Defining the True American Identity: A Cultural Perspective

What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Many People who live in America believe they are more than just ‘Americans’ but a blend of different people and cultures all mixed together. So what makes anyone an American? What does it really mean to be an American? Does having set values and the rights make them Americans? ‘The American dream’ was not just a dream but a reality that our ancestors fraught to achieve. There are many articles, books and art that try to show and make people understand what being an American really means, like in The Color Purple, by Alice Walker. In the book two special sisters fight for what we call the ‘The American Dream’. Articles such as Drawing The Color Line, by J. Saunders Redding, 'Are You, Like, African-AMERICAN Or AFRICAN-American? ' by Gene Demby and An American

Dreaming and producing a better future for themselves and for generations to come is what makes anyone an American. Without America being the safe haven for people whom grown up without certain privilege allowing them to fight for a better future for themselves and their children to come, there would be no hope. Many could never dream of building the amount of self-determination that are ancestors, leaders and parents had to work for in order for us to live our own American dream. Being an American means more than cheap food and good tv shows. For now when people think about America as a whole we want them to think of the vast culture, hard work and determination people put together to making this one place our home.

Work Cited

Dem, Gene. " 'Are You, Like, African-AMERICAN Or AFRICAN-American? '" NPR. NPR, n.d. Web. 24 Aug. 2014.

"George Catlin and His Indian Gallery." Smithsonian American Art Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Aug. 2014.

"Grant Wood 's Studio: Birthplace of." Smithsonian American Art Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Aug. 2014.

Noë, Alva. "An American Family." NPR. NPR, n.d. Web. 24 Aug.