Characteristics of Being an American

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We all have this vision of America and what Americans truly are. Most people go by what is displayed on television: children running and laughing, parents grilling outside conversing with other parents, and the American flag waving in the distant. As happy and peaceful as all that may seem the real question still remains unanswered; what is the real meaning of being American? Honestly, being American comes with its advantages and disadvantages. The main part of being an American is having freedom and endless opportunities offered to you. Taking from the famous words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau he boldly states, “Every man is free; and everywhere he is in chains” (Jacob 178). Being an American breaks you free from these chains. Freedom is the most valued and desired amongst many countries. But embracing the title “American” means you actually get to live, enjoy and experience this profound freedom for yourself. Being American means you have the right to serve any God you please, and even no God if you prefer; being American means you have the right and power to say exactly what you feel and act upon it if need be; being American means you have a voice in the way your country is ran. Compared to other countries such as Iraq and Zimbabwe they do not embrace such freedom and rights because of dictatorship. Luckily, we are entitled these rights by the help and encouragement of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his most valued assertion written, The Social Contract. For example a section taking from Book I of the Social Contract explains it best, he states, “If I took into account only force, and the effect derived from it, I should say: “As long as a people is compelled to obey, and obeys, it does well; as soon as it can shake off the yoke, a... ... middle of paper ... ... is build up, resulting in the decrease of American suicide. Overall, the good out weighs the bad. Being an Americans means you get to uphold the meaning of liberty and freedom, living from day to day knowing the countless opportunities offered to you, and having the right to live the life you choose to live. All of these opportunities are entitled to us and given to us freely. As an American you determine the path you want to take and act upon it. Works Cited Bryson, Bill. “How You Became You.” n.p. 299-301. PDF file. 14 Nov. 2013. Jacob, C. Margaret. The Enlightenment: A Brief History with Documents. New York: 2001. Print. 14 Nov. 2013. Reimold, Dan . “Student Suicide.” usatodayeducate.com. USAToday, April. 2012 web.14 Nov. 2013. Ripley, Amanda. “Case Against High School Sports.” theatlantic.com. The Atlantic MonthlyGroup. Oct. 2013. web, 14 Nov. 2013.

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