What it means to be an American

What it means to be an American?

I feel like generations before had a different definition of what it means to be an American. I feel like our grandparents and great-grandparents; whom were mostly immigrates set out to make a better life for generations following. They emphasized on working hard, owning their own homes, and building big families. There was a strong sense of community, and respect. Even though the core idea hasn’t changes much. Now, I feel as if America has turned into a country of arrogance, intolerance, and greed. Although, difference issues and situations have been worked through, there is still much work to be done.
The “founding fathers” of this country, had a different Idea of what it took to be an American. Through slave labor, prejudice, and an unjust government, things went bad quickly. Remnants of all of that still exist today. I think being an American should be about helping one another. Doing whatever it takes to make sure that EVERYONE’s rights are kept. For some reason, I don’t think this will ever come to be, when we live in a world where people fear what they don’t understand. Instead of a “live and let live” country, we have a government that constantly tries to dictate what we should do, because they feel they know what’s best. If everyone could focus on their version of the American Dream, and stop creating obstacles for others, I believe this country would be in a better place.
The same things all of us want are Freedom, Equality, and a just government. But will that every come to be. Only time will tell. Because, I have been fortunate enough to live in so many places in the U.S. I have developed my own “American Dream”. One where everything that I desire, can be mine. Hard work, determination, respect for others, and faith are all I need.
So what it means to me to be an American, is to never give up hope. Never stop fighting for what you believe in. It’s that fight, that hope that has brought us through so much. Through prayers and determination that things won’t be like this always.
Money, fame, a house on a hill, and Power are great I am sure. But life as an American can be so much more. That is where “stop and smell the roses” comes in. As an American, you have to take pleasure in the things we often take for granted. Family, Love, Friends that is what life (Not only as an American, but all over the world) is all about.
We all have our own ideas of what the American standard is. I can’t speak for anyone else, but as for me…I am determined to see America the way it was intended. With Liberty, Justice, and Equality for all.