Cultural Influences on Love
Damon Arsiniega
8/25/10
Eng. 125 91086
Dr. Brown
AMERICAN CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON LOVE
Thesis: American culture influences our view of love because of traditional values for love, individual freedom, and the mass media that shapes our thoughts and actions. I. American culture influences love because of the traditional values society views as norms. We become accustomed to the beliefs and ideas that society values. A) Society defines love as an unconditional or deep affection for someone or something. We often hear that love should be true and when you love someone you should be committed to them. But when is love ever true and committing? That is why American tradition values marriage; the supposed full-term commitment of love and care. B) Sexual intercourse between partners is usually considered as love. Sex is valued as a freedom, and anyone could participate in sexual relationships. Even when someone isn’t married or together, our American tradition views it as a natural incident. I believe love could just be caring deeply for someone and supporting them. Though someone once told me that love doesn’t exist; it’s just a made-up choice! C) Transition: Consequently, people can catch sexually transmitted diseases and the false assumption that sex is love, and can destroy a persons life. That assumption is usually obtained from the mass media. II. American culture also influences love by mass media. America is known for its mind-shaping media which includes television, newspapers, music/radio stations, and especially the internet. A) It is a fact that the American society has always been influenced by the mainstream media. We see or hear opinions and facts on TV or radio that others have broadcasted. Most people give information that is most likely based on unfounded assumptions or unreasonable views. Love is a topic that is controversial in terms of how we should go about it. B) The media has portrayed love in many
8/25/10
Eng. 125 91086
Dr. Brown
AMERICAN CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON LOVE
Thesis: American culture influences our view of love because of traditional values for love, individual freedom, and the mass media that shapes our thoughts and actions. I. American culture influences love because of the traditional values society views as norms. We become accustomed to the beliefs and ideas that society values. A) Society defines love as an unconditional or deep affection for someone or something. We often hear that love should be true and when you love someone you should be committed to them. But when is love ever true and committing? That is why American tradition values marriage; the supposed full-term commitment of love and care. B) Sexual intercourse between partners is usually considered as love. Sex is valued as a freedom, and anyone could participate in sexual relationships. Even when someone isn’t married or together, our American tradition views it as a natural incident. I believe love could just be caring deeply for someone and supporting them. Though someone once told me that love doesn’t exist; it’s just a made-up choice! C) Transition: Consequently, people can catch sexually transmitted diseases and the false assumption that sex is love, and can destroy a persons life. That assumption is usually obtained from the mass media. II. American culture also influences love by mass media. America is known for its mind-shaping media which includes television, newspapers, music/radio stations, and especially the internet. A) It is a fact that the American society has always been influenced by the mainstream media. We see or hear opinions and facts on TV or radio that others have broadcasted. Most people give information that is most likely based on unfounded assumptions or unreasonable views. Love is a topic that is controversial in terms of how we should go about it. B) The media has portrayed love in many