An American Is...

An American Is…
When one says “American” there are numerous connotations that go along with the word, but often a true American is something else, indeed. At the mention of “American” several things enter ones mind. Among these are MTV, biased media, Hollywood, the 4th of July, red, white and blue, fireworks, freedom, sports and celebrities. These are just a few of the connotations that accompany the term. In some places it may include drastic or radical measures such as infidels, terrorism, hi-jacked planes, immigration, illegal substances and more. Despite all of these ideas, the above descriptions are not what makes an American.
First of all, an American is someone who has the ability and freedom to think through issues, and upon forming an opinion, being able to publish it. There is not state religion, allowing for anyone to practice whatever beliefs they hold as long as they do not harm anyone. One has the right to vote based on a an opinion of a candidate formulated by moral, social, political, and ethical standards which they hold. Without restrictions on the press, people are enabled with a valuable tool with which they can influence others towards their opinion. One also has the ability to express oneself and one’s opinions through seemingly insignificant things as clothing, food, automobiles, bumper stickers, and protests.
Secondly, Americans have a sense of pride. This pride was instigated as far back as the fifteenth century when the first settlements were established. Not only were they part of the colonization of the “New World,” but they also overthrew England-the strongest naval and military power at the time- in order to establish the freedom and independence that was so long the hope of many. The strength of the United States Military Forces has also become a source of pride, as it has come through numerous wars and conflicts primarily undefeated. Despite attacks on this pride, including hi-jackings and 9/11, this sense of pride is only strengthened and renewed as troubles are dealt with.
Thirdly, Americans are the most diverse nationality in the world. American culture today I made up of bits and pieces of all other countries of the world meshed together and reformed. One of America’s stereo-typical foods, pizza, is of Italian origin. Every street has varying types of restaurants lining it: from Japanese, to Italian, to Hispanic, and so on. Whereas Germany is known for its blue-eyed, blonde, Aryans, Americans come in all varieties of sizes, shapes, colors, etc. Although Americans do not often know where their origins are, that is one element of their being a true American- multiple nationalities or countries of origin blended together.
All of these things only begin to define an American. Being an American is in many ways as much of a way of thinking as bloodlines.