The answer to what seems such a simple question, “ What does it mean to be an American”, is actually quite difficult. Being an American is an abstract idea. Everyone’s experience is different, which creates the diverse nation that we ourselves live in. After researching for and reading on different views of what being an American means, a possible answer has been formed.To be an American one must act as an American. They must pay taxes, vote in elections, and serve their country, whether at home or abroad. They must be accepting of all religions, ethnicities and personal morals and receive all forms of natural freedom. These characteristics are shown through the exemplification, function, negation, and classification of who and what and American is.
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The Bill of Rights entitles every U.S. citizen the most basic liberties, in the First Amendment it states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This freedom helps us serve our country, an American stands up for what is right and just. A second example of an American's function is shown in, “Is the American Dream Still Possible?”a text by Davis Wallechinsky.Wallechinsky states, “Don’t leave decision-making and priority-setting to zealots who have an ax to grind….For more than 200 years, our system of government has encouraged power to the people. Be an active citizen.” This quote directly illustrates the true function of an American, which is actively voting and participating within American
The Bill of Rights entitles every U.S. citizen the most basic liberties, in the First Amendment it states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This freedom helps us serve our country, an American stands up for what is right and just. A second example of an American's function is shown in, “Is the American Dream Still Possible?”a text by Davis Wallechinsky.Wallechinsky states, “Don’t leave decision-making and priority-setting to zealots who have an ax to grind….For more than 200 years, our system of government has encouraged power to the people. Be an active citizen.” This quote directly illustrates the true function of an American, which is actively voting and participating within American