What is an American? Is an American defined by his skin color? His place of birth? Maybe his nationality? Some people say that being an American is defined by the way you see yourself within the context of a greater meaning. So one has to assume that the definition of what it is to be an American means different things for different people. In my opinion, I believe that none of these connotations actually define what an American is.IHow do I define what an American is? It is my personal belief that being an American is more of a state of mind than anything else.
To be an American means that your knowledge of your country’s history is steeped in national history and current events. It means that you understand the heritage of our nation is based upon an inborn quest for freedom, equality, and democracy for the people of this land. Being an American to me means that I am able to stand up for those who are weak and defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Some of us were lucky enough to be born in this so-called land of plenty. Others, were priveledged enough to be granted immigrant or, in some cases, citizenship status, in order to reside in this great country. Some people believe that is what defines being an American. The fact that we never seem to want for anything and that the government will always provide for even our barest of neccessities is something not all nations can be proud of. American know how to take care of their own. However, that is not all that an American is. It also means knowing how to share with those less fortunate than us. The reality is that there are those who still need and want for even the barest necessities like shoes on their feet and food on the table. An American is defined by his ability to empathize with those less fortunate. He or she has the desire and initiative to actually go and try to remedy a bad or pitiful situation to the best of their abilities.
Being an American is not defined by skin color. For one thing, my skin color does not say anything about me as a person or as an American. Rather, my skin color only serves as the basis of how I am expected to conduct myself as an American. The country has never judged anybody by skin color or race. Instead it tells you to go ahead and be the best that you can be in order to define who and what an American can truly be. It is the part of me which dictates the drive and desire that I have to become the best American that I can be.
An American is a term that defines many of the fantastically wonderful traits that has made this nation of ours a great and enviable member of the international community. An American is a person who understands that he is looked upon by the global community to be an exemplary leader in all fields. He is a person who believes in fair play and equality for all.
I close by saying that Americans cannot be defined in terms of words. For it is my belief that everything I have described above defines a truly great American. The state of mind wherein one looks towards only the best and brighest futures that the country has to offer everyone, regardless of nationality or skin color.
Do I believe in all the personal definitions that I have described within these pages? Yes. So, does that define who I am as an American? Probably. I know that there are still more words out there that can be used to define what an American truly is. I will have to suffice with what I have said so far though because 2 pages aren’t really enough to fully define who or what I truly believe to be the definition of an American.