Defining an American




What does it mean to be an American? Create your own definition based on our readings,  activities, songs, quotes, and your own experience (you might want to even include your "Child of _____" poem or parts of your poem!)

Comments

  1. There is no actual definition of what an American is, it's all about what everyone says what an American is. However to be an American, I guess I would say that it has to go with who you are and how you are as a person. Everyone is an American no matter what race you're from or what skin color you are. It's a reason why America is called a melting pot and why so many immigrants comes to America. Yes it's because they want a new life but it's also because they want to learn how to be in such a diverse country. I also think it's a reason why America is so well-known, people does not think having such a diverse country will work instead they think it will not work and everything would be chaos. Just like what Morales says " I am new. History made me... I was born at the crossroads and I am whole." We will always represent who we are and where we came from, however I think it's time for us to make our own history.

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    2. I disagree with the line " even the place immigrants lived are changed but they still lived are changed but they still live with their race", because many people with different race do live together meaning America is diverse. I also dont live near any Asians anymore and live with other races.

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    3. I agree with you. There is a lot of diversity in America and it continues to grow, but people still have a tendency to stick with their own racial group. For example Spanish Harlem consist mostly of Hispanic people. They are from different countries but they live near people with similar culture. I think that’s what the author meant by that line but she wasn’t suggesting that there’s no diversity

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    4. I agree with Tasnia. As an American we are so diversed and it will continue to be like that. Be different from each other is what makes us stand out from other Americans. Which is the reason why each American is different and unique. We all stand out in our own ways. We all come from different countries and different cultures. It is important for all of us to know that there is no real description of what every American is supposed to look like, talk, act, feel, etc. We are all different and we need to express that in every way. That is what brings us together and that is what makes America.

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    5. I fully agree with you, especially "but it's also because they want to learn how to be in such a diverse country." Although not many people think that way, I've encountered a few who do. People who want to have a different life with not only just their race but with other races too. People who want to unite with other people as a whole. People who want to learn about each other. But the negativity is still existing and perhaps will still be for a long time.

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  2. I believe that the idea of classifying yourself as an American is a broad and complex concept. It is an idea that has a different meaning to every person. However, my definition of being an American is a person with many different backgrounds who is looking for ways to find opportunities and combine their hard work ethic in order to succeed what they plan to accomplish. Anyone can classify themselves as an American. Race, gender, color, and religion do not play a factor. In Aurora Levins Morales’s poem titled “Child of the Americas,'' she states, “A child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads… A product of the ghettos of New York I have never known”(Morales lns. 3,5). Morales calls herself a “child of the Americas” because she explains how her identity can’t just tie up with one nationality. She is a product of many cultures. There are cultures that are in her blood and yet they do not fully reflect her identity. Therefore, this is exactly why I stated that being an American is a complicated concept because even though you may use this classification, you have various different backgrounds that are in your blood. However, your identity is made up of various different aspects like your past, your present, your decisions, your beliefs, and so much more. For instance, my poem titled “Child of the Reappearing Central Land of Europe” states, “And now, I am a branch on the tree of history linking the past and the present” (Baginski lns. 34-35). The tree symbolizes my ancestors, my background, and my past. However, the tree also symbolizes the fact that it will continue to grow and my branch will make a difference since I am Polish because of my background, but I was born in America. This may result in the descendants of the ancestors to may classify themselves as American in the future. Furthermore, America is the land of diversity and opportunity. Many families have immigrated to this nation of diversity for many reasons whether it is due to religious, economic, or political reasons. The Baruch video clearly shows various perspectives on the idea of being an American and how people’s perspective about themselves changes due to their environment as well as because of their upbringing. Therefore, the one major concept that keeps us united in this nation is this concept of being an American. This complicated idea represents the complexity of humans and the way we feel about ourselves, so the next time you see a question that asks about who you are, think about it carefully because the way you classify yourself truly matters.

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    1. I love your idea of being part of a "branch on the tree of history" :)

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    2. About the Great Britain, I am talking about that the United States is super powerful, because it can beat the Great Britain, before the the railroad is build.

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    3. Okay so, my definition of an American is different from both of you but that doesn’t mean any of us are wrong. The beauty of the word American is that it can be anything that you want it to be the word changes and that’s okay, but like any other word it’s just a word and that shouldn’t define who you are. Being an American is something that you can chose to be. But like any word there’s a fine line that once crossed, I think your taking the word to far. For example you can’t say that an American is a table because that doesn’t make sense and this applies to your opinion of what an American is Chuanwu Peng. Your definition is pure opinion and not a fact but what about an American is a fact? In a country like America different views and opinions are accepted but at a certain point things start to become obscured by your own opinion which prevents them from becoming a fact. Fact and opinion are to different things and saying your opinion is right is wrong because it can’t always be proven right, in contrast a fact can be proven right or wrong and if it can’t then it’s purely an opinion, so my point being arguing over who’s OPINION is right is point less because there’s no way for you to really prove who’s right and wrong with an opinion about especially with the word American. So realizing this I hope that you have a nice day and save your self the stress.

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    4. Although I understand you viewpoint, I don't think that numbers and statistics can define who or what an American is. Just because 80% of the US population is white, this doesn't make the other 20% irrelevant. The 20% of people you don't consider American totals up to be about 66 million people which isn't a small number. Furthermore, I doubt every white person in America is a descendant of European immigrants who has participated in developing this country. By your definition of American, was our former president, Barack Obama, not an American? Its important to recognize that the majority isn't always the best representation of something. It'd true that we have adopted some of the European culture, and most of America speaks English, but through time we have become our own unique country. Europeans might've built the foundation of America but we are the ones here now building the future.

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    5. I disagree with what you said about only considering decedents of European immigrants as Americans, and how you say Americans are whites. Then what about the Native Americans that lived here before the European immigrants or how about the slaves that was brought into this land when the European immigrants moved into this land. You say that whites built the United States but in the end the ones who did most of the hard labors was the slaves that was brought on to this land, and what about the people on the eastern end of the hemisphere who settled down on the western part of the United States are you saying they aren't Americans even though the also contributed a lot to create this country as it is.

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  4. An American can be seen differently based on your own perspective, meaning there isn't an exact definition of being an American. I see an American as a person that has several different backgrounds due to their ancestors. America is build up by immigrants, immigrants that come to America for a "better life". Immigrants are being stereotyped due to their culture, religion, or even skin color. Which leads to America being a melting pot a place where different types of people are mixed together. I do consider myself as an American but there are times where I don't. My parents are Mexicans and they migrated to New York to give my sister and I a better life. Unfortunately my sister wasn't born in America so she wasn't able to get these important papers that are so what called an U.S passport or even a social security. So was it easy for my parents to give that American Dream to my sister? No it wasn't, not only was it hard for my sister but for my parents as well. To be able to live like an "American" you need a job to be able to get food, pay rent, or to buy utilities. We could say that I am a lucky Mexican that has these important papers where I could travel back and forward to visit my family or to go all around the world. I am an America that follows more Mexican traditions that American traditions like the 4th of July. I was raised to act like it's just a normal day even tho it's the Independence Day of the United States. I was raised with the tradition of waking up every September 16 and celebrate the Mexican Independence Day. In my poem "Child of Immigrants" I state that I am "The girl that believes that culture should follow you everywhere you go" (Sanchez line 8). I believe that even if you was born in the U.S. you should always keep on following your culture. Some people don't even see Americans as people that follow their traditions or that are also consider as immigrants Like in the song "This is America" by Donald Glover, to be an American you get to party, be rich, and spend money. Not all Americans are the same where they can be "high class". Overall, I believe that immigrants build up America and that everyone is considered an American like Morales says in the "Child of Americas".

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    1. I strongly agree with your philosophy about what it means to be an American because everyone in America who has an American passport technically does not come from a single race or from a single background. Whenever we look around New York whether it is on the street or in the subway, no one looks exactly the same. America contains people from every shade of color. Our school is a great example of how America contains many individuals with many diverse backgrounds, stories, strengths, and talents. Our AP Language and Composition class contains students who have European, Hispanic, Asian, African, and many other backgrounds. That is what makes America so different from other nations. Furthermore, in Aurora Levins Morales’s poem titled “Child of the Americas,'' she states, “A child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads… A product of the ghettos of New York I have never known”(Morales lns. 3,5). I believe that these lines from Morales’s poem justify your concept about what it means to be an American because when you explained how you are an American that follows Mexican traditions, it reminded me of how your past helps you stay grounded and helps you understand yourself as well as other people. Therefore, your philosophy and Morales’s message are similar because you both believe that even though people may live in the land called America, your background is the aspect that makes a huge contribution in the way you perceive yourself and the way you may classify yourself as an individual.

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  5. I personally dont think theress any rule to being and American because everyone is from different backgrounds in the U.S and many people came here for a better life. Even if they had immigrated here, they still hold true to their own culture and won't forget where they came from because it is in their genetics. America is known as the the new world and should show that all races are welcomed and are able to get along and make this country better by having a variety of food, culture, religion and race.

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  6. I personally feel like being an American is someone who is of mixed culture and someone who came to America to have a better life and to better the lives of their children. Yes, people might say an American is someone that is white and is born into this country but that is just a fraction of what being an American. I also feel like what makes up America is the people that came for a better life.

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    1. I agree with your statement, but I feel that being American has more to do with your personal feelings than your background. Many people that come from different ethnic backgrounds consider themselves to be American because they were born here or they came here to be an American. I on the other hand do not associate myself with this corrupt and horrid country. Yes I was born and raised here but it was not my choice to make rather the result of cultural diffusion and colonization. So yes theoretically I am an American but I don’t attach myself to this disgrace of a landmass

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    2. I disagree with your view of an American because I do not believe that being an American has anything to do with the reason why you came here or whether or not you are an immigrant. Being an American has a lot more to do with your mindset of hardworking and the way you choose to live.

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  7. Being an American is not easy to determine. In America there are so many different races and nationalities of American citizens its hard to really pinpoint what it is exactly, but one trait that all Americas have is we hustle and strive to be better than others. To be an American you must hustle and fight for what you want, literally and metaphorically. This county is built off of the winning mindset which we all have despite how diverse we are. With such a diverse population people identify as American because we live here, but they integrate their cultures so much that some of their culture bleeds into being American, and as an American we want to mix in our own culture because you want to stay true to your roots and that’s what makes someone them. In the poem “Child of the Americas” Morales states “I am a child of the Americas… Spanish is in my flesh, ripples in my tongue,lodges in my hips.” Showing how she identifies as an American but also recognizes her culture. So this gets in the way of being American because you also want to embrace your culture. An American looks like so many things but you know an American by how they act. Being an American is more about the traits you possess such as patriotism or strive to be number 1. So essentially what it means to be an American is to have the mindset of living here and hustling for the top spot but also embracing your culture and respecting others.

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    1. I strongly agree with your definition of what it means to be an American because it is very true that America contains a very diverse population and how many people came to America due to economic, religious, or political issues. Most people from America are immigrants whose families arrived to this land because they heard that a lot of opportunities are found here. For instance, my parents came to America in order to gain a better life and to provide their children with various benefits found in America. America is the nation built by immigrants who wanted to travel to a place that is way different from any other nation. Immigrants ran away from their nations, however, their cultures were still aspects that made them develop their identities. Immigrants were not running away from who they are. They were running towards who they wanted to be. I believe that many nations suppressed people (and sometimes not on purpose) because people wanted to achieve greatness, however, the definition of greatness is different depending on the person. Many immigrants believed and some people still believe in this idea that America is the greatest nation in the world and that it is a role model for other nations. Even though this concept is debatable, people did and do want to live the “American dream”. This is exactly why (like you said) many people hustle and try to be the best. We see people in suits on their way to work on Wall Street. These people are great examples of hustlers who try to be the best at their job and they are trying to earn enough money to be able to live the “American dream”. Therefore, I strongly agree that immigrants keep their culture within them and they continue to pass it on to the next generation. I also agree with the idea of hustling and trying to be the greatest as another aspect of what contributes to the idea of a person classifying themself as an American.

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    2. I agree on what you say about being an American because people come to America for opportunities right. And when they see one opportunity that maybe can help them on what they strive for, they are going to take it. No matter how hard it is or the obstacles in their way. For example, my dad brought my mom from Bangladesh after they got married. My dad wanted my mom to have a life that she probably dreamed of. In Bangladesh, you don’t have many options but in America their is so many options.

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    3. Yes I agreee with "andwhen they see one opportunity that maybe can help them on what they strive for, they are gonna take it" because that is also what my parents did. They sacrifice leaving their homes and life in China to find work and earn money to support their families and it has paid off.

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  8. An American is one who is born in the U.S soil, and granted the U.S passport with all the correct justification of the government. Or if not born on America's soil, came from other nation. One must go to USCIS to apply for United State Citizenship, comply with the Foreign Policy and submit your previous 5 year of society history from the mother nation, then you will be given a green card that aloud you enjoy the privilege of Real Americans, when you turn Eighteen you can apply for neutralization test which compost of 100 questions about how the government work and the history of the united states, also in the end if you have passed. You will be alerted, then you will be assigned a date in which you have to go to court sing the Pledge of Allegiance then swore your oath, last face the judge's question, remember even if the judge says you are qualified any thing can happen and you may need to re do the whole progress. You will only, officially became a U.S citizen after you have received your United States Of America passport in your mail after the court session.

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    1. I disagree with what you say what an American is, you are saying that an American is someone who is born in the U.S.A or immigrants who gone through a process to get citizenship or they are no an american. But there are people who are immigrants from another country and calls themselves an american but they didn't pass the test for their citizenship yet and from what you are saying they are not american?

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    2. Although I understand you, I disagree with you. A person that wasn’t born in the U.S can still consider themselves to be an American. An American can be born in any part of the world, they just have to truly know that their backgrounds and generations were once a part of America. The past generations are what make you, you. “History made me” which was said in the prom, shows that past generations made the person she was today. A passport and a citizenship doesn’t define who you are and where you are from. You identify yourself.

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    3. I agree with your definition of an american, Zhen. An American must have a green card as well as identification and a passport. I also agree that an American can immigrate from another nation. I would like to add on an American is a hard worker and has the right to vote.

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    4. Zhen i have to disagree with you on what an Ameriacan has to be. I feel like being an American is more than the process you described above. This process may be the way to become a citizen legally but having that status is just for legal forms. Since almost all Americans are mixed and have a combination of cultures it is hard to say of someone is an American. I believe that it is more on that mindset of being here and hustling to be the best and have that perfect family. That is what separates Americans from others we want to be the best we can be and as Americans we can see that within ourselves and with other Americans and have that relationship/connection with Americans regardless of race and religion.

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    5. I think that your definition is too literally, by definition yes this is an American but i think you have to think deeper about the American mindset and personality. Also I think you have to think about everything having to due with American life and culture. I think that no matter your legal status, if you have the right mindset and intentions you are American.

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  9. Being American isn't black and white. It's not easy to put yourself in a specific group. In my opinion being American has nothing to do with race. Race is just another divider while being from a certain place might mean that it's your home. It might be the only place you've ever known so in that sense it would make you an American. If race defined our home then many people wouldn't be considered American. Think of the many immigrants who come here. they aren't any less of an American than a white man who was born and raised here. Although people might have different ethnic backgrounds they always remember where their roots are planted and where they extend to. Embracing who you are and what defines you can be hard for many Americans, especially if you're a minority but being patriotic means flaunting who you are with pride and acknowledging the differences that make all Americans the same.

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    1. I like how you explained that race doesn't define if you're American or not. I also don't think that religion or any other irrelevant facts have anything to do with somebody being American. But I don't think that you necessarily have to be patriotic and fully support your country to be considered American. But I did also like your statement in which you said "...acknowledging the differences that make all Americans the same." I think that's something very relevant to think about.
      -Emma

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    2. I concede this answer because I also feel that patriotism plays a big part as you are American. If you are not for America then who do you stand for? Someone can be born in america but not American. Race doesn’t exactly influence our choice of what we call a home. Our home is where we feel we belong to.

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  10. Being an American means to be free and have equality. An American is someone who supports helping the environment or disagrees with climate change. An American can have various cultures. For example in the poem Child of the Americas by Aurora Levins Morales “ I am not African. Africa is in me but I cannot return. I am not Taina,Taina is in me but there is no way back. I am not European. Europe lives in me, but I have no home there.” The author uses repetition to demonstrate that she is an American who is from different backgrounds and that an American can be particular. The author was showing that being an American means to be unique and to enjoy many different things. Furthermore an American has freedom of speech and can vote.

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    1. I agree with the last part of what you said, with and American having many different backgrounds and that there is more parts to being an American. But when you said "An American is someone who supports helping the environment or disagrees with climate change." I don't think that those things can show that you're American or not. Because people have different interests and views on things, and just because you may not want to help the environment, doesn't make you any less American.
      -Emma

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    2. I would like to add on by saying that an American is also a hard worker since its hard to get by in some parts in the US. People come to the US to live the American dream in which it means to basically get wealthy. Few Americans have accomplished that which shows their hard work and determination in order to get what they want and live the lifestyle they want.

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  11. To the question what makes up an American, I don't have one simple answer. It is a very complex concept. It has many different sides to it, and when you ask somebody what their definition of an American is they'll probably say something different from what you may say. My own definition of an American is that just because you were born in America, it doesn't automatically make you an American. Since if you're born in America but you don't live here and you don't have a home here, then you're not American, because nothing binds you to America. But on the other hand if you're not born in America but you moved here and you've been living here for a couple of years and you have a home here, that, to me, makes you an American. Because you live here and things bind you to being here. For example, this quote from the poem Child of the Americas says "I am not European. Europe lives in me, but I have no home there." This adds on to what i was saying since even though you might have a part of America in you, you're not necessarily American. And Some people have one specific image of an American, which I don't understand since not everybody looks the same. So if you have one image that you think represents an American, that means that you must think anybody else who doesn't match that image isn't American. If you think about it, everyone is an immigrant, so you can't define an American on how they look or how they act. And a lot of Americans have different backgrounds and different nationalities and religions. It's very diverse, meaning that you can origin from many different countries and still be an American. Being American doesn't mean that you're limited of being who you are. I still don't fully and surely know how I would define an American but I think there are things that make you American and some that don't. And to add on one last thing , I don't think that you need an American citizenship to be American. Since your passport and your papers doin't define you.

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    1. Emma, I agree with everything you have said especially with you last sentence where "Since your passport and your papers don't define you". Your passport is just a way that you can represent yourself as an "American". Having a passport is just a way of you being able to travel back and forward anywhere you want to go. Like I said in my poem we would just be a lucky immigrant that can travel. America is build up by immigrants meaning anyone could be an Immigrant.

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    1. I think it's from logging in and writing on the post with a different email

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  13. Honestly, being an American can be determined by your perspective of life and how happy/sad you are with it, just basically your viewpoint of life. In everything there's positives and negatives, pros and cons, plus and minuses, etc etc... I truly believe that to be American, you have to feel that you deserve to be here, you should feel that this is the only place that you feel like yourself. This is your home, no matter how bad it can be, you don't belong anywhere else. Being an American is also about taking pride in everything and anything. Being an American is about taking pride in our bill of rights, our constitution, our representative democracy, how advanced we are, and just in general the foundation of our country. Being an American is not about skin color, that's what being a racist is, that's what a stereotype is , that's what media makes it as. All those ideologies are just a couple of people's opinions. Being an American is about being a hardworking, patriotic, prideful, and an all round wholesome person. If you shed blood, sweat, and tears just to make it, you are a true American. That was the philosophy on why people settled here and that is the same philosophy I would personally use to define an American.

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    1. I strongly agree with the point you made Mehwish. Especially with the deserving to be here part. Everyone who deserves to be here is a true American to me. (which is most people) I also agree with taking pride in our country.

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  14. What does it mean to be American? There is no right answer. In my opinion, being an American means to feel at home in the american setting. Whether born in the U.S or another setting , the place you feel most comfortable at is where you can identify yourself. All the traditions & languages embedded in your “system.” You’re now immune to it. Being American does not always mean to be “white” or born in America. To be an American you must identify yourself as one and feel that you belong there. No one can tell you what you are or where you belong. America is a place where you can “be born again” into a new family.

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    1. I strongly agree with you, Kayla. You don't have to be white to be an American. You can be an American if you have a different ethnicity or a different race. Also, you don't have to be born in American to be an American. America is meant to be diverse and that's what makes us, American.

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    2. I agree with you when you said being an American is the place you feel most comfortable at and where you can identify yourself because i have many friends that were born in America but they do not consider them self to be an American because of the corrupt government and the things that the president is doing. In my personal opinion I think if you feel comfortable as calling yourself an American and standing up for this country you are basically saying everything that is going on in this country is okay and you have no problem with the racism that is occurring.

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    3. That comment was made by Mala idk why it came out as unknown

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    4. I disagree because you shouldn't identify yourself with race to feel like an American. Being an American is not identified through race. It is identified by where you feel at home. Not even sexuality, national backgrounds, or etc. should determine whether or not you are an American.

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    5. Kayla I agree with you completely. I feel that race has nothing to do with if you are American, since America has citizens of many different races which are represented hugely in America today. When you talk about “feeling that you belong here makes you American” I agree 100%. I feel like if you belong here you must have a connection with others that live here and if you can resonate with others here and the mindset they have and the choices they make I feel like then you are American and doing things Americans do.

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  15. What’s a American ? There is many definitions to that question you won’t get a simple answer. A American is a person of of any decent any religion any gender as long as they feel they are a American they are. The idea of what an American is has changed over time a American has no specific look. For me an American is a person who came to America or was born in America that enjoys their freedom and has their own opinion and is themselves. An American is someone with any decent and and can be anyone. For example “child of the americas” states I am Caribeña , island grown. Spanish is in my flesh.” Morales is saying she is not only defined as a American she is from many places Spanish is part of her. There’s many different types of American everyone’s different celebrate and worship different things you are not defined from a place but from your actions and identity.In my poem I wrote I am kind and caring and that makes me a American because this country has so many historical figures who have fought for liberty and equal rights. So a American is someone who enjoys living in their country because of their liberty.

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    1. I agree with what your saying Carlos. An American is basically diversity within a race, religion, culture, etc. If you do feel American then you should consider yourself an American. No one should judge and you shouldn’t forget your past. Meaning you should still follow your religion and beliefs.

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    2. I strongly agree because America is one of the melting pots of the world. Our population may be 80% white people but we still welcome in cultures and ethnic backgrounds into our country. Although people may not accept this country of diversity, we celebrate and tolerate each others differences.

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  16. When defining what an American is, we must embrace the fact that we the people who live in America have the right of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a really important factor to the American culture. It is what makes us who we are today. The laws selected and passed shape our country, the voices of various people make possible for new innovations and ideas. We as the people don’t condemn hate speech, but with a voice, anything is possible. It’s also essential to accept the various cultures and religions that reside in our country, even if it may be different to one's own. To be an American is to identify as one, it doesn’t matter if you were born here or not. To be American is to embrace liberty and freedom, to be American is to respect everyone and treat everyone as equal.

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    1. I strongly agree with you, Carlos. America has its laws where it allows for us to have freedom of speech, religion and many more. Due to that we should express our identities through it and instead of hiding it. We have a voice and we should use it to demonstrate it to what America truly is. I really liked how you talked about the America laws and you made a connection with what it means to be an American.

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    2. I advocate your point of what being an American is. I stand by your point of how Americans embrace liberty and freedom, after all that is what we fought for exactly. America is one of the most influential country in the world, and that is mainly because of how free we are, in most cases of course.

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    3. I must disagree with your definition of being an American . Most people from all over the world who don't have that freedom of speech , want that right of free speech. America is one of the biggest countries who offer that right and a lot of people would love to emigrate on U.S. soil because of that but that does not mean they want to be an American or that they are Americans. In my opinion that means they want a chance of a better life and opportunities. I also do agree with the statement "To be an American is to identify as one" because my point of view of who you are, is who you identify as and a nationality is part of your identity.

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  17. Asking someone to describe an American is almost as difficult as asking someone to describe the color of a mirror. There is probably a correct textbook answer but everyone has their own perspective and definition. Some may believe that an American has to be someone who was born on American soil. But if that person spent their life growing up and living somewhere else, what makes them more American than me; an immigrant who has lived here her whole life? Despite being an immigrant, I still consider myself an American because this is my home. The different backgrounds of each individual in America is what makes this country so unique. The immigrants here have brought a piece of their past here with them. I believe one of the most important aspects of being an American is accepting other Americans. This doesn't mean you need to accept their set of values, as your own, but you should acknowledge the fact that they have also come here for new opportunities and dreams. You shouldn't look down upon others when you are here for the same reason as them. In the poem "Child of the Americas", by Aurora Levins Morales, she talks about her roots, culture, and history: "Child of many diaspora, born in this continent at a crossroad" (Morales. ln 3). Morales isn't saying everyone is an American but rather she is proving anyone has the chance to become an American, regardless of who you are and where you are from. Ultimately, I believe an American not only embraces their own culture and way of life, but they also embrace others and recognize they all live together as one.

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    1. I agree with Joanna. The concept of American is very subjective, just like a mirror has no color as just the color depend of the light for it to reflect. In the U.S. Constitutional Amendments, Amendment 1 says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance " And Amendment 11 says" The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State." these are the words of the founding fathers to the people that is born on American soil and those who is not, to have the ability to protect their own values and culture from the state, as they have the power to have a case with the "state"(Government) to keep their rights, as said in the 11 amendments. Nice work Joanna.

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    2. I love your ideas about the mirror and being an American is accepting other Americans- very smart!

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  18. I think the term American can be very simple; the surface definition of American could be people born in the United States or people who became citizens. Americans are basically people who are citizens of America. But it could also include everyone that is living on the American continents. But what it means to be an american is different from a definition. What makes a person an american? What does a person have to be to be considered an American? An american is someone that has history from somewhere else like Europe, Asian, Latin America, Africa, anywhere that is not our country with an exception to Native Americans who are the true Americans. The poem by Aurora Levins Morales, “Child of the Americas” expresses the meaning of American with your history and how all those little places you come from makes you whole; into an American. “A product of the ghettos of New York I have never known. An immigrant and the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants.” (Lines 4-5) Aside from physicality, I see American meaning suffering and going through a lifetime of hardship if you aren’t a wealthy white man. Being American is making the lives of people hard for being a minority or just being a little different. Anyone that isn’t a abled, white, wealthy, cis/straight, etc. is going to be subjected to hardship. Being American is knowing that the world is made for the privileged. A big part of the American experience is not feeling comfortable in your own skin and changing everything that makes you special into a bland 2D person that everyone else is. But at the same time American means diversity, openness, being truly good. Having the little quirks, and a blend of cultures and experiences from all over the world coming together into one. Being American is being the face of the ideal world, a place of freedom and a good life.

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    1. I agree to your definition on what it means to be an American, specially when you stated "Being American is knowing that the world is made for the privileged. A big part of the American experience is not feeling comfortable in your own skin and changing everything that makes you special into a bland 2D person that everyone else is." I felt that and in my opinion it's very true.

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  20. My definition of an American is a person born in the United States, who is a hard worker and loyal to his/her country but still keeping in touch with their own. But an "American" can also have a variety of ethnic background. Like the in New York, a place full of diversity with many different races and culture. Like Jews, Hispanic, African Americans and so forth. We are not just fully one race but a person of history and the past due to our diversity. An American is just, what I feel like a label for you to do what you want to do since it is the land of opportunities and freedom. We make an "American" what ever we want as long we make something of our privilege in this country.

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    1. I agree with your statement “can also have a variety of ethnic background” because a American is not just a American a american can be a person with any ethnicity. But a American doesn't have to be loyal to his country but not in every way since if you don’t agree with America’s laws or president you don’t have to stick with them since we have freedom of speech. I strongly agree with your statement American is just a label. You can make a American what you want to you shouldn’t be identified as American but the actions you take as an American.

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  21. Defining an American can have many different definitions. There is no right or wrong answers to what you think what an American means. Therefore, I think the definition of what an American is someone who comes from different backgrounds and migrating to a place called America and it can also mean you living in America your whole life and you considered yourself as an American. However, based on the laws of the United States you don't become an American until you are a citizen of the U.S or until you have documents. Which I think is very dumb. Just because you're an immigrant or an outsider, it shouldn't stop you or anyone to be an American. America began with people coming from Europe and migrating here to get a better life and opportunities. So if you tell me if Europeans can become American in the late 1400s, don't you think anyone that lives in America can also be an American whether or not if they're undocumented or not. America started off with people coming here with different backgrounds and we should still continue with that. They're known for freedom of speech, religion, equality and so on. With that being said we should follow it and use it accordingly.

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    1. Nusrat, there are people that believe that more people should come to America even tho they are different race, culture, religion, or even kin color. But there are people that would do the impossible to not let more people be Americans. Knowing that there are certain necessary papers to be an American I agree with the fact that everyone should have these "important papers".

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    2. I strongly agree with your response, it was well said. For as long as we know America has been a place where people have fleed to for protection and a new life.

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    3. Great job expressing your opinion, I strongly agree with your statement Nusrat, it makes question to want answers from the people at high power on what they think about this situation. Well said!

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  22. Being an American means to have a new life in America along with new ideals and new ways of living no matter where you are from. I really like the idea of “restarting one’s life” and having brand new concepts because you get rid of the past and start off with nothing, and continue your way up in many ways. “What Is an American?”, written by Jean de Crévecoeur, is how Jean views what an American is. He describes an American as someone who throws away his/her past and hometown to work hard building up this new life in America. He says, “He is an American, who left behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners.” (Lines 9-10) This makes me think of family traditions and histories. I am not quite familiar with many family traditions and histories but I believe that oftentimes, it may limit a person’s options throughout their life. And that “restarting” seems like an action of breaking free, creating their own new story. And in the poem, “Child of the Americas” by Aurora Levins Morales, she notes, “I am new. History made me.” (Line 18) I believe she’s trying to convey that even though her family history started somewhere else, she is different, and is starting her own new life in America from where her family history has ended. Though I know that America isn’t as perfect as people used to call it, America is still a country with many opportunities. During the early ages, many people from around the world came to America from their hometown, hoping to seek a better life and a brighter future for their child. I have a similar experience. My mother took me back to her hometown when I was 7. Four years later, she asked me if I wanted to go back to America. I was extremely stubborn back then. I told her I did not want to and that I really enjoyed living here. But I came back to America anyway. And as I grew older, I not only realized that I never had a future in my mother’s hometown, but also realized that she wanted the best for me because of it. When I came back to America, I felt like I had a refreshing start to my life. And as time grew by, my lifestyle completely changed while living in America. And although I was the one who mostly changed and adapted to a new lifestyle, being in America has brought me to this new life and have my own ideals.

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    1. I agree with the idea of having a new life with new ideals as a part of being American because that is kind of the background of America. People have been coming here for better lives since the beginning when the new world was first discovered. Even now people still come here for better opportunities and to restart their lives in hope for a better one. It is one of the fundamentals of being American that almost every citizen here has in their past.

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  23. America is known as a "melting pot". As a society, we have changed our definition of American plenty of times over the years. It honestly depends on what our society is going through. Since the beginning of American history, Immigrants have came from many different countries in hope of experiencing the American dream. The American dream is the idea that equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing their goals to be achieved. However many events like slavery , created a stigma on certain races or religions that excluded them from the definition of American. Sadly we don't all have the same rights as others. We are constantly told that we all have the same amount of rights: however, by being a minority your automatically put into a bubble. You won't get treated the same way as a "white" person because of the stigma we place on minorities. Minorities include African Americans, hispanics, American Indians, Native Americans etc. Society tells us that minorities are basically criminals, so when you see a minority even if you don't notice it, you end up judging them. Even minorities judge the "true" Americans. We also put a stigma on white people - calling them entitled. Society doesn't realize that as "american's" we judge each other based on where we come from. Weather you black or white, a minority or a majority, we choose to look at stereotypes. This is why theirs many definitions of being American because we each have our own. If you ask me, I'll say that an American is someone who lives America, and comes from many different cultural backgrounds. If you ask Donald Trump, an American is someone who is born in America, have a light completion, blonde hair, and blue eyes. So their no true definition of American because the definition is always evolving.

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  24. An American is someone who is born in the U.S and lives in the U.S. An American can be from a family of immigrants, there are people who identify themselves as an American and also another country. I believe that an American is someone who lives in The U.S.A and speaks English, someone who is here for a chance to have a better life than what they would have if they or their parents never went to the U.S, someone who wants freedom, equality and a second chance in life.

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    1. I agree with Hao as he states many aspects that people can identify as American for it shows a textbook definition of an American. For the paragraph states that the people who come here seek better opportunities than they had in their other country. Some of the lines imply that you don't have to strictly be from the United states to be American, but your mindset going in is what makes you American. Hao also expanded on the various reasons someone might come to America. For his paragraph also highlights the factors people have come to this country and still go to this day. All in All this comment is more expanded than the average textbook definition.

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    2. I agree with Hao because he describes what it means to be an American. An american is a hard worker ,and many people from other nations identify themselves as Americans. Hao also elaborated on what an American is by writing that an American is someone who wants freedom, equality and a second chance in life. An American wants to succeed and has the right to freedom of speech.

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    3. I agree with Hao Lin He in the philosophical perspective. We humans were once "all" record to have been started from the continent Africa in the time of the great Pangaea, then they start going to different locations north, south, east and west. And we are all "own" this earth as the earth created us thus we have the right to belong to and clam a land. For future development. Thus even now your could have the right to classify your self as a member of someone living in that part of earth base on the name of the location. Nice work Hao Lin.

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    1. What is an American? What is it like being an American? We all don’t have the same definition or perspective on the word “American”. However some may say that the word American is someone who was born and raised here and being a citizen. Someone who grew up with the “American soil.” Someone like me would say that an American, is someone who was born and or raised somewhere else. Later on they immigrated to America. Making them an American. I say as an American we have a lot of things to do. Meaning we have the freedom of religion. No one is there to judge and tell you what’s right or what’s wrong. We have the rights and the liberty to do things. American is not always following certain things in a certain way. What makes you an American is seeing where you came from and to follow your culture and beliefs. Being from another country and being known as an immigrant shouldn’t be an a shame. This is so the first “Americans “ were immigrants too if you think about it. So what do you think the word “American”means?

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    2. Hey Mirza!
      I agree with your statement that an American is not just some one who is born on U.S soil. In my eyes, an American can come from another country and in a sense adopt this soil as their new home. The whole idea of being an american is adopting something that you wish to be apart of. I strongly agree with your final statement that the first "Americans" were NOT really American because they adopted this land to create a better life for themselves.

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  26. Being an American means enjoying more security, freedom and liberty than any other nation in the world. Being an American means supporting and defending American democracy and every democracy that supports America. Being an American means pledging allegiance to the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. Furthermore, to be an American, a person does not have to speak English, does not have to follow the Christian religion, or have a specific ethnic background. Being an American means to not care what anybody thinks of you. It doesn't matter if you're Black, White, Mexican, Chinese, it doesn't matter. What matters is getting your education and being happy who you are and living life to the fullest. In conclusion, being an American means whatever you want it to be. There's no ideal version of what an American is. Nobody's perfect.

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    1. Ronique's point is very balanced and shows a lot of insight on the topic.
      For his definition is more upholding the civil virtues of America and being a productive citizen, even though his other sentences show a personal aspect. I agree with this stance of the topic because you don't need these things to be truly American. At the end of the day being American is more of a choice than anything. Which is highlighted in the concluding sentence "There's no ideal version of what an American is". So in general Ronique's point is that being American is a virtue more than a title given to a person.

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    2. Your comment is very well thought out and shows the versatility of being an American. Its not just about the color of your skin its about the better person you can become when being an American. People hate having other races in American but that's what makes it America. Adding on being educated and having an opinion is a privilege we have in other countries they can get killed if they share their opinion. But overall nice perspective.

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    3. Ronique I agree with your statement because there is no instructions of how to be an American or a proper way to be an American. I agree with “being a American mean to but care what anyone thinks of you.” I agree because we have freedom and freedom of speech so we are allowed to be anyone and how ever we want to be and voice our opinion and leave comments even if they are negative it’s our right. Like you stated your race finest matter but what does is who you are as a person. I strongly agree with there is no ideal version of an American because a American can look like anyone and any gender.

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    4. I love your definition of What being an American is i feel like you hit it right on the spot Ronique. Anyone can be an American it doesn't matter who you are and what you practice

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  27. In my opinion, there is no true definition of being an American. Mainly because I believe anyone can be an American if they feel it in their hearts. An American can come from anywhere. If America is where they call home, then so be it. That is there home and they are from America. An American can come from many different backgrounds, speak many different languages, and could be any skin color. You don’t have to have family that’s been on American soil since the beginning of time and has lived here ever since to be an American. An American to me is someone who has come from different backgrounds and is of different races with different filters and different skin tones. You don have to white or of European descent to be an American. An American is someone who is proud to call this land home but still belong to their heritage. In “Child of the Americas” by Aurora Levins Morales, she breaks down the different backgrounds and cultures she is from but in the end America is where she calls home. “A child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads.” She and I have the a similar definition of an American. People who are diverse bringing more diversity into the country is the way I see it.

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    1. I agree that having heritage from other places is a big part of being American, having another place you might call home or a place where you can see where your roots come from. You definitely don't have to be of European descent to be American, many americans aren't from anywhere near Europe. That is what makes America unique.

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    2. I totally agree and understand your point of what being an American is. Truly the unique part of this country is how diverse we are, and how our blood is mixed with different cultures/backgrounds.

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    3. I strongly agree with your definition of being an American. In your sentence "You don’t have to have family that’s been on American soil since the beginning of time and has lived here ever since to be an American." I empathize with that because my family is from another country but they they immigrated here on U.S. soil and now we consider ourselves Americans and I love the diversity that this country has to offer of religion, cultures , races and ethnicities.

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  28. The word "American " doesn't have a specific meaning, nor does it have specific characteristics and traits. There is no exact meaning of what an American is. An American can be seen differently to many people. The U.S is filled of Americans. But what is an American? Just because someone isn’t born in the U.S, it doesn’t mean that become an American. You can be any race: you can have any cultures; you can have different backgrounds; you can be born in any country; you can believe in any religion. You can be and believe in just about anything and consider yourself American. You can feel American even though you have never even been in America. An American have multiple different backgrounds, religions, cultures, etc. For example, Morales, the speaker of the poem, “Child of the Americas” doesn’t only feel like American but also feels like she is from multiple places around the world. She is not just from one place in this world but from many. “ I am new. History made me”( Morales 18). Even though she hasn’t been around the world to consider herself from others countries, she still feels like that is a part of her. It can be the tiniest part, it is still part of her. She believes that the generations before her has come from so many places and therefore is a mix of those people. Therefore, the word “American” varies in definition for everyone.

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    1. I completely agree with your definition of an American. However, I am confused with "You can feel American even though you have never even been in America." Were you trying to convey that because America's influence was so massive to the point that many people adapted to the American ways of living without even being or living in America? You believe that "the word "American" varies in definition for everyone", so do I. Understanding that every people has their own definitions on anything is extremely important.

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  29. When I think of the word American, more comes to mind then just a word. Like many words over time the meaning they once had changes. To me an American is more of what you make it out be. Stereotypes of what an American is come from two things, one of them being reality. If when someone says the word American and one of the first things you think of is fat it isn’t a made up stereotype, the reason you thought of that is because of reality, if Americans weren’t usually over weight then it wouldn’t be what someone thinks an American is. Stereotypes of an American or someone from the U.S also come from jealousy, now jealousy is a word that most people don’t like understandable because generally it means you’re not happy with where their at and they would rather be someone or something else. But the word exists for a reason and it’s because it happens all the time, as an insult or an expression of the way you feel. When someone uses the word jealous they are seen as vulnerable, for most people it’s not there goal to be vulnerable unless there looking for attention because they aren’t getting any or because the people that are so post to be giving them attention aren’t give it to them. It’s human nature to need attention and without it people will basically devote them selves to getting it because it’s not normal human nature to want absolutely no attention because then emotions like sadness and depression would set in. If it didn’t happen then the word jealousy wouldn’t be exist. Someone who might not be able to come to the U.S would feel that in order to feel better about themselves saying things about what an American is when really they have never met one or even been to the country. When someone is jealous their mind isn’t in the right place and their judgment is usually in a state where they are willing to say anything about someone else or something else to make themselves feel better about the fact that they don’t like who or what they are. Stereotypes are everywhere, some are true and some are false but believing all are false isn’t the right thing to do because if you were to tell an actual American, my definition right now being someone who lives In the U.S that Americans eat a lot of food and say that it is false that would make no sense. You go to a fast food restaurant and you compare the meal sizes to those of the ones in other countries you can’t deny the fact that the reason the serving sizes are large is because that’s the way that we eat and it’s the way companies make money. Now one of the problems I think the English language has and in general many languages have words like they, us, them, we, sure the words can be helpful when discussing things like teams and things like a group, but the problem with these words is there general. Now saying things in general can make things easier to say but in a situation we’re the “group” your talking about is a lot of people, for example the United States with 327.2 million people using words like we, they, them etc generalizes a lot of people and when you generalize that many people it can’t possible apply to all of them. So getting to what I think an American, like I said one answer cant apply to all people but if I were to generalize what I think an American is I would say it’s someone who was either born in the U.S and agrees what is going on in the country.

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  30. What does it mean to be an American?
    According to John Stafford Smith, America is known as the land of the free and the home of the brave. As I walk down the streets of New York City, I can see this statement in action. People are busy working hard to accomplish their goals and live their best life. Americans are kind to one another because they understand that this country is not associated with just one skin color, culture or religion. America has been known to be a melting pot for this very reason. It is a country that was molded by the hands of immigrants and minorities. Therefore, judging an individual based on our own standards of what we think an American looks or acts like is hypocritical. We are all apart of this country because we want to be here. We all want to elevate ourselves and that is what I believe an American is; an individual who strives for the best and empowers this country as they work to achieve their goals.




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    1. I understand how you feel about being American. Although I have never considered it, all of us are united through an invisible bond of "brotherhood" ,in a way; because becoming an American is not only striving for the best, just like you mentioned, an American is about loving each other and following a universal code of morality. This is, to maintain our society going, to keep ourselves free from oppression. Unlike many other civilians in other countries, we are brave individuals who take action and can become whoever they want to become because we can. Under this free country, we Americans are able to contribute to this country and want to have a positive impact. We want to be remembered by future generations as the people that contributed to a good society we want them to know that it was us who "molded" this country, through the hard work of everyone who accepted the people with hopes and dreams disregarding their color, culture and religion. That is what an American is, "an individual who strives for the best"

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    3. The Part where I totally agree with is “ Therefore, judging an individual based on our own standards of what we think an American looks or acts like us hypocritical.” This is so as you stated America was formed by immigrants who came from different parts of the world. Which obviously means people won’t all be the same color, race, ethnicity, etc. Someone can not be “American” due to them not being a certain color. America is full of different colors and races. So no one should be hypocritical.

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    4. I also believe America "was molded by the hands of immigrants and minorities". America wouldn't be what it is, if it didn't have so many people united as one. Through your definition of an American, you've highlighted the good. I believe society and the media has influenced and, in some ways, obstructed the peoples view on America. They often forget all of the opportunities and chances they can take, because they are too busy focusing and complaining about the flaws of this country.

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    5. I actually never thought of that definition of an American before Dylan. I actually agree with what you stated. An American shouldn't only be justified as someone who lives here or is born here but as someone who strives to achieve their version of the American dream. Whether your an immigrant, a resident, or a U.S citizen, you work hard to make a living in this country ans that should be the true definition of what an American is.

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    6. I most definitely agree with your definition of an American. However, the only thing I don't agree with is that all Americans are kind to each other which is something we all must work on. I do agree with the part that America was molded by the hands of immigrants and minorities. :)

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    7. @Francis.
      I agree with your idea that America is a brotherhood. If you think about it we are all living in this country together as one people united. I would compare America to high school in the sense that we are all unique and from different places. However, we are all connected in the sense that we all want to graduate from this place and this is our common goal.

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    8. I agree with the idea of someone who is an American being an American because they want to start a new life and want to have a better life. I also believe that being an American is about the history your born with, the diversity you grow up with and the morals that you believe in

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  31. What is an American? What makes an American? How to be an American? There is no real answer. An American is that individual who believes in that dreams can be achieved, it's respectful and builds hope. To me, an American is the person that is hungry to better themselves and is ready to provide support to others. It is not about knowing the constitution, it's not about having the fireworks ready for Independence day, it is not about having bacon and sunny-side-up-eggs for breakfast-- well, they are a very stereotypical definition of what an American is-- but it's about their happiness to see other people making a great country, structuring hopes, building opportunities, enriching new generations, it's about being proud of the freedom that everyone enjoys. Of course, being in America it's not all rainbows and happiness, but it's about knowing how to deal with problems inside the country, it is about following certain codes of morality in order to maintain a peaceful environment, it is the "pursuit of justice". In 1970, my aunt immigrated to the U.S after encountering problems in the education system in Ecuador. In 1970, she crossed the dessert risking being raped, murdered, sold as a sexual slave, deported to Mexico or God knows what. That year of 1970, she stepped on outsider's land and left her leather shoes and new clothes for hand down clothes and rubbery shoes to work and succeed to become an American. That year of 1970, my grandparents spent months waiting for a call, any sign of her to know if she was alive, anything. Then in 1972, my uncle came to America, illegally. He saw his sister's name written in her own handwriting, then on the next page he say his brother's name, they were recorded as prove of their journey to the U.S. Their names where there because they passed through the same rivers, the same deserts and rocky mountains to arrive to America. No tears were shed, only sweat; the immediate realization that the journey just begun. They were immigrants disguised as Americans, who crossed the border that are now living their happiest life through their blood sweat and tears.They are, they were, they have been Americans ever since. I arrived to JFK on the winter of 2015, and I believe I am an American. What is your definition of an American? What makes you an American?

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    1. I strongly agree with your ideas of what it means to be an American because many immigrants like your aunt and uncle come to America in order to gain a better life. My parents also came to America in order to provide my sister and I with a better life. Since America is known for being the land of opportunity, many immigrants come search for these opportunities that are spoken of in America. For instance, people from Ireland immigrated to America due to the Irish famine. The Irish came to America in order to start a new and better life and in order to not starve. People came to America in order to support their families, which is what you stated when writing about what it means to be an American. People did not forget about their culture. They incorporated into their life in America. Furthermore, people immigrated to America due to various types of persecution. For instance, Jews traveled to America in order to escape the Holocaust. America was also known as a country of the free, which led to many refugees trying to get to America for security. Whenever immigrants arrived to Ellis Island, they would see the Statue of Liberty and it gave them hope for a better future. Immigrants work hard in order to achieve their dreams and in order to provide their families. Therefore, your philosophy about what it means to be an American is truly agreed upon by me.

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    2. Francis,
      I agree with your idea that "an American is the person that is hungry to better themselves and is ready to provide support to others"-- I love not feeling confined to tradition or belief-Americans are always growing and changing opinions. My friend who is 1/2 Korean and 1/2 Egyptian but grew up in Germany (whoa) says he loves raising his kids here because there is no ONE WAY to do anything-- Americans are always open to new ideas!

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  32. I liked the line where you mentioned that an American is "someone who feels as though they belong in America and call it home" because it's true. I, personally, would call America my home because all my dreams and hopes are planted here. Being American is being an individual who is ready to succeed and take advantage of all the opportunities the country offers in order to make a better society and build the country. It is the way we relate to each other and unite to create a whole community by embracing our dreams . Certainly, not everyone can feel American. However, the definition of what an American is, is a really complex and interesting topic that although is subject to many interpretations, the way of connecting to other people disregarding their race status and background is a common aspect that makes us different.

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  33. I agree on how you defined what an American is because when people come here, they want to gain something that they probably couldn’t gain back in their original home. So they come to America in hopes of achieving their hopes and dream. As well as making a better life for themselves and their loved ones. America has so many opportunities that many people from other countries or states can’t resist. They want to take it and be successful.

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  34. I agree on your definition of an American. I believe that even if you weren't born here, or even if you don't have documents, you are an American. Many undocumented people work hard to make a living in this country. a lot of these undocumented people work in harsh conditions just to make it by. I believe that if you come from another country and work hard in America you are an American. I also believe that if you were born in this country you are an American. sadly many people don't agree proving your statement in that there is no actual definition to what an American is, for everyone has their own opinion on what the definition means to them

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  35. The definition of an American is different for everyone. For Aurora Levins Morales being an American means that no matter where you come from , your race, ethnicity, or culture if you live in North or South America you are American. For a lot of children all over the country a lot of them believe that being an American means being free and having a freedom. For Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover believes that being an African American means living in a dangerous society where everyone is against you because the color of your skin and your life is always at risk and always have to work for themselves. For me I agree the most with Morales believing that anyone can be an American, no matter where they are from as long as they are in America. Being an American SHOULD mean being free and being treated equally. Being an American SHOULD mean you shouldn't be scared for your life if you are black or brown. Unfortunately that's not what today's Americans are. Some are arrogant and racist, they do not deserve to be called Americans because that's not what America truly is. You shouldn't have to be white, stupid, and ridiculously patriotic to be American

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