Introduction
The concept of the ideal community envisioned by John Winthrop, founded on mutual assistance, collaboration, and shared values, is far from the modern-day reality of social hierarchies and status-seeking in America. Despite an increasing sense of isolation and a desire for community among Americans, the pursuit of wealth and power frequently precedes the desire for community and social connectedness. Following the increased individualism in America comes the question of whether Winthrop’s ideal of a Christian community in which differences are accepted as “divinely ordained” can be realized in contemporary American culture. The persistence of social status and hierarchies in modern-day America undermines the possibility of realizing Winthrop’s ideal community as a goal for the current American Dream, considering his argument of ‘divinely ordained’ holds no traction in contemporary American culture.
How Social Status and Hierarchies Undermines Winthrop’s Ideal Community
Notably, Winthrop’s idea of a community held together by religious bonds has long been recognized as a symbol of the American Dream. Winthrop believed that establishing a godly society was critical to carrying out God’s plan for humanity and that the community should be founded on biblical principles. He argued that community members should work together to build a moral and virtuous society marked by mutual support and collaboration, commonality, and a commitment to demonstrating their faith through their actions. Established in 1630 in a sermon, “A Model of Cristian Charity,” the idea of a Puritan society was adopted as the model for the American dream (Winthrop, 2013). Regardless of cultural or historical context, the desire for community and social connection is likely a universal human need. Therefore, Winthrop’s idea of a Christian community was initially appreciated and accepted as a symbol of the American dream during the 17th century.
Winthrop’s idea of communitarianism based on religious values was supported and perceived as a symbol of the American dream for various reasons. First, Winthrop’s idea represented the hopes and values of the early Puritans, who sought to establish a society based on religious principles and morality. The concept of a “model” community in which individuals collaborated for the common good resonated with the ideals of self-government and individual responsibility central to the American Revolution (Winthrop, 2013). Finally, the idea of a “model” community in Winthrop’s idea served as a beacon of American exceptionalism, hope, and freedom. However, over time, the potential to meet the American dream has dwindled, influenced by social status and hierarchies.
Social status and hierarchies frequently overshadow the desire for community and social connectedness. Bush & Bush (2015) describe that many people associate the American Dream with the pursuit of wealth and power, which leads to feelings of isolation and disconnection. As Americans focus on individual achievement and success, the emphasis on mutual support and cooperation has declined. Individualism undermines the sense of community and cooperation paramount to Winthrop’s vision of a Christian community. Therefore, the surge in social status and hierarchies in American society has created division and competition rather than fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
Social status and hierarchies, based on factors such as wealth, education, and occupation, create tension between individualism and communitarianism. Social status and hierarchy differences are frequently viewed as a source of division and conflict in modern America. Following the rapid pace of technological and social change, an increased emphasis on individualism and self-reliance has resulted in a fragmented and atomized society. Thanks to technology, people are more connected than ever, but they are also becoming more isolated as traditional social networks and community structures crumble. Therefore, the concepts of social status and hierarchies in the contemporary US promote individualism, suppressing Winthrop’s idea of communitarianism.
Capitalism, as an economic system, is founded on the principles of individual liberty and self-interest, which can lead to an emphasis on individual success and achievement. Capitalistic values lead to individualism, which influences reduced emphasis on communitarian values and a diminished sense of collective responsibility. As a cultural concept, the American Dream emphasizes individual success and achievement, reinforcing that one’s financial and personal success is largely determined by one’s efforts and choices (Cullen, 2003). Hence, considering the American dream aligns with the individualistic values of capitalism, it may overlook the role of communitarianism, which is essential in determining one’s success and opportunities.
Winthrop’s Ideal of Divinely Ordained Have No Purchase in Today’s American Culture
In today’s American culture, Winthrop’s argument about accepting and “divinely ordained” differences has little traction. This concept, which was used to justify the treatment of Native Americans and enslaved Africans as inferior beings in the 17th century, is now widely regarded as racist and contrary to the principles of equality and human rights (Bush & Bush, 2015). Today, there is a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea that all people are equal and deserve the same opportunities and rights, regardless of race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. Prejudice and discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics are widely condemned in contemporary America. However, although the current cultural climate promotes the acceptance of differences while upholding diversity and inclusivity, there are still remnants of discrimination based on gender, sexual preference, and race.
Notably, Racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination propagated by the idea of divinely ordained could undermine the principles of communitarianism by dividing and treating people differently based on their race, gender, or other characteristics in today’s America. Discrimination creates a hostile environment for marginalized groups in the US, which in turn falters the community’s ability to work together towards a common goal (Cullen, 2003). Furthermore, these forms of discrimination keep people from fully realizing the American Dream, which is often defined as the opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, regardless of one’s background. Racism, sexism, and discrimination limit people’s access to opportunities and resources, making it difficult for them to reach their potential and achieve their dreams. The various forms of discrimination within communities hinder communitarianism by treating some people unfairly because of their race, gender, or other characteristics.
Moreover, political polarization has made society more hostile and divided, making it more difficult for people to find common ground and connect on the idea of the divinely ordained. As each side becomes increasingly entrenched in their own positions and less likely to listen to or understand the other side, the polarizing dynamic has harmed Americans’ ability to come together and work for the common good (Bush & Bush, 2015). The heightened sense of division and mistrust among individuals influenced by political polarization could hinder Winthrop’s idea of accepting difference and “divinely ordained.” by making it increasingly difficult for people to come together and work towards the common good, political polarization could potentially hinder Winthrop’s idea of accepting difference and being “divinely ordained
Conclusion
Ultimately, the tension between individualism and communitarianism, as well as the issue of difference and diversity, prevent us from seriously considering Winthrop’s ideal of a Christian community as a goal for our current American Dream. Despite these difficulties, the desire for community and social connectedness remains a universal human need, and the concept of communitarianism remains relevant in contemporary American culture. However, Winthrop’s argument has no currency in contemporary American culture, but it holds potential for the achievement of the American dream.
References
Bush, M. E., & Bush, R. (2015). Tensions in the American Dream: Rhetoric, reverie, or reality. Temple University Press.
Cullen, J. (2003). The American dream: A short history of an idea that shaped a nation. Oxford University Press.
Winthrop, J. (2013). From a Model of Christian Charity. In Writing New England (pp. 3–11). Harvard University Press.