What It Means to be an American Essay - 720 Words

What It Means to be an American Many people dream about being an American. They dream because they envision America as the land of peace and prosperity. But is it? At times it has been, and at times its not. It is hard for the United States to be correct all the time because they have been unwilling designated as the â€Å"World Police†. Throughout history there have been examples politically, economically, and socially, where being an American is rewarding and times where it is embarrassing. To be an American means progress. We evolved from a world ruled by white men to a world of equal opportunity. Politically the United States has had its ups and downs. The Watergate scandal could be considered a moment of disgust. On June 17,†¦show more content†¦These were two of the greatest political leaders ever and they made a difference in the world all though their lives were cut short too. The only negative was that what they were fighting for should have rightfully all ready been theirs. Not only h ave there been examples politically but socially too. Socially is where America has progressed the most. They have gone from white male domination to equal opportunity. America began relations with other races and ethic back rounds on the wrong foot. The United States at first treated African-Americans unfairly and used as slaves. They treated like them like property instead of humans. When the Jim Crow Laws were established in 1881 (the first one) one would be embarrassed to be an American. These laws that stated â€Å"Separate but equal† were ridiculous. If they were equal why did they need to separate everything? Separate trains, bubblers, and bathrooms, come on now is this necessary? The case was the same for women too. It was not until certain amendments and acts were passed that women had any rights. But now socially one could not be prouder to be an American. Now any race, sex, or religion can get a job with equal opportunity. In many cases women are higher up the ladd er in some work places. Economically was the last area the country progressed with over time. Economically the United States had its highs and lows. One would have not wanted to be an American during the time period of theShow MoreRelatedWhat It Means to Be American954 Words   |  4 PagesAmericans strongly affirm the principles of religious freedom, religious tolerance, and separation of church and state. Nearly 9-in-10 (88 percent) Americans agree that America was founded on the idea of religious freedom for everyone, including religious groups that are unpopular. Ninety-five percent of Americans agree that all religious books should be treated with respect even if we don’t share the religious beliefs of those who use them. Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of Americans agree thatRead MoreWhat It Means to be American Essay1256 Words   |  6 PagesWhat it means to be American? Everybody you ask this question to will have a completely different response. Some responses might have similarities but none will be exactly the same. In the beginning of the year my response was â€Å"To be an American means having a rich history, having opportunities to better ourselves, and having freedoms.† Unfortunately not everyone has had the same opportunities or freedoms. Native Americans, who are indigenous, dealt with having their freedoms taken away, less opportunitiesRead MoreWhat It Means To Be An American Essay1233 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the life span of the United States, from its infancy after the Revolution to the present, people have asked, â€Å"What is an American?† This question goes far beyond asking who is a citizen or who resides in this land. No, it asks what the identity of an American is? Through popular, art, film, and literature, the American image is defined as being based on embracing our individual identities. 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Essay1602 Words   |  7 Pagesfirst century and a quarter of the history of the United States of America, what it means to be an American has been defined by a number of different documents. The authors of those documents have come from varied backgrounds all searching to find their place in the growth and development of this country. At the beginning of the nation, those authors came from the English tradition of what government should look like and what those who were looking to change that government should do. When the co untryRead MoreWhat It Means T Be an American Essay756 Words   |  4 PagesWhat does it mean to be an American? Many people dream about being an American. They dream because they envision America as the land of peace and prosperity. But is it? At times it has been, and at times its not. It is hard for the United States to be correct all the time because they have been unwilling designated as the World Police. Throughout history there have been examples politically, economically, and socially, where being an American is rewarding and times where it is embarrassingRead MoreWhat Does It Mean For The American Dream?864 Words   |  4 PagesWhat does it mean to be an American dream? It is a hope of the American people that everyone has a same opportunity to achieve a success through their resolution, originality, and hard-working. Hundreds and hundred years, millions of people all over the world come to America to search and prove the true of an American dream. Unfortunately, in fact, everybody has different opportunities and obstacles to achieve their dream relate to gender, and especially clas s. 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