To Be An American

To Be An American

The United States is a nation full of millions of different types of people. However, each of those people has one major thing in common; they are all Americans. Many people wonder what it takes to be a true American, but the answer is something not so difficult to determine. Essentially, being an American means to show patriotism and pride of the country, to be very fortunate compared to other countries, and unfortunately, to show a lack of appreciation for all the great things America provides.

An American is one who shows pride and patriotism in the United States. Throughout history, the US has reached many high and low points; from the Revolutionary War to the current Iraqi conflict. However, true Americans are the people who stood strong and supported America through all of its struggles which therefore leads to being grateful for this country. People affected by the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 is an example of how these people realize now how important that day was and changed their view on America forever. “Each of us knows our own story: where we were on September 11th, what we though, how it has changed us” (Thoms, 10, pg. 10). These American’s lives were changed forever after witnessing this horrible tragedy and seeing what it really caused. American’s duty is to reinforce the nation through the good and the bad times. Many people act as a hindrance to the success of the United States, and anchor the nation from achieving its potential as a full harmonious nation. People who violently and obnoxiously protest topics such as support for the troops, and various political decisions only obstruct America from being prosperous. On the other hand, people who go with the flow, act optimistically...

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...iate every baby step of the way, to stand in amazement and joy that the pursuit never ends” (Gardner, 291, pg. 189). This is an American. Somebody who has to experience firsthand his own struggles and fight through them to make him stronger in the end. A man who appreciates and understands that America can offer anybody a way to happiness and triumph, and being patient and determined enough to acquire their goal.

In conclusion, being an American means to show patriotism and pride of the country, being fortunate, and unfortunately showing a lack of appreciation for all the great things America provide. What makes up an American is a question that could plague people due to America’s vast assortment of people. However, it is very clear that being American is more of a state of mind, a belief, and a course of action rather than physical characteristics or a race.