The definition of an American is hard to explain. Some believe it is only about being born in North America, others believe it is about where your ancestors came from. The real definition of an American is someone who is free. Free to choose any occupation they want to do, free to get a good education, and free to speak or act for what they believe in. ‘
One of the many reasons immigrants have moved to America is because of the large amount of job opportunities available to anyone looking for work. Which explains why America is called the land of opportunity. In “America and I” by Anzia Yezierska, a story about a woman moving to America to fulfill her dream of starting the life that she always wanted to live, she says “In the golden land of
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Unlike many other countries around the world, America is a place where your voice is not silenced by anyone. America is well known for the acts of demonstrating what they believe in to better this country. People like Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, or even Nathanial Bacon have all practiced this freedom. In a speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt he states “In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression—everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way—everywhere in the world….” By him repeating the phrase “everywhere in the world” he is expressing how important it is for all humans to have these freedoms, not just Americans.
Though the freedom of speech, and the opportunities for education and jobs do define the freedom of Americans, it doesn’t begin to explain the full definition of an American. An American can be described as many other things also such as: patriotic, heroic, brave, and diverse. Through any characteristic you can call an American, freedom is the core of what this nation is made
The day was finally here. It was November 11, 1990, the day that our family was to go to ¡®Land Of Liberty.¡¯ I heard so many different things about this country called United States of America and I was warned that it would be nothing you¡¯ve expected. The plane ride did not seem as long as it was; partly because I was lost in my own thoughts with hopes and anxiety. I thought about what I will become in this massive country I was headed and how soon I will adapt to this new culture and people.
What does it mean to be an American? To be an American it means to be able to be yourself and not be afraid of being you. People shouldn’t be ashamed and afraid to do something in life and have to worry of others opinions. Being an American allows you to stand up for what you want and make our own decisions. It allows us to have freedom of speech, individual rights, and being able to live life to the fullest and most of all be proud.
Conversely, many believe that being an American comes only from an emotional standpoint and that no other classification is needed. As declared by Jose Antonio Vargas of the Huffington Post, “What it means to be an American is less about who you are than what you are about— how you live your life, how you contribute to this country, how you pledge allegiance to a flag hoping and praying it will make room for you.” Albeit this emotion may contribute to Americanism, it cannot operate by itself. Without citizenship, one cannot be considered American. Going back to the original definition, to be an American is to be, “a native inhabitant of the U.S.: a U.S. citizen.” Anything past this denotation is simply an opinion and cannot be used when coming up with an unambiguous definition of the
What does it mean to be an American? Some would say it means being born in the United States, attending church, or even watching football. There's much more to this country than any of that. The first amendment is freedom of religion, speech, and expression. Denying marriage to two individuals who love each other is denying them a fundamental freedom.Denying someone for not going to church is also denying them a fundamental freedom. Being an American means accepting others and welcoming them regardless of their religion or sexuality.
To be an American means to be a free individual in this country. We have the rights from the 12 amendments of the Bill of the Rights. The most important one for our use is the one stating, “the rights of freedom, speech, religion, press petition, and assembly.” It’s fair for all citizens of the United States. As we age, we’ll experience this in various opportunities. For example, depending on our education to pick the job of our choice. We are able to pledge to our country, the Pledge of Allegiance. As a society, we can vote party we agree with in office. One has the freedom of speech to state what’s on their mind in any situation. This truly is a great place to live in for our individualities. American’s have an enormous amount of freedom. From when we are born here, we can claim our rights for our declared reasons.
What does it mean to be American? Webster’s defines an American as: Of or relating to the United States of America or its people, language, or culture. My definition to be American means that you’re free. Free to say what you want. Free to choose your own religion. Free to vote for whom you want. Free to grow up and pick the occupation you desire. Free to go where you please. Free of being a slave to no one! Free to love whom you want. Most importantly, free to get a good education. Just being free period! As a child, I was taught those things to grow up and realize you’re not as free as they portray us to be.
When immigrants come to America, they change their way of life to adapt the American culture, and they’re goal is to be free. An American would be defined as someone who has freedom, who is wholeheartedly proud to be in the country, and who goes out of their way to show patriotism. Freedom is one of the major aspects of American culture. Freedom is what many people strive for in the United States, and some people take advantage of how much freedom they
What does an American mean to you? I think this is a good question what does being an American mean, I think it has something to do with your right and freedom. The reason for this is because we have things that other people in different countries have. I think sometimes we even take advantage of the thing that we have. America is one of the more fortunate countries.
What does it mean to be an American? To be an American can have several answers depending on one’s' self and how ones' self outlook of America. To be an American is to have freedom. Americans have more freedom than some other countries. Some freedoms Americans have are freedom of religions, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press.
There is not an exact definition to “What does it mean to be an American?” it is an abstract idea, everyone’s experience is different, but that is exactly what creates the diverse country we live in. Yes we do have “freedom”, but it is not the same for every
We take for granted the luxuries in our life. For many Americans who speak English as their first language, going to the supermarket is no more than a menial chores. To others who’s second or third language is English, going to the supermarket or anywhere public can be a huge task with the risk of embarrassment, or complete confusion. Coming to America is the first steps in many immigrants journey to living a better life. A better life is something the United States is known for; giving anyone the opportunity and resources to become that which they could not in their former life.
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.
As a young child, I was raised in my home country of Mexico where I had many great friends and a joyful style of living. However, my parents didn't see life in Mexico as fortunate as I did. To them it was more important whether we were economically stable, rather than playing every afternoon with neighbors. My parents believed our way of living in Mexico wasn't stable and there were very few opportunities of becoming successful in a country where you don't live life, but survive life. Therefore, my parents were encouraged to make the decision of moving to the United States for a better style of living.
I have always felt that moving to America was a big distant dream. The impact of living there is not knowing the culture and how it really is. My idea of an American lifestyle is only what I have seen through movies. I never thought I would spend the rest of my life over there, away from family and friends, until it actually happened
As I got on the plane I knew my life was changed. The moment when I entered the US it was a new beginning for me. As most migrants would say; this is the land of opportunities, it was totally what I expected.