As demonstrated in multiple scenarios, the excursion that is caused by the dream contributes to the part of the greater American story. Many Americans lack the resources and opportunities that others are naturally given, yet it is what the individual does in their specific circumstance that allows them to fulfill their own American Dream. The hardships and sacrifices that an individual goes through provides the motivation that has them continue to search for the self-gratification that stems from the American Dream. As demonstrated in Source D, the truths that we hold to be self-evident and those that provide us with Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are shown through “a faith in simple dreams, an insistence on small miracles,” while “[participating] in the political process without fear of retribution,” (Source D). The small miracles and dreams that the people have, as well as the motivation and courage to seek out the dream embodies the entire concept that lays the foundation for the dream: hope.
The actual definition of American is relating to, or characteristic of the United States or its inhabitants. Being proud of who you are and the place you live. Americans have defined themselves not by their racial, religious, and ethnic identity but by their common values and belief in individual freedom. An American says the Pledge of Allegiance and understands that voting is important to Democracy, individually Americans value freedom and are proud citizens, and the freedom of human right.
Patriotism is the dedication; loyalty; devotion; respect; faithful etc. Being a patriot means do whatever it takes to honor your country. In the essay, Veterans Day: Never Forget Their Duty, Mike Christian was a POW, captured by the Vietnam. As stated in the text, he sewed an American flag so him and the other POW’s that were captured could say the pledge of allegiance. He knew he’d get in lots of trouble if he would get caught. He ended up getting caught and getting beaten for what he did, but he sewed another flag on his clothes. That is an example of patriotism. Even though he was terribly beaten, he showed loyalty to his country.
America is a “land of living hope, woven of dreams, aflame with longing and desire” people who come to America come here to get a better life or career. Most people who come to America for a few years think they are Americans because they wave a flag, but they don't know the true meaning of what it means to be and American. An American is someone who will die for it’s country, someone who emigrated here for more opportunities, and someone who is encouraged by the history of America.
There are many different reason for what is means to be an American. Many people believe that being an American means you like cheeseburgers and pizza, but it’s much more than that. Being an American means you help others who are in need, or to have an education, or taking part in elections for the government. Though, Americans all over the country would have different responses of what it means to be American. Being American can mean very different things, which means that there is no specific rule about how to be American.
Being American is following your ideas and believing in your freedom no matter where you are. Being an American is an attitude. It is how you behave. It is having ideas and not being afraid to do something about it. It is accepting people no matter their background.
In “I hear America singing” by Langston Hughes we see the American dream depicted as the American Dream for Blacks in a time of segregation and
You left your family and friends into a bloody war you could of died but you didn’t mind. You took your life for mine. You made things in life better then if you didn’t go into the war. My papa went into the war and he made it out safe. Those stripes and stars in our flag came from you. You saved many lives on the other side of the battle field. You chose to leave behind your loved ones and your life to die, make it home safe, or to have major injuries. Some people don’t care about the Veterans. But I care about veterans and all the people writing these essays.
Veterans Day is distinct from most holidays. It is something that should hold true to everyone’s heart. No matter if you personally are a veteran or not, chances are you know someone that is. On November 11th, we celebrate all the wonderful things that military veterans have done for us in protecting our country. The United States set aside this day to honor our veterans, however we should honor them as much and as often as possible.
“It was my father who taught us that an immigrant must work twice as hard as anybody else, that he must never give up.” This quote by Zinedine Zidane shows how hard The Americans Dream is to immigrants. This essay will explain a little about immigrants coming to the United States looking to achieve the American Dream and their struggles and accomplishments. Also this essay will talk about two speeches from the mid-1900’s for both Martin Luther King Jr. and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Immigrants have many ups and downs through their live in America.
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.”
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.
Impossible Dreams The meaning of the American Dream can be seen as ”A uniquely American vision of the country consisting of three central ideas. The American dream consists of a belief in America as the new Eden- a land of beauty, bounty, and unlimited promise; a feeling of optimism, created by ever expanding opportunity; and a confidence in the triumph of the individual.” Using this definition of the so called “American dream”, it seems to be a great representation of it at first, until you realize it includes everyone as the individual. From the beginning of the Civil war to the end of the War to End All Wars, the American Dream wasn’t possible due to the treatment of the Native Americans, the inequality between women and men, and the false promises given to the immigrants coming to our country in their time of need.
What does it mean to be an American today? Or rather, what does being an American entail? Does that pertain to a certain individual’s perspective? Or is Americanism defined through a collective consciousness projected around the world? Over the course of time, Americans have gone through various embodiments of who they are, without loosing the essence of what they represent.
The American Dream is often known to be a great thing, giving new lives and jobs to immigrants, but are their lives really better in The United States? Chimamanda Adichie reveals how The American Dream is not what it seems to be in “The Thing Around Your Neck.” Her short story follows the life of Akunna as she deals with all of the hardships like stereotypes, racism, and the struggles of finding a comfortable life that come from moving to the United States. From all of these hardships, the reader thinks about whether The American Dream is still relevant, and about if The American Dream still takes place today. Through the characterization of Akunna’s boyfriend as an inconsiderate person on the inside and the symbolism of the fortune cookies, Adichie implies that The American Dream is an illusion and lie towards people coming in from other countries.