What makes an American? Obviously, unless you are a Native American, everyone and their families originally came from somewhere else. It is the norm to be only fourth, third, second, or even first generation born in America. The culmination and diversity of cultures and people is what makes America American. Yes, there are distinctive cultural elements that are undeniably from other countries, but there are also things distinctively "American." Something unified and brought together the original mothers and fathers and allowed America to grow into what it is today.
By no means am I a super patriotic, traditionalist American. However, to me, an American is someone who understands the things available in America that most people take for granted: our unalienable human and American rights. An American has their own opinions and expresses them. An American recognizes the freedom and liberty we have in America to be able to share our ideas freely and be opinionated. An American has the right to pursue personal interest in the pursuit of happiness. An American has the right to vote. An American is free. An American has some sort of pride and patriotism; an American wants to be known as an American.
In conclusion, an American does more than just live in America. Intentionally or not, they identify with some fundamental moral or concept set by the founding mothers and/or fathers. What unifies Americans is that, when all prejudices, stereotypes, and politics vanish, we all have our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I think that you make good points in this entry, and can relate (sort of) to the patriotic feel. The writing was strong throughout the whole piece, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteIt is entreating to me how your blog appeals to more of a patriotic stance than other ways you could have taken it
ReplyDeleteI sort of disagree with this only because I feel like there are a lot of Americans that don't identify themselves as so, even though they were born here. It's really common that people name their ancestral heritage as opposed to simply stating that they are a proud American.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise I think this was written very well as always :)