In the current political environment, the question “What does it mean to be an American” is one that really caused me to think and reflect deeply. And while some are vowing to “Make America Great Again”, I think there are already a number of things that already make America great and make me proud to be an American. Early on, our founding fathers suggested through the Constitution that at its core, what it meant to be American was simply “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” That’s a fairly simplistic notion and the focus of my essay explores whether this literal interpretation can still apply in today’s more complex society or whether being an American requires more than that. As I try to answer this question myself, I began first by trying to inventory the things I appreciate most about America. I quickly determined that the things I cherish most might be quite different than my other classmates, friends, and possibly my own family and that’s when I realized that the discretion to express your own ideas and to think …show more content…
I have listed several things that are important to me including freedom of speech, embracing diversity, appreciating America’s natural beauty, and the fundamentals of equal opportunity. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather just some of the ideals most important to me as I think about what it means to be an American. It’s likely a list that may change over time, but yet one that can tie back to the fundamental ideals our founding fathers seemed to cherish themselves. Finally, I would be remiss to not acknowledge my sincere appreciation for all those brave men and women who have fought to make these freedoms possible. By virtue of their personal sacrifice they might possibly best define what it truly means to be an American and that we are the land of the free because of the
The United States has always had a lot to be proud of. With features like beautiful landscapes from deserts and forests to mountains and snow, the infamous title of ‘land of the free,’ and of course there hard won independence-which they have always found worth celebrating. The United States serves as the world’s melting pot, where the traditions of different races, cultures, genders, social classes, and any other difference can all be found in one place, though maybe living their lives in many different ways. The United States had always shown promise for so many people.
Alone among nations, America is founded on an ideology of individual rights. This philosophy transformed the world by creating what was, and still is, the greatest republic on earth. The first few paragraphs of the Declaration summarizes the essentials of
Nonetheless, I believe that to be an American means to have freedom, equality, and knowledge.
The definition of being an American is often synonymous to most people. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, once expressed his vision, saying, "My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as a beacon of hope." According to Lincoln, being American means embodying hope for a brighter future. Similarly, in Learned Hand's address titled "I am an American Day Address," he defines being American as having a sense of liberty. Understanding Hand's concept of liberty lies in recognizing the balance between courage and freedom.
Another way to be an American to me is having a family, friends, and just a lot of fun on a daily bases. These are just some of the many things
My responsibility as an American Register for selective service Registering for selective service is not only the law but it’s our duty as an American to help defend and protect our country when the time is at hand and our country needs our. When our country is in distress and needs all the men that they can get that’s where the selective service part comes in and gets all they can get. The responsibilities of American citizens includes Registering for selective service, voting in elections and supporting the troops.
As you can clearly see being an American isn 't as it was perceived. However, being an American is a great privilege and living the American lifestyle is very meaningful. Throughout this essay I have learned that being an American contains lots of exemplorific characteristics that go along with it. Just as Philip Gleason explained “To pursue as an American an individual didn 't have to be any particular nationality, language, religion, or ethnic background.” What I have taken from this essay is that Americans have the right to be free and pursue the American Dream with
What I think it means to American is that we are diverse and different than any other countries. Unlike other countries, this country is made up of a lot of races including; African American, White, Mexican,Hawaiian, asian, etc. alot of people are immigrants come Here illegal but married to stay in America and get Americanize or got a green card to be a U.S citzen. Many of them had low paying jobs in their home countries and worked their way up in society because they came to America to live the American dream.. In America, it is a democracy, not a dictatorship nor do we have have an overpowering government.
Being an American is simply having equal rights, equal opportunities, freedom, and a safer, better life. There are countries that are so strict that if you are seen doing something you are not supposed to, you will be arrested and killed. That’s why we are so privileged to live in a country that allows us to do what we want to. Having equal rights and equal opportunities is a big role in being an American because without that, comes racism, hate, and crime. “‘Your parents were in California?
Other being independence, expressing ideas and opinions. Franklin D. Roosevelt the author of the speech,”From The Four Freedoms”, outlines the freedoms. “This nation has placed its density in the hands and heads and hearts of its million of free men and women.” Types of freedom is freedom of speech, religion,association, choose one’s state in life, and life. Liberty is very important to me because it gives you many options for life.
In the end it is cultural diversity, bondage, international relationships, unity, equality, freedom, and justice for all, what makes America a great place to live. No longer can we harbor division, and hatred towards one another, let’s expand our horizons, to inspire many generations to come, and gear them to
What Does It Mean To Be An American What does it mean to be an american? Isn’t that the question that every american citizen wonders at some point in their lives? It is a simple question that can be taken different ways and answered in many different forms. Some may answer as a personal opinion, others as a factual statement, I however agree with those who see it as an opinion. Every person in America is different in some way.
What it means to be an American is that you have the freedom to vote freedom of speech. You have the liberty to be what you want in America no one chooses for you. Also have the liberty to work wherever you want not be someone 's slave. Being American means you don 't have to hide your religion, the color of your skin or your sex. You have the ability to speak what you want.
, I immediately think of three words, freedom, love and family. The most important right someone can have in this world is freedom and luckily for americans we have the luxury of freedom all the time. America has the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, the freedoms I just listed are only a few that America are known for. Sadly for other countries, most of them do not allow freedom at all. America is known for all of their freedom but, with freedom comes a lot of responsibility and that responsibility is why I think of the word love.
They not only found freedom in the New World, but by their effort and devotion, they made the New World's freedom safer, and richer, more far-reaching, more capable of growth.” This speech also contributes to what it means to be an American by giving the listeners or the readers an insight on how we should appreciate everyone and their background and how every person contributes to America's economy. To be American is not as simple as being born in the United States. To be an American is about embracing the culture and way of life. Americans can enjoy freedom of speech and are part of a diverse and rich culture.