"What is an American?"- Week 2

An American is an individual that is a native of North or South America. American is a word derived from America. In the present-day, it refers to someone who is a citizen of the United States of America. The word "American" is often used when the President of the United States is making speeches and on other occasions. In the 16th centuries, the word stood for the native inhabitants of the new world. An "American" is a very broad word as the word refers to citizens of the United States but it describes a large numbers of individuals.

Americans cannot be defined on by the color of their skin, their ethnicities, the language they speak, their culture, or religion. Americans come in different forms, shapes, and sizes. Americans can be Native Americans, Latinos, Caucasians, African Americans, Asians, Middle Eastern, and the list continues. Individuals who are "Americans" also speak several different languages such as English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Arabic, Indonesian, Portuguese and the list continues. It is impossible to classify an individual as an American by their religion or culture because not all Americans worship the same leader or have the same beliefs. As Americans we live in a very diverse world.

The most essential thing that Americans possess is freedom. When I think about people that come to America from all of these different countries. I ask myself why do they want to come here. It was not until one day I had a teacher from Africa that explained to me that he wanted to come here because he wanted freedom and he wanted his child to have a better life. As Americans we have political and individual freedom. With political freedom Americans have the right to participate in the government through voting and acting as a representative. Americans also have their individual rights which are guaranteed in the first ten amendments also known as the Bill of Rights. "Here man is free as he ought to be..." (Heath 962). We have the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of petition, and the right to assemble. Our freedoms play an important role in society.

Although as an American the most essential thing we possess is freedom it's not all about the freedom. To me a genuine American is someone that helps one another. To be American is to be able to unite as one regardless of the culture, religion, or whatever the difference may be.It is about being there for one another in their times of needs. The true test of being an American was tested on 9/11. It was that day that thousands of Americans came together in unity lending a helping hand. An American is not just an individual that lives in America. Americans are individuals that come together to make a difference.

Americans are individuals that knows in order to receive the best in life it requires exertion. That means you must have effort and action. Americans work hard to get the things that they get. Americans are individuals who can fall and get back up. For example, many Americans have suffered from this economy. Many Americans have lost businesses and homes. As Americans we fall but we do not stay down. Americans take the initiative. When Americans can not find work, they create work. Americans are self-starters.

Americans stand up for what they believe in. Not all, but there are some Americans that will speak up about things that they are against. Americans fight for their rights. People think that being an American just means that you are an official citizen of the United States but being an American is more than just being a citizen. “Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world” (Heath 963). An American brings change to their community/world.

As an American I can choose my own religion. I do not have to serve the same religious leader that others serve. I can choose my own occupation. I can be different. I can have my own beliefs.I can go to school and receive an education. I do not have to live the way that others live. I am able to vote for the person I want to be the head of my government. I can speak up and change the things I do not like in my community/world. Being an American gives me a voice!