US 250th anniversary sparks debate on cultural influence and values

The Washington Post marked the United States’ 250th anniversary by identifying five works that have shaped American culture, ranging from the national anthem and the film "Birth of a Nation" to Mickey Mouse and Jackson Pollock’s "Number 1A, 1948". The selection highlighted how each piece contributed to the nation’s identity, while also noting controversies such as the overt racism in Griffith’s film.

In a separate essay, Jordan Peterson used the same anniversary to argue that America’s celebration of success, competition and individual achievement sets it apart. He contrasted this with Ecuador, where merit is often conflated with corruption and criminality, leading to a crisis of values and a distorted admiration of illicit success. The commentary underscores how US cultural narratives influence perceptions of merit and ambition across the Americas.