4
D. Benefits of the Study
This study gives some advantages to both the readers and the thesis writer. This study is expected to enrich the readers’ knowledge of values in a culture,
especially those in American culture. Furthermore, through this study, hopefully the readers may obtain wisdom about values of their cultures so that they will have a
broad point of view about various values that exist in a culture. In addition, the study will facilitate the readers in comprehending the novel Tuesdays with Morrie.
As for advantages for the thesis writer, this study enriches the thesis writer’s
knowledge about the culture in American society and its values. Furthermore, this study improves the critical thinking of the thesis writer about different views of
values in a culture.
E. Definition of Terms
There are some terms that need to be clarified to avoid possible misunderstanding. These terms are as follow:
1. Culture
The term culture is defined by many anthropologists. The first anthropology who defines culture is E.B. Tylor. Tylor, as quoted by Miller 129, defines culture as
something totally complex in which there are knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, any other capabilities and habits. These complexities are obtained by a man
as a member of a society.
Another definition of culture is proposed by another anthropologist, named Leslie A. White. White quoted in Merrill defines culture as a composition of four
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
5 phenomena. The first phenomenon is acts which constitute patterns of behavior. The
second phenomenon is objects which contain tools and things made with tools. The third phenomenon is ideas in which belief and knowledge are included. The last
phenomenon is called sentiments which contain attitudes and values 129. Both of the definitions of culture are in accordance with this study.
2. View
According to Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition © P2009 Microsoft Corporation. 2009 http:encarta.msn.comdictionary_1861734
112view.html, view is somebody’s opinion or judgment on something. In addition,
it can also be defined as a personal belief or attitude about a situation or a subject http:www.macmillandictionary.comdictionarybritishview. In this study, the term
personal view refers to Morrie’s personal opinion, belief, and attitude about
something, namely about American values.
3. Values
Values as a part of a culture have various meanings. According to Stewart 16-20, values are almost the same as assumptions. Assumptions are the reason of
people’s actions. Meanwhile, values more direct to “oughtness” in behavior. Both values and assumptions
may be used to describe people’s behavior in a cultural environment. Different cultures may happen because of different assumptions which
the people share. Another description of values is conveyed by Ficther 293-294. He says that values exist in everything which is useful, admirable, and which makes
people want to possess it. Based on the two definitions of values proposed, the definition stated by
Fichter 293-294 is used. Thus, values in this study mean someone’s assumptions of
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
6 something that may have different standards which are considered useful, admirable,
and make himher want to possess it.
4. American Culture
Kategori