What It Means To Be An American Essay

What does it mean to be an American?

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty” (President John F. Kennedy). America is a country founded on faith, hope, and freedom. Although many modern day Americans believe in the future and change, it is important to remember American culture and its foundation. America is undoubtedly privileged with freedom, is composed of a wide range of people who share one culture, and has given citizens a reason to be proud and patriotic toward their country. Americans are growing more and more focused on efficiency and change. Globalism is flourishing, along with the demand for new technology and ideas. In the article, The Fight for the Meaning of America, Hillary Clinton claims that “We don’t hide from change. We harness it” (82).

Freedom is often taken for granted as the majority of Americans do not understand what it is like to have restricted freedom. This sets us apart from early Americans, as many of them left their countries to escape persecution or an oppressive government. They understood what it was like to be stripped of their freedom, which is something most Americans today may never fully comprehend. The Bill of Rights was written to give America rights and liberties that set us apart from other countries. We are a privileged society compared to the rest of the world. The restrictions in the American government are light considering the government systems in many other countries. Whereas many countries nearly force a specific way of life or religion, we are free to worship however we please. American citizens are able to worship the Lord with very little restriction and persecution. Because of this, there is no denying the freedoms and privileges that American citizens are blessed