Being American

I was born and brought up in Los Angeles after my parents relocated from Denmark. Life
in Los Angeles was better than that of Denmark, especially because it had an almost
predetermined routine in that one had to go to high school. College work for 40 hours a week
until they turn 65, after which they are taken to a nursing home after being dependent. However,
in Los Angeles, people had an opportunity to choose how they wanted to live, which motivated
my parents to settle there in 1998. My parents started a business that is still performing well to
date, and they want to retire at 55 years and start farming. Therefore, they are modeling their
lives, and the state provides that opportunity for an individual to make decisions regarding
shaping their future. Being an American offers a unique experience, especially because of the
core values that influence individual lives.
A birthplace is not only a necessity to fill in legalities but also to determine who you are
as a person. Being American cannot be fully defined since the American government decided to
melt various differences based on race, political views, color, and religion. America has national
symbols like other countries, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the American Flag. Being
an American means one should support these symbols and hold them with the utmost regard.
Such explains why when the National Anthem is played or the Pledge of Allegiance is recited,
people are expected to stand and remove their hats as a sign of honor and respect to the country

(Hanson, 778). The national symbols represent what we are, what we believe in, and where we
come from. We are Americans; we believe in life and the pursuit of happiness. Based on the
provisions of the national symbols, the American core values have influenced my ability to treat
people with honor and respect regardless of their social and racial backgrounds.
To be an American means having privileges, rights, and freedom. Although America
cannot be considered perfect, it is among the few countries which give diverse people an
opportunity to enjoy their rights. Being an American therefore means that individual rights are
protected under the law. People have a right to agree or disagree with the government, hold
protests against unjust practices, and burn the flag in disgrace (Blitz, 127). The American heroes
who fought and died for the people of America planted a seed that grew and prospered to present
America. The first Americans, such as George Washington, planned its current success.
Although it is not the most peaceful place, America is one of the least dangerous places. People
choose how they want to lead their lives, and there is no tremendous poverty in America.
In America, the freedom of religion and speech prospers. Such allows Americans to serve
their country by standing for what they believe is right and just. In the spirit of service to the
nation, the freedom of speech allows Americans to no even when their inner conviction is in
agreement hence avoiding getting into trouble (Hanson, 783). Freedom of speech is based on the
Pledge of Allegiance, which encompasses freedom, peace, and security. As an American,
therefore, people have the right to come together and brainstorm solutions to a challenge,
something that is impossible in other countries. The freedom to worship in different religions and
communities enhances the oneness of Americans and provides a source of pride and heritage.

Being American is leading an American way of life. The way is rooted in the traditions of
respect for the law, self-reliance, merit-based achievement, and equal justice. Nevertheless,
enjoying the provided freedoms requires people to listen and understand one another. Besides,
they need to have moderated claims to achieve a common ground when making decisions.
Americans have a sense of solidarity that cultivates sympathy and mutual respect, hence
breeding a common good for all. Being an American also means one has to embrace cultural
diversity. America is among the few countries where individual differences such as race,
religion, and ancestry do not define nationality. Rather, American nationality is defined by
unique social, political, and economic values. The Great Seal of the United States shows that
America comprises people from diverse backgrounds (Lo, 141). The seal implies that one can
become an American by embracing what the country stands for, even without being born in the
country.
Being an American offers a unique experience, especially because of the core values
that influence individual lives. Americans know that they live in a diverse cultured country and
have the right to expression. America offers an opportunity to achieve economic mobility
upwards while upholding the freedom from slavery, speech, and freedom to fight for America.
No one can take away the ideas provided by the constitution or replace them with oppressive
ones, especially because they are the pillars that make America Unique from other countries.
Being born and brought up within the American boundaries is something that I cherish. It gives
me a chance to choose how to model my life with all available social, political, and economic
opportunities at my disposal.

Blitz, Marc Jonathan. “Freedom of Thought and the Structure of American Constitutional
Rights.” The Law and Ethics of Freedom of Thought, Volume 1. Palgrave Macmillan,
Cham, 2021. 103-151.
Hanson, Kristin, and Emma O’Dwyer. “Patriotism and nationalism left and right:
AQ‐methodology study of American national identity.” Political Psychology 40.4
(2019): 777-795.
Lo, Jane C. “A Roadmap to E Pluribus Unum: The Educating for American Democracy Project.”
Social Education 85.3 (2021): 139-142.