream. He
learned from his parents to go after his dream and he did. Chris was resourceful
and in his trip, he managed to express and embody the characteristics that
embody the American Spirit.

Counterargument:
Freedom, optimism and perseverance are specific characteristics that
were recognized to embody the American spirit. These characteristics may be
universal, but they were market by the United States to promote a new way of
life. The society itself is so dependent on the characteristics that it is essential
for them to be grouped together by the United States. These characteristics
being named as the American Spirit dont take anything away from other
groups. Other groups can claim these characteristics without taking anything
away from themselves or America.
Everything, excluding a select few things in our world, is prone to be
disagreed upon. These characteristic may be shared between groups of people,
but it is subjective if anyone truly embodies them. Optimism and perseverance
can be portrayed in certain events, but it is difficult to say that someone
embodies them. An individual can be honest, but what does it take for them to
embody honesty? To continue, Freedom is an action, how would it be possible for
a human to embody freedom? Are there requirements that distinguish anyone

who does or doesnt embody a simple trait or characteristic? These questions

must be answered before we can simply say that an individual is the tangible
form of a characteristic. Thus it is possible for people to believe that Chris isnt
the embodiment of the American Spirit, just an individual that portrayed these
traits in some circumstance.
Counter-Counter Argument:
Wanting ownership over universally accepted characteristics just
embodied the American spirit. Ignoring the fact that taking ownership over
something that isnt ours [Americans] and justifying it by is the underlining
principle of our system, or simply saying that its okay to take, is wrong. The
human desire to want to have ownership is a broad bridge to greed. It may seem
as thus this argument is exaggerating the situation, but it is obvious that when
there comes a separation of people, it is easy to distinguish us from them.
To restate the example given previously: An individual born and raised in China
does embody the American Spirit. This statement gives off an uncomfortable
feeling because Americans are not used to the association of American with
anyone from another country. This is why its harmful for the American Spirit to
be named as it is.
This creation of a group seen as others and therefore detached from
us is what was used to justify the taking of the land of the Native Americans to
taking of the lives of African Americans. America seems to think that her
decisions are justified just due to an event. Saying its okay for America to claim
ownership over characteristics seems foolish. The point that seems to be missed

is how harmful this distinction of groups really is. Saying that other communities
just market their own spirit falls right back to the mentality that groups of
people must own to be seen as credible. Stating its okay for America to market
universal characteristics is wrong in itself, but the flawed mindset it perpetuates
is another reason as to why it is harmful.
are different in the sense that we have ownership of our actions and
decisions, not because we have different decisions to make. People choose
what they want to be like, with guidance from their society. Due to the fact that
America relies so heavily on the characteristics, it is easy to assume that many
citizen would have to embody, or represent these characteristics to be
successful. The reason successful is in quotations is because its subjective;
people have different definition of the word. Thus Chris is easily a candidate for
someone who embodies the American Spirit. In the end, he pursued his dream
and reached his goal of going to Alaska. Its flawed to think that someone
cannot be multiple things and experience growth throughout their lives. People
can embody any action or characteristic that they let shape their lives and that
is what Chris did. Since these characteristics are so ambiguous, it is safe to
assume that Chris, does in fact embodies all the characteristics and practiced
them throughout his journey to Alaska.

Conclusion:
This paper has proved that the characteristics and traits that are said to
embody the American Spirit are nothing more than universal traits. The basis

of these values is created in a childrens childhood. It is shaped by the

education, from a structural form such as a school, to the rigid education that is
exercised at home. These characteristics are developed due to the strong
emphasis societies puts on them; traits such as optimism and perseverance are
rewarded because they help the society get ahead. In the prior paragraphs,
evidence of how these characteristics are developed in early childhood and
education, in every community, solidify the statement that these are universal
characteristics.
The fact of the manner, is that these characteristic are broad and thus
anyone can embody them or fit the requirements to. Chris McCandless, for
example, embodies the American Spirit due to the fact that he worked hard to
create a life which he felt was fulfilling. The path he took to get there is not the
norm, and consequently many people find his choices undesirable; they cannot
fathom the thought of him being the embodiment of the American spirit. Those
who argue that Chris doesnt embody the American Spirit simply have not
thought about what the American Spirit actually is. They are arguing on the
basis that the American Spirit can only be represented by one type of individual.
This is a flawed way of thinking because it immediately eliminated groups of
people who do not fit the norm. This paper brings forth a new way of thinking,
one that rejects the norm and offers a place where there are multiple groups of
people who meet the criteria to embody the American Spirit.
This paper proved that it is unjust for the America to seem as the owners,
or the creators even, of the traits. Opening up the conversation to include other
countries and viewpoints would be more beneficial than to decide whether one

individual person embodies such broad characteristics. Furthermore, the

argument here isnt necessarily whether Chris McCandless embodies the
American spirit, but whether it can justified that America claimed ownership of
such universal characteristics. From our childhoods and beyond, we are
connected by the need to better ourselves. Perseverance and optimism are
universal characteristic and should be treated as such. In this paper, countless
empirical articles were referenced to prove that it is not morally correct for own
country to exclude other countries with the opportunity to embody and identify
as these characteristics. In conclusion, the American Spirit, in itself, can be
embodied by anyone, including the unorthodox individual who is Chris
McCandless.

Works Cited
Hofstede, Geert. Culture and Organization. N.p.: M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 1980/1981. PDF.
Kinnier, Richard T., Jerry L. Kernes, and Therese M. Dautheribes. A Short List of
Universal Values. N.p.: Counseling and Values, Oct. 2000. PDF.
Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild. New York: Anchor Books, 1997. Print.
Schwartz, Shalom H. N.p.: The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues,
1994. PDF.
Yuniarni, Desni. Character Education in Early Childhood. N.p.: Jurnal Visi Ilmu
Pendidikan, n.d. PDF.