Pros And Cons Of Being An America

“America is another name for opportunity. Our whole history appears like a last effort of divine providence on behalf of the human race” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Most people take pride in being an American, as America has provided greater opportunities and has fostered economic success for its’ citizens to be successful. By coming to America, people are able to take advantage of the better opportunities presented to them. The majority of people would interpret living in America as a privilege, as America has given them the chance to turn their life around. To be an American means to have freedom and equal opportunities; although, there are some obstacles, such as discrimination, corruption, unrealistic standards, and people who try to take away
people’s unalienable rights.
Americans have more frequently started to discriminate against others. Discrimination is when people make unjust judgements or actions against a person’s religion, race, looks, sexuality, gender, lifestyle, and disabilities. “The groups that are most often discriminated against are African Americans, Hispanics, and Muslims, but smaller minority groups, such as Jews, other immigrant groups, and the LGBT community, bear their share of intolerance as well” (Racism and Discrimination in the US, Pg. 1). Discrimination is present in many aspects of our lives such as the incident that occurred in Orlando on June 11th of 2016. The tragic event in Orlando was a hate crime against people in the LGBT community and many people suffered a terrible death. “Muslims, especially those who could be identified as such by their dress or practices, were frequent victims of assaults and attacks, mosques were vandalized, and they were generally made to feel unwelcome” (Racism and Discrimination in the US, Pg. 1). 9/11 sparked discrimination against muslims which is a common occurrence that still happens today. Discrimination is Another topic that should be discussed is the high amount of corruption. “Fox Cable News is among the more corrupt institutions in American society, purveying outright lies for the benefit of the billionaire class. The US is so corrupt that it is resisting the obvious urgency to slash carbon production” (“Top 10 Ways the US is the Most Corrupt Country in the World” Pg.1). The United States is already wrongly prioritized but now they’re giving off false information for the benefit of the higher class. Media twists the truth a lot and it’s the reason people have become cynical. You can never trust what you hear and people begin boycotting once they find out the truth, riots start, and other big events. The government wants to hide many things from us and the judicial system isn’t what it’s made out to seem. The government also lacks to tell us complete information after terrorist attacks causing distrust to spread. Overall, corruption has increased quite a bit over time and it’s definitely an issue that should be addressed for the community to feel completely comfortable.
America has set unrealistic standards by portraying itself as the greatest country in the world, when in reality America may not be what it seems. “The invocation of the American dream presumes that there are no conflicts among groups” (Down with the American dream: unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment 2). America has given people false hope by creating the American dream. “For politicians and pundits, the virtue of the American dream is that it's disconnected from nasty facts and choices” (Down with the American dream: unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment 2). Even though false hope encourages people to better themselves, America uses the American dream to create unrealistic standards and shadow the flaws of our country.
In addition to discrimination, corruption, and unrealistic standards, people have constantly been denied their unalienable rights over recent years.
Unalienable rights include freedom of religion and speech, the prevention of unlawful search and seizure, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. “The US government is constantly attempting to arrest protesters and crush protests going on throughout the nation” (“Americans Have Lost VIRTUALLY ALL of Our Constitutional Rights”, Pg. 1). By shutting down protests, the government is invading the first amendment granted to all citizens; which is freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. “The US government is constantly spying on almost everything Americans do, most commonly through the NSA. Also, corrupt police officers sometimes conduct involuntary door-to-door searches among houses” (“Americans Have Lost VIRTUALLY ALL of Our Constitutional Rights”, Pg. 1). By spying on its’ citizens, and by conducting involuntary house searches, the US government is invading the fourth amendment granted to all citizens; which is the prohibition of unlawful search and seizure. “Sentenced to life in prison, the death penalty, and the long-lasting system of torture are obvious examples of cruel punishment that are given to wrong-doers that have committed a serious crime” (“Americans Have Lost VIRTUALLY ALL of Our Constitutional Rights”, Pg. 1). By handing down cruel punishment to criminals, the government is invading the eighth amendment granted to all its citizens; which is the ban of cruel and unusual punishment. Unalienable rights were granted in the Constitution, and need to be taken into account and respected once again to ensure the prosperity of US citizens for generations to
come.
Being an American comes with opportunities to be successful, although there may be roadblocks to face along the way. During the strive to economic success, Americans may encounter discrimination, corruption, unrealistic standards, and people who try to take away their unalienable rights. “If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin” (Samuel Adams).