There are many meanings on what it means to truly be an American. Including, how this identity as an American has changed overtime from the past to present day. A specific value that I strongly agree with is “Opportunity” and that every single person on this earth deserves a chance. To begin with, an example of what it truly means to be an American from the past, the article “Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address” and how Lincoln wrote a speech proclaiming his respect and honor for the soldiers who fought during the war. In addition, an example of this is how Lincoln gave them the opportunity to rest in peace on this great battle field. While, speaking for the Soldiers who fought for our liberty and so that all …show more content…
Lastly, another example of what it truly means to be an American in the present day from the article “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes he explains the dreams of those who saw America as heaven or even a place that was safe from prosecution and where you would find more freedom and opportunity, but in reality it was the complete opposite. Also, the reality of what it means to be an American is completely different and is unfair such as, the poor is referred as weak and useless while the educated is referred as rich and wealthy. For instance, in the article “Let America Be America Again” it says “America should go back to being the dream that the dreamers had, and be a "great strong land of love." There should not be kings or tyrants or people being crushed by someone above them.” Including, Langston Hughes believes that being an American means to be free and to not be controlled upon and that equality is a priority whether a person is rich or poor and that it is just a title at the end of the day and to dream bigger and endure more opportunities. Therefore, this is what it truly means to be an American and how it has changed significantly from the past and present. In addition, how opportunity is a amazing value that adds on to being an American and how you choose your