Free Definition Essays: What Is An American?
Definition Essay Everyone has a different meaning of what an american is. Most of them say that they are perfect and lucky because of the state they live in and all the rights they have. An American could mean many different thing to anyone because they live in The United State of America where they could be and show theirself without a government telling them anything. So what is an American? In my eyes an american is a person that has freedom, who are treddy equally and are brave. First of all, an american is a person that has freedom in their country. One of the freedom they have is freedom of speech which is the freedom to express ideas and believe that one has without the government criticizing them. Not only that but it the First Amendment...show more content...
In america we have not always had and this is still a struggle some people have. As an example the iconic image that i chose was "I have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, this image captures the moment that Dr. King was giving this famous speech on how everyone should be treated the same no matter what the color of their skin or what religion they have. For his speech it helped a few american change the way they look at people or even speak to them. Other thing that has made a change was how women were treated. This also have change for the way american see women now. Now a skin color or a women could go to school and learn and find a great job. After that, another way that I see an american is that they are brave. The people who fought in wars to be able to make america their home define bravery. A lot of people join the the military to be able to fight for everyone one's rights even if it means risking their lives. Some soldiers have unfortunately passed away from defining our country. Other thing is taking risk for example Neil Armstrong landing on the moon for the first time or the U.S raising the flag in Iwo Jima during the the World War II meaning that they won. This show that americans are
Essay on What America Means To Me
America is a wonderful place to live, because we are free. Freedom is important, and many people in other countries do not have much freedom. I am glad I have a place like this to grow up in; where I know that I can be equal with other races and other genders. Also, I am glad I have a place like this that will respect me and I know it will be a great place to have my children grow up in.
Some of our ancestors did not have the privileges we have now because they grew up in other countries, that controlled their religion, who they married, and almost everything else in their lives. That may be one of the reasons they moved to America in the first place. I am very grateful for our country, and all of the privileges I have growing up here....show more content...
In America, even though we had to fight for these rights, not only can we vote, but we can also get the same education and same jobs as the men in today's society. Another part of America that I like is the way politics are set up. Anyone who thinks they can do a good job is able to run for a place in today's government. We don't only have one ruler who makes all our rules and laws, but instead the people in America are ruled by the people. I like that because that way if we want something changed, or if enough of us think that something is wrong with our nation, we can make a difference.
Voting is a big part of making that difference, because voting shows how you want our government run, and whom you want to be represented by. We aren't just represented by our president. We are also represented by our town councils, our mayors, our governors, senators, and everyone else that makes up a part of our government. So there are always places open in our society that we can fill to make our own changes.The freedom of religion in America is another big concept; because that is another reason many people came to America, to break free from the bonds of the designated religion in their country. Personally, I am not a very religious person, but I know that if I was living in another country, I might have to be, whether I
What It Means To Be An American Essay
What does it mean to be an American? For me the answer is simple, it means a person lives in the United States and shares in its culture. It means a person shares this land with 318.9 million people who also live here in this place. Living in America means that people have the freedom so what they want, but that also means that they suffer the consequences of their actions whether they be good or bad. It also means that everyone is provided a free education up to a high school diploma. America tries to provide equal opportunity to all, but it will never be truly equal. America also stands for freedom. Freedom of speech to carry guns to have human basic rights. All of that. Being an American means that citizens do not have to have the fear of someone invading the U.S.A because the people know that the military and a government protect the U.S and it's people. The military is America's wall for defence and the government commands them. Many of the citizens do not think about being invaded or about that kind of safety when leaving their house....show more content...
Most citizens can go down to the local Walmart and buy whatever they need. Other people like Africa's citizens, for example, struggle to eat on a daily basis and their residents are poor and needy. America sends them care packages to help as well as send in medical supplies and other things they need for basic human survival. Africans can not go to stores as easily as Americans. Stores in Africa are more scarce and harder to find. these stores also do not carry as many goods and do not get re–supplied near as often as American stores. Americans also have a lot of access to luxuries such as computers, cars, cell phones, and many other things which they buy in stores. Americans are consumers mostly by survey and personal observation. This is just another part of the American
What Makes An American Essay
AmeriCAN
What makes an American? Is it the clothing, the accent, the fact that you can speak a certain/demanded language, or is it the fact that you were born on American soil? This can go in a variety of different directions on what the definition of a true American portrays. Many individuals tend to show the unique characteristics of what makes an American, whether it be through a first impression, speeches, jobs, or just the way they choose to live their life on a daily basis.
For instance, freedom allows you to have the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. According to the poem "I Hear America Singing," Walt Whitman states, " Delicious singing," "Strong melodious songs," along with "Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else." Meaning those who take great pride and significance in who they were destined to be and finding what makes their life worth living are the type of role models the country sha'll look up to. Freedom is an innate right that humans are born with. Nothing should threaten our freedom, deprive us from our right. Also our right of freedom must never harm any other human being, directly or...show more content...
Traditions in which, are passed down customs, language, food, religions, and beliefs from past generations, that form the identity of each and every culture that exist. Looking back at the speech, "Address on the Occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty," President Franklin D. Roosevelt states, "Out of that reservoir, out of the melting pot, the rich promise which the New World held out to those who came to it from many lands is finding fulfillment." Different cultures have contributed their own distinct "flavor or taste" to the American culture. Just as cultures from around the world have influenced American culture, today American culture influences the
The United States of America Essay
The United States of America
Founded under the concept of a Republic (a government without a monarch, who's elected representatives are responsible to the governed) the founding fathers some 235 years ago set out declare its independence and establish a new nation claiming their own sovereignty and rejecting any allegiances to the British Monarch. This of course sparked the Revolutionary War in April of 1775 that lasted until September of 1783.
I am amazed that 38 men and later others could during a time of war come together and develop governing rules that would create the greatest (not perfect) nation in modern times. These men had known just how over reaching most government in the world had become and intended to prevent that from...show more content...
The Senate on the other hand is straight forward with two Senators for each state, elected in a state wide election.
The House has the sole Power of Impeachment, and is the origination site for all bills to raise revenues. The Senate has sole power to try all impeachments. The other powers of Congress are outlined in section 8 of Article I of which taxes, coining money the power to raise Armies and maintain a Navy and the power to declare war are the most notable.
All votes by either House on any question shall be by Yeas and Nays and as such be entered into that Houses Journal. All legislation must pass both Houses be for going to the President for his approval/signature and before becoming law. This in it's self is a significant check and balance within the legislative branch. However the use of deeming a bill passed rather than a recorded vote has significantly eroded these checks as well as the confidence of the electorate.
The executive branch consists of an elected President and Vice President (successor to the President if he becomes unable to perform his responsibilities) whose powers include Commander in Chief, the power to grant pardons, enter into treaties and appoint federal judges with the consent of the Senate. The President holds the power to veto a bill and return the legislation with comments to congress. This then becomes the Presidents checks and balance over Congress. However congress can over ride the
What America Means To Me
As a kid I have to many things to say about what america means to me, but in life I can always decide so america to me is the best land in the world because we have had a major history of many important people, everyday people risk their life here and protect us.Many people die for us to live, with all the history in america I can try to sum it down a bit to important times in history, George Washington our 1st president of the United States of America, born February 22, 1732 and sadly died December 14, 1799. After his death America changed for the better. America to me is a place where others can come to live, a place of freedom for those who want a great life, where they can live knowing they will have a peaceful life. I appreciate and
Definition Of An American Essay
What is the True Definition of "American"?
An American is an immigrant living in the United States of America; someone who calls this country "home," based on his/her political, economic, social, and cultural ideas and affiliations. This is the definition of what some people believe is an American. On the contrary, others believe this is not the case; an American is someone who is born on American soil. I believe that former definition is the correct definition because the American foundation was built on the backs of immigrants from all ethnicities and races. Being an American is a state of mind rather than it being perceived as a physical state.
They're people that were born in America that do not embody the mental drive, determination, and focus that America was established. Numerous amounts of people from various regions of the world take on a voyage for the opportunity to have a better quality of life in being. These people risk their lives and leave the comfort of their native lands to obtain an improved life for themselves and others around them. This formula for a nirvana like life was also used when the first settlers washed up on...show more content...
During different time periods different groups of people have found themselves coming to America rebuilding their lives and that of their families. The majority of foreigners take the expedition to the United States for their own reasons. Foreigners can come to America for a number of reasons; for the acquirement of material objects like fortune and fame, and some come to fulfill their dreams. The common similarity of the reasons is that they are exercising the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the same motives that the founding fathers believed in to gain their independence from the British. The main reason why Foreigners come to America is for a chance for a more fruitful life to provide for their families in their native
What It Means To Be An American Essay
A person born on American soil is naturally an American citizen, however there is more that defines what it means to be an American. Describing an American is not based off a certain appearance or economic status. Americans are people from various backgrounds, consisting of many nationalities that includes a substantial amount of customs and traditions. Appreciating and applying individual rights protected by law is what makes up an American. America is still the land of opportunity therefore its people must understand and exercise the resources this country brings to the table to create success. By no means is America a perfect country yet it is a world superpower. Working hard and making the most of your situation is essentially an American....show more content...
They are protected by the Bill of Rights. Understanding these rights and using them effectively is the American way. On this land we as a people have the right to publicly express their opinion, which is freedom of speech. This freedom is essential to our people, an American stands up for what is right. Expressing your opinion is a big part of being an American. Americans live in a country where we can settle differences for the most part without violence. Being able to speak freely assists this logic because it allows people to say what they feel instead of suppressing it and acting out with violence. The right to keep and bear arms is apart of being an American. This is an individual constitutional right for citizens of the United States. There are many benefits that come from this civil liberty. Arguably every gun owner and gun rights advocate knows the statistical data is not a friend of the Second Amendment. Bashed with lists of homicides and other gun crimes, along with accidental shooting deaths guns do not look to appealing. But benefits of private gun ownership is direct to self–defense which is needed in this country. Unfortunately there are some people in this country that feels they can invade people's homes so protection is needed. Other countries do not have this opportunity, this is a great incentive in being an
Definition Essay: What Is An American?
What is an American ? "Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed Let it be that great strong land of love " American is where most people come to pursue dreams they have. In most countries freedom isn't expressed amongst citizen. This is why America can be known as the land of opportunity. An American is someone who would take a beating to show loyalty to his country, who comes in steerage for opportunity , and who has confidence in this country although it treats them poorly. For instance an American can be the one who is known to take beating for one's country. In the Essay by John McCain " Veterans Day: Never Forget Their Duty " he defines patriotism as having courage to take risks for your country. " Sitting there , with his eyes
What It Means To Be An American Essay
What does it mean to be an American? What does it mean to live in one of the greatest countries in the world? What does it mean to have freedom and appreciate it? To live in the country that sets the example for every other nation in the world. A country that helps other countries achieve the freedom we have.
To be an American means to have pride in your country and love your country for what it is. It is a great feeling knowing anyone can come to America and make a name for themselves. Just like Andrew Carnegie who moved to America as a small child from Scotland and became at one point one of the richest people in the world, or Oscar Wilde who said "In England, an inventor is regarded almost as a crazy man, and in too many instances, invention ends in disappointment and poverty. In America, an inventor is honoured, help is forthcoming, and the exercise of ingenuity, the application of science to the work of man, is there the shortest road to wealth". Taking pride in America's military who sacrifice everyday to help America keep its freedom. Taking pride in the great leaders now and before who have helped America become...show more content...
Robert Orben once said " Everyday I get up and look through Forbes richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work". Without that hard work and determination America would get nowhere without all those men and women who slaved to make America great and make themselves great in the process. Americans want to make themselves great and have their name in history. In the process of doing this these people have not only made themselves great they have pushed America into being and staying the greatest country in the world. Hard work and determination have started this country through John Adams, George Washington. These men had hardwork and determination to make America and make it a powerhouse it is
What Does It Mean To Be An American Essay
The Meaning of "American" Wealth. Freedom. Equality. The pursuit of happiness and opportunity. From John Winthrop's "The City Upon A Hill" to Thomas Jefferson's "The Declaration of Independence", the term America has been universally defined by these ideals. As a citizen living within this country, I have grown up being taught that upholding these values defines being an American. While this was a generic and naive response to what it means to be American, I simply accepted this because it was what others told me. Looking back, I realize that I blindly accepted this definition because of a false and hopeful view of humanity in general. I did not see the world for what it is, rather, I saw it as filled with blissfully optimistic hope, I idealized the world, dreaming that America and, by extension, Americans were shining beacons of freedom, equality, and opportunity in the world, cultivating my previous...show more content...
No matter what I tried, I could never truly have an objective mindset if I continued defining the term American as I was. If I clung to my own preconceived notion that there was something unique about Americans, I could never be objective. So instead, I began to look at other countries, trying to find parallels. To my shock and dismay, I found that America is actually similar to North Korea in some ways: citizens of both countries are raised on nationalistic pride and are told that they live in the greatest country in the world, that there is no place better. This corrupts one's ability to look at their country with a truly objective eye. From this, I discerned a troubling fact: all people are the same, regardless of nationality or personal beliefs. There is no true separation between individuals of different countries, helping to develop my current belief that the term American holds no special regard in comparison to the rest of the world. It is simply a term used to allow an individual to feel
What it means to be an American Essay
What does it mean to be an American? The soil of the middle–east stained with the blood of our American soldiers just so we can not take advantage of our right to vote. Though sometimes questionable, America's overall image portrayed to other countries is an honorable one. America is known for its democracy and as well as being a land of opportunities and many freedoms. America's assortment of ethnicities and cultures is proof that our country is a desirable one. Wars are being fought at this very moment to defend these freedoms. There are many battles that have dictated what America is and stands for today. Some of these battles were literal fights and others were ones of a societal nature. For example, The Civil War was a pivotal...show more content...
Freedom of religion and freedom of Speech were some of the major values that drove the pilgrims to start their own community in America. We started in thirteen colonies which have evolved into the fifty states that are our country today. Our newly established democracy offered rights that our old society didn?t bring to the table. Currently, the United States is the most or one of the most privileged nations and is very pleasant to live in compared to some foreign nations that may come to mind. However, we, as citizens, have come to abuse our rights and privileges given to us. Many Americans feel that they must always take rather than give to this country. They abuse our laws and all they care about is what they are entitled to. Also, money has become the main focus of our society today. Whatever financial position we are in, we always desire more money, a better car, or any other sign showing financial superiority. Americans today focus more on how large their sums of money are in relation making enough money to support a family. Clean water and an abundance of food may be scarce in some third–world countries, but here in America it is not and also another privilege being abused. Approximately one out of every three Americans is overweight or obese. In other words, we are pretty much the fattest country around. One might inquire ?Should we be proud to be an American?? Though we aren?t
How do You Define an American? Essay
How do You Define an American?
What is an American? This question cannot be answered by one word. There are so many different characteristics, qualities, and features that can be used to describe an American. Besides features, someone is only a real American if they take advantage of all of the many privileges that are given to them. Any person that is not grateful for the privileges that are given to them to me are not real Americans but this is only my opinion. Real Americans use their privileges to benefit themselves and everyone around them. In today's society there are certain things that are expected from American citizens, for instance being a responsible citizen.
Being responsible is a very important part of being an...show more content...
The main purpose of America to be able to live a free and happy life. That is what makes our country great. We can express our selves however we want and not be told otherwise. Americans have the right to express there individuality by standing up for what they believe in, such as they can vote for who they think is the better man for the job. You also do not have to always agree with what the rest of the population has to say. You are aloud to have your own opinions. Ghandi says this very well with this quote 'A 'no'; uttered from the deepest conviction is better and greater then a 'yes'; uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.'; Expressing your individually is a big part of being an American. Along with doing things that you want to do, many people like to express themselves by the cloths they wear and music that they listen to? This is a good way to express your self, but you should never dress some way just because of what one person says to you. You should always be true to yourself, that's what a real American would do.
Liberty is another thing that makes someone a real American. Being an American you have the liberty to do almost anything you choose. If you want to practice a different religion you are free to with out anyone telling you that you cant. This is one of the many reasons that immigrants came over to America. Their lives were threatened if they tried to practice a different religion then
Definition Essay: What Is An American?
One of the biggest questions I have ever been asked is "What is an American?", As i pondered on what would be the correct response to such a delicate question I realized there is no correct answer. If this question was asked to about one thousand different people there would most likely be one thousand different responses. To me an American is much more than just a human being who is legally allowed to be in the United States. The obvious definition of an American is a person who lives in the united states of America, but it means so much more than that. For hundred's of years the United States was the place to be. It was known as the land of opportunities. I was taught to really take advantage of where I was born because other people
The United States Of America Essay
The United States of America is a very unique country for numerous reasons. One particularly good reason is our great cultural diversity. Weaved deep into our history are the tales of people traveling overseas to the New World looking for better lives. Of course, not all these tales have happy endings (or happy beginnings, or any happiness anywhere in some cases), but regardless, learning about our nation's migratory history is very important. Immigration is a very serious topic of discussion in today's heated political climate; whatever your stance of the issue may be, it's handy to have some knowledge of the subject, as it could affect your opinions on it in a substantial way. We should discuss where and why immigrants came to our shores, how legislators have tried to stop them, and what impact they've left on our country today. The history of immigration to the U.S. is quite vast. Most of the early immigrants were from Europe, as they were the ones who colonized the New World in the 1500s. It took 2–3 months to sail across the Atlantic, and many people died due to the abhorrent conditions on the ships. Things got off to a troubling start, to say the least. Many settlers clashed with the native people, and the former inadvertently brought with them new diseases such as smallpox. Likewise, the slave trade existed as early as 1619, bringing over hundreds of African people against their will ("Immigration Timeline"). Religious freedom, one of our founding principles, also
What Is An American Essay
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. Robert Creeley, an influential American writer and poet, lived the ideal American dream. He wrote about his struggles early in his life. He lost his...show more content...
Americans set their standards to high compared to the rest of the world. They put themselves on a pedestal too high for any other country to reach (James). Thus, the rest of the world and the immigrants coming to America are inferior and are not capable of living the American dream. Florence Mayers wrote a sestina in 1940 named All–American Sestina. He challenged American pride and honor at a very crucial time in American history, and accused Americans of placing more value on material goods then freedoms and values (Mayers, ). At that time the American landscape and culture was molding into one that put more importance on material goods, and that idea started to resemble the American Dream. These days Americans judge their success on what kind of house they live in how many cars they own rather then how hard they work at their jobs and how they live their lives. This idea is represented through all of the material goods in the collage. For some the American dream is the value of hard work. To others it's a huge emphasis on material possessions. So, the American dream is no longer the American dream. It is a dream that anyone and everyone can relate to. This dream is the idea of having what ever you want. May it be material goods, ideas and values, or freedoms and rights. This idea also represents the uniqueness of America. It is a dream a lot of people around the world don't get to enjoy;
What it Means to be an American Essay
What it Means to be an American
What does it mean to be an American? In my eyes to be an American means to have privileges, rights, and freedom. America isn't perfect, but it is one of the only countries that have rights given to people of different diversities and gender. America does not have tremendous poverty. Instead we have choices given to us by the people who fought and died for the American people. Without George Washington and the other patriots who planted the first seed in the ground and help plant the American nation we live in now who knows what America would be like now.
One of the most important and well–known facts about America is freedom. We are granted the freedom or choice in our...show more content...
The people in America are given something that not everybody's given. A chance to be successful and to survive, and most countries are not given that chance. Being in America offers a lot to the people. One of the most important right America offers to America is the chance to be ourselves and to live in a place were small wars are not going on between states or communities. The U.S. gives us a chance to be fed. The people in America are not surrounded by a majority of starving people. Instead we have one of the most powerful economy in the world.
America offers so much to the people who live in the U.S., but America will always be full of criticism, violence, and people who are offended by everything. America still seems to manage to be one of the world's best nations. The first Americans planned America to be as successful as it is, but for America to be more peaceful. America is not one of the most peaceful places, but it is not the most dangerous place to live. Even political parties lie and cheat each other. A lot of the Americans are greedy, because they take advantages of what America offers to their citizens. Even though America is not perfect I am still glad to live in the U.S.
What's 'American' About America?
"What's 'American' About America?"
The United States of America is a country that is defined by its diversity. While this allows a variety of people to call this place home and add their piece to the greater cultural puzzle, it also makes it difficult to define America's cultural identity. Many of the elements identified as iconically "American" are either borrowed from other countries or don't seem to have any correlation. However, there are a few common themes and traits running through many of America's iconic architecture, literature, music and pop culture that can help get a grasp on what defines "America."
The elements that are often cited as uniquely "American" are the New York skyline, jazz, the writing of Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, comics, and soap operas. The New York skyline is located in one of America's most important cities and maintains its asymmetrical beauty using the grid layout of nearly all American cities and the steel cage construction of the skyscrapers. Jazz is an American genre, characterized by its improvisation and how each player is both completely separated and united from the others. Mark Twain and Walt Whitman have written some of the most important pieces of American literature and often do not adhere to "conventional story structure" or a three–beat meter. Finally, comics and soap...show more content...
It is a country that aspires to the Emerson Ideal, or "a union is perfect only when the all uniters are isolated." America is a country that is defined by the independently working parts that constantly build upon themselves in order to create a system of process. As the article states, "the question changes from 'How does it come out?' to 'How are things going?'" Everything is in transit and nothing has to stick to a specific structure. "America is process," the article states, and it is this ideal of continuity and the endless possibilities therein that makes America
What's an American Essay ?
Jamarcus Hillard
Mr. Linder
Oral Communication
14 January 2016
What is an American?
Harold Ickes was successful in presenting his speech by using great rhetorical devices appealing to his audience logically, emotionally, and ethics. As I read Harold Ickes's speech the words summed up the emotion of the time so perfectly. The time was when Hitler and the Nazi army was headed for world domination. His intents were to influence American citizen to unite as a country.
Ethos is one factor in creating the appeals of Harold Ickes' speech. "We should be clear on this point. What is convulsing the world today is not merely another old–fashioned war. It is a counter revolution against our ideas and ideals, against our sense of justice and our...show more content...
Observing the rhetorical strength, Ickes probably had a vital effect on America's decision.
Work Cited Page
https://prezi.com/bxjzdvgit–_6/what–is–an–american/
What Is an American Essay
What is an American
Introduction
Although the present day American is a totally a different person, at the close of the Revolutionary War the same individual was a European immigrant impacted by the nature of the American continent. In St. Jean de Crevecoeur's perspective, an American is a race that results from a mixture of Swedes, Dutch, French, Irish, Scotch, and Englishmen (48). This race consists of unique type of people who are not governed by laws as strict as they experienced in Europe. They are a breed of people who had no home and no country in Europe. This paper discusses what the American was thought to be, in view of St. Jean de Crevecoeur's Letters from an American Farmer.
The American
St. Jean de Crevecoeur describes the...show more content...
This is a society in which neither social class barriers nor economic class problems prohibit interaction. Everyone is equal and the resources are shared equitably by everyone. In this society, the rich and the poor are not that apart as in Europe, everyone is united by a mild government, with everyone respecting the law and having no fear of power given that they are all equitable.
The American is a new man who is neither a European, nor his direct descendant. He is a strange mix of blood which cannot be found in any other country. The American is described as a person whose grandfather was an Englishman, his mother was Dutch and who has married a Frenchwoman. The American is a person who has left behind all his ancient manners and prejudices, and has received new ones from the mode of life he has embraced, the rank he holds and the government he obeys. A person becomes an American after being received in the broad lap of the great Alma Mater, and he becomes melted down into the new race of men whose posterity and efforts could transform the world in the days to come.
The Americans are the pilgrims from the west who have carried a great mass of sciences, arts, industry, and vigor, which began in the east. They were once scattered all over Europe but have been incorporated into one of the best systems of inhabitants in the world. The American is a new person acting upon new principles, forcing him to entertain new ideas and come up with new opinions. He was