In some of the pieces of literature like “I, Too, Sing America,” “America and I,” “The Bill of Rights,” and “Veterans Day: Never Forget Their Duty” the authors have different ideas of what it means to be American. They also express their ideas using different strategies: negation, classification, and function. With these ideas and strategies a more complex definition on what it means to be American was developed. Being an American means being patriotic, having freedoms, and believing in a dream of something amazing. Having patriotism is part of being American. This is shown by John McCain in his essay “Veterans Day: Never Forget Their Duty.” He tells his story about being a prisoner of war (POW), and of a man named Mike Christian who showed and act of patriotism. “He sewed and American flag on the inside of his shirt. Every afternoon, before we had a bowl …show more content…
In the poem “I, Too, Sing America” this is shown using negation. In the beginning of the poem the narrator is talking about what it is not to be part of America, like not being able to eat in the kitchen with everyone else because he is a black man (Hughes 13); however toward the end he shows how he believes that will change. “Tomorrow,/ I'll be at the table/ When company comes/ Nobody’ll dare/ Say to me/ ‘Eat in the kitchen’” (Hughes 13). This shows how he believes that he will be included. The idea of believing in a dream is also expressed in “America and I.” This story is about an immigrant coming to America who has has a rough time starting her new life. “And I could not tear it out of me, the feeling that America must be somewhere, somehow…” (Yezierska 19). This shows how even though she has been though a lot she still believes that she will be happy and be included in America. Although these stories are about two completely different people, they both show how believing in a dream is part of what it means to be
Patriotism is the dedication; loyalty; devotion; respect; faithful etc. Being a patriot means do whatever it takes to honor your country. In the essay, Veterans Day: Never Forget Their Duty, Mike Christian was a POW, captured by the Vietnam. As stated in the text, he sewed an American flag so him and the other POW’s that were captured could say the pledge of allegiance. He knew he’d get in lots of trouble if he would get caught.
The actual definition of American is relating to, or characteristic of the United States or its inhabitants. Being proud of who you are and the place you live. Americans have defined themselves not by their racial, religious, and ethnic identity but by their common values and belief in individual freedom. An American says the Pledge of Allegiance and understands that voting is important to Democracy, individually Americans value freedom and are proud citizens, and the freedom of human right.
There are many different reason for what is means to be an American. Many people believe that being an American means you like cheeseburgers and pizza, but it’s much more than that. Being an American means you help others who are in need, or to have an education, or taking part in elections for the government. Though, Americans all over the country would have different responses of what it means to be American. Being American can mean very different things, which means that there is no specific rule about how to be American.
In these texts, being an American means having the right to have freedoms, the right to be treated equally, and to be given a new start. People all over America define what America is, which is
What does it mean to be an American today? Being an American isn’t hard,but sometimes people just like to not follow things. First thing is being to say The Pledge of Allegiance in school than sitting down on your lazy butt. Second thing is being yourself. Three thing is if you are at a game standing up and put your hand on our heart for The Star Stander Bender .
To be an american you must act live as an american, so be free, strong, and courageous. Being american is best understood by the way of life as an American. Since the birth of america, Americans have fought for what they thought was right and to fulfill a dream or their manifest destiny. From the start of America we acted on the human rights and set ourselves free and formed the idea of freedom and strength in America. With the Amendments established our freedoms like the first amendment Freedom of expression which states “the First Amendment means that government has no power to restrict expression because of its message, its ideas, its subject matter, or its content” as said by Thurgood Marshall.
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.” - President Ronald Reagan, 1983. I think this quote, by Ronald Reagan, not only speaks for marines but for all veterans who have served their people and made sacrifices to protect the rights of those people. I am proud and take great pride to be living in a country protected by such courageous men and women who have served to make a positive difference in our country. When someone risks their own life for the betterment of others, it is a very noble act that requires immense bravery and courage.
He shows this in lines 1-4 when he says, “Let America be America again./Let it be the dream it used to be./Let it be the pioneer on the plain/Seeking a home where he himself is free." Hughes uses repetition and a slight rhyme scheme to grasp the reader’s attention. He uses words such as “pioneer” and “seek” to help the reader imagine
The traditional American idealism of the founding fathers portrays them as patriotic freedom fighters. However, the context of a historical narrative is relative to the perspective from which it is given. For this reason, there are other perspectives in which the founding fathers can be characterized. From the British perspective, the founding fathers were not patriots, but rather seditionist, and insurrectionist. It is even arguable that the founding fathers from a modern perspective could be labeled as domestic terrorists.
What it means to be an American is that you have the freedom to vote freedom of speech. You have the liberty to be what you want in America no one chooses for you. Also have the liberty to work wherever you want not be someone 's slave. Being American means you don 't have to hide your religion, the color of your skin or your sex. You have the ability to speak what you want.
In “I hear America singing” by Langston Hughes we see the American dream depicted as the American Dream for Blacks in a time of segregation and
What does it mean to be an American: The land of the free and the home of the brave? Due to the diversity that America offers, the people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, cultures, backgrounds and sexual orientation have an equal opportunity for a better life in America. In Anna Quindlen’s “A Quilt of a Country,” she explains how people view America. She writes that being an American is an idea that works despite that fact that it should not due to the diversity that exist in the country. Quindlen informs the reader that America was uniquely constructed on no precise culture or race.
The idea of the American Dream is indicated through out the novel, especially through the characters Lennie and George. They talk about their dream so much that it becomes a ritual between them and often they can finish each other’s thoughts and sentences. This is quite amazing, because Lennie is mentally challenged and has trouble thinking for himself. The dream gives both men purpose in a time when life is harsh and cruel.
Impossible Dreams The meaning of the American Dream can be seen as ”A uniquely American vision of the country consisting of three central ideas. The American dream consists of a belief in America as the new Eden- a land of beauty, bounty, and unlimited promise; a feeling of optimism, created by ever expanding opportunity; and a confidence in the triumph of the individual.” Using this definition of the so called “American dream”, it seems to be a great representation of it at first, until you realize it includes everyone as the individual. From the beginning of the Civil war to the end of the War to End All Wars, the American Dream wasn’t possible due to the treatment of the Native Americans, the inequality between women and men, and the false promises given to the immigrants coming to our country in their time of need.
The American Dream is often known to be a great thing, giving new lives and jobs to immigrants, but are their lives really better in The United States? Chimamanda Adichie reveals how The American Dream is not what it seems to be in “The Thing Around Your Neck.” Her short story follows the life of Akunna as she deals with all of the hardships like stereotypes, racism, and the struggles of finding a comfortable life that come from moving to the United States. From all of these hardships, the reader thinks about whether The American Dream is still relevant, and about if The American Dream still takes place today. Through the characterization of Akunna’s boyfriend as an inconsiderate person on the inside and the symbolism of the fortune cookies, Adichie implies that The American Dream is an illusion and lie towards people coming in from other countries.