What are modern myths in American culture?

Question

The ancient greeks knew to be respectful to strangers because there were stories of Zeus punishing those who did not. What are some myths in today that affect our society.

One example i thought of was the "adonis myth". The people of our society think that we should all have "adonis bodies". This can be seen almost everywhere. Barbie dolls are super slim and G.I Joes are super buff. What are other examples of this myth?

Answer 1

Any urban legend or campfire story. They are all pieces of warnings. For instance, don't pick up random hitch-hikers, don't go off by yourself in the woods, don't runaway from home, etc. Myths and legends are primarily teaching devices; strive to be like the hero, but beware the villains. A lot of modern (80's to present) song lyrics are also warnings (here is what happens when you do drugs, end up in the wrong part of town, etc). Truly, almost every part of our culture from the books we read, to the films we watch can be defined as a myth.

Answer 2

well my parents always told me and my friends when we were younger to stay away from the hills at night because the dreaded claw would come and hang me and my friends by hooks. pretty much turned it into a family tradition now. every year atleast once we go up the hill at night as a family to "sacrifice" someone. everyone comes back. its just good old fun like have someone stay behind at the houses and then have a group go up there and have someone mysteriously dissapear. the person at the house would be "the dreaded claw"  

Answer 3

Of your Adonis myth look no further than magazine covers that use models that themselves are still not perfect enough and require airbrush and photoshopping.

Bedrock of America is the American Dream.  If you work hard enough, you can achieve your dreams.  The gap between the richest and poorest in industrialized nations has continually gotten worse not better.  Making the American Dream a myth sadly.

Answer 4

--The myth of the "celebrity" as someone better, richer, and more interesting than we ordinary folks. There are television shows that are about nothing but that, and they have overwhelmed television with their ubiquity.

--The myths of politicians, who tell of their heroic soldiers' deeds, yet do little to end the war that put these heroes in harm's way. The myth of the "War on Terrorism" as being a good fight against faceless hordes of evil adversaries, lumped together under the name "terrorist".

--The myths of advertisers, who proclaim the virtues of their product as being able to improve your life. Drink their beer, and bikini-clad women will find you attractive. Use their diet products--it's easier than anyone else's hard way. Buy their soft drink, and be one of the cool people. Buy this shoe, drink this energy drink, and you'll be better at whatever sport you're doing.

There are modern myths everywhere, and people are just as receptive to them as we have been throughout human history.

Answer 5

the biggest myth id that the g o v e r n m e n t is here to help.

Answer 6

Sam Walton is the Anti-Christ

Answer 7

Religion, and that steroids are OMFGBBQ BAD!

Answer 8

Bigfoot, Ufo,s Locheness Monster,  I dont know. Thats it.