Depending upon whom you ask, American culture is either on an upward swing or a downward spiral. While the reality of this dichotomy is much more complicated than that, this brief essay asks you to address both a beneficial and detrimental element of American culture.

Assignment

For this essay, identify one element of American culture that you just can’t stand—one you think will spell the end of anything good about American society. You might choose Facebook, Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke, McDonald’s, #hashtags—the list is almost endless. Write about why this particular cultural element is so distressing to you.

Additionally, write the opposite: identify one element of American culture that makes you proud—one that you feel represents the best of American society, and why this particular cultural element is so appealing to you.