what is an american?
What is an American? This is a idea that has been pondered by many in the past. Some consider an American to simply be anyone that has U.S. Citizenship, but in truth it is much more than this. A true and idealistic American has many characteristics that distinguish him from other people around the world. He is prideful in everything he possesses or accomplishes. He full-heartedly believes in a free-market system. The true American is very hardworking and competitive in everything he does, but is also respectful of others and their beliefs while keeping himself informed about important issues and events. These qualities constitute the ideal American and a model American citizen to others. Pride in one's work and possessions is a vital part of an ideal American. No matter what he does or makes, he strives to be proud of himself in his accomplishments. When the Eastern European immigrants arrived in the West in the end of the 19th Century, they had little money and resources, but were prideful in having and holding a job and place of living. (Jennings) An American is proud of America above all else, an idea well captured when president John F. Kennedy stated in a 1961 speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you
not informed, democracy will not truly work. The masses would be at the mercy of simple lies and politicians' charisma. Theodore Roosevelt, an excellent example of an American, once said "It ought to be axiomatic in this country that every man must devote a reasonable share of his time to doing his duty in the political life of the community." (Man of the Century) It is evident in American society that the vast majority of people recognize this aspect as an important part of being an American; people who are knowledgable in politics and world issues are respected by those around them, while people who aren't are disliked and considered ignorant. The ideal American is very hardworking and industrious. He values the American worker, as said by Theodore Roosevelt, "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at Being an American involves many ideals. It is not just a matter of having citizenship in the U.S.A., but it involves difficult requirements, to which few of the citizens of America live up to. Today however, less and less people come to share these ideals. Politicians frequently speak of "instilling traditional American values", but they fail to accomplish this. American Society now has lost sight of ideals like independence, as people demand that their government help them when they are unable to help themselves. Citizens of America have lost much of their pride, not caring for the honor of their country. Theodore Roosevelt said "It is character that counts in a nation, as in a man." (Man of the Century) The "character" of today's American society is much different than it was in Roosevelt's day. Perhaps in the non-so-distant future, the answer to "What is an American?" will be quite different. As George W. Bush put it in his inaugural address, people should "be a citizen, not a spectator." Partic
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Approximate Word count = 1246
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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