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What Does It Mean To Be American
What Does It Mean To Be American
U.S bill of rights
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Introduction What does it mean to be an American? Ask any one of the 300 million Americans living in the United States and you are sure to get 300 million different answers. Being American is more than be a citizen of the country or having parents who are citizens. Being an American is more than waving a flag on the Fourth of July. Being an American is more than chanting USA USA USA during the Olympic Games. Although, these things are a part of the “American identity,” they are not the whole. If these things do not encompass everything being American means what does? Being American means one has pride in his/her country; not to the extent that one views the United States (U.S.) as superior to another country, but rather he/she believes the …show more content…
One of the unique components of the Constitution of the United States is the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights guarantees certain rights to citizens; some of these reasons include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble, the right to bear arms, etc. The citizens of many countries around the world do not have the protection of their government; their personal rights and freedoms are infringed every day and many times the government is the culprit. Americans are able to enjoy the rights granted by the Bill of Rights as well as many others recorded in the Constitution. Civic Responsibility Lastly, while it is great to have the personal freedoms and rights guaranteed by the Constitution, it is important to remember that a certain level of responsibility accompanies those rights. Being an American requires civic participation, usually in the form of voting. One of the signs of a healthy democracy is the rate at which citizens vote. The government cannot be truly representative unless the members of the democracy use their voice via voting booths. For example, one cannot complain about a president if he/she chose not to vote at all.
To be an American is to be proud of your flag and country, to be willing to suffer for America, and to never be willing to give up.
Americans are defined by the respect they have for their country and its government, in taking advantage of their freedoms and rights that they gain by showing respect through allegiance, pride, and loyalty.
To be an American means more than just living in the country for a set amount of years. It means more than being granted citizenship, and more than just waving a Boy Scout American flag in your yard on Memorial Day. To be an American is to be free, and that is what we as Americans sometimes take for granted and forget. Being an American isn 't just living in the "greatest country in the world", there are plenty of other countries that say the same exact things. There are far less countries in this world, though, that are free, and have the American mindset. Not many countries employ so many freedoms and have the 'American dream '. The American mindset is not just something that
The Bill of Rights includes several amendments describing the rights that people have as well as the things that are prohibited in our nation. The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances.” This Amendment lists the five freedoms that all of the United States citizens have been given. (U.S. Const. amend. I)
Around the world, being American means many different things ranging from ignorant to arrogant. However, in America we have our own ideas of what it means to be American. There are three values that make any person American: freedom, opportunity, and equality.
Being an American has a big picture that can be described in many ways. Personally, being an American is to achieve everything; however, the person next to you may have a different opinion about it. In history, America has been attracting immigrants from different parts of the world to live the full freedom and opportunity. To be an American means much more than living in the United States is to be able to expand the beliefs one has. That is why people view the American Dream.
The definition of an American, is someone who is a citizen of the United States. Many African Americans, and immigrants struggled to become actual Americans in their lifetimes, because others didn 't see them as actual people; and based it on the color of someone. In today 's world people who live in America consider themselves as Americans, but to me there is certain qualities that make a person an American. To me being a true American is not based off of what Country they were born in, or what race their parents are, or even if they were immigrated to the United States. People from all over the world would say that maybe people could base this off of someone 's family heritage, or where they were before they came to America. If you were asked what makes an American an American what would you base it off of? To me there are four specific characteristics that make a person a true American; those three things would be, freedom, individuality, belief in the country, and happiness.
Webster?s Dictionary defines American as or its inhabitants. But is that all America and an American truly is? Is a person American simply because of geography? According to Identities, ?America is a confluence of cultures.? Americans are people whose lives depict men and women who are trying to be as successful and robust as possible, this quest is symbolic to citizens of many other countries. This is why America illustrates the Statue of Liberty, a structure that symbolizes freedom throughout the world. America is composed not only of these peoples, but the cultures and the ways of life of these people.
What makes a person an american? What is an American? Is it someone who votes for the president? Is it someone who takes a stand in what they believe in? People have very different views on what makes an American. It could be the people that fight for our safety. It could be the people that help make a home safe. It may even be a person who fights for themselves. What makes a person an American is not living in the united states. There are plenty of people that have migrated to America, and have the same believes as any U.S citizen. Each person in this hectic world have their own views politically, socially, and emotionally, but that doesn’t make someone an American. What I have seen in my life what makes a person an American, are these three qualities, integrity, gratitude, and power.
Since this great country was first established many intuitive minds have tried to answer the question; "What is an American". This country is full of individuals of many backgrounds, and diversities and each person has a different opinion on this question. In my opinion, an American is someone who values freedom and equality and pursues the "American dream." Every American exercises these rights and these are great adjectives to describe our country. Each of the seven readings, and the one image I compiled help mold this broader definition into a more precise description of an American.
What does it mean to be an American? For me, personally, being an American means to know the history of America. This is very important because if you know the past, you can learn from it, don't make the same mistakes and make the America a better place to live. Following the American Dream is very important as well. Being an American means to be free, become whoever you want to be in your life, become successful and achieve your goals. Patriotism is what makes person a "true American". It is important to be a patriot because it shows how do you love and support your country and even be ready to give your life for the country. Being an American means to respect people from other countries and people different races.
Everyday when I begin to wake up, I smell the lovely red roses, I see the bright sunlight that is beaming on my face, I hear the birds singing and chirping, I touch my clean brown face, and I taste the breath of freedom that is blowing on me. Being an American is a privilege and an honor that wakes me up everyday. It is the “I pledge allegiance to the flag…. With liberty and justice for all.” It floats and glides in the sky as everyone is guaranteed an education, freedom, and prosperity. Being an America is a prestige, yet notable invisible award that makes hard work the birthplace of success. It means independence, democracy, but most importantly, self determination and nationalism within the strength of our nation. Being an American means
What does it mean to be an American? To be an American is to be prideful,bold, patriotic, and most of all free. Just like in the constitution, these things are self-evident, that all Americans are entitled to the things mentioned as well as many others.
There are infinite meanings behind the word "American." Some include unity, liberty, and fulfillment. However, many people are unaware of how much power the word obtains. There is a more definite interpretation when one takes all aspects of honor and pride into consideration. What does it mean to be an American? First, it means that one is free. One is not refrained, confined, or obstructed. Secondly, it means that the duty of this united country is to uphold peace in the world. Finally, it means that no one person has to endure the burden of poverty. The word "American" is not just a title. It is a feeling, duty, and responsibility.
These rights include: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a public and speedy trial. Freedom of speech allows citizens to voice their opinions on all matters and suggest things to the government. Without this right, people would not have a say in any matter and America would cease to be a Democracy. Another right is freedom of religion. This allows citizens to believe what they want to believe and have the ability to practice those beliefs. The right to a speedy and public trial means that if someone was ever prosecuted for a crime they would be judged by a jury of their peers and would not have to wait for years to have a trial. There are many more citizen