The Merriam-Webster says that an American is “a citizen of the United States”. However, it takes more than living here to make a true American. Consequently, many immigrants, legal or illegal, are better Americans than some native born. In this mixing pot that we call America, to be truly patriotic, one must be open-minded to other people, cultures, and beliefs, as well as taking advantage of all opportunities given. And above all, it is our duty to fight for what is right in any situation.
Frank Zappa, a musician, once compared the mind to a parachute, stating that “It doesn't work if it is not open” (Goodreads). No matter what anyone says, someone will always disagree, but being an American is to accept that we all have unique beliefs and to consider the other points of view. This is not to say that we are required to change our opinions, but simply to acknowledge and contemplate those thoughts and walk in someone else’s shoes. There are at least 14 different religions in the United States, even more throughout the entire world and each one is different. America is a place where we strive to allow everyone have their own beliefs and to pursue happiness in
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No one should ever suffer for what they believe in because someone else does not approve. Anyone, no matter where they are originally from, should be allowed to follow their dreams and live the life that they envision for themselves. The first amendment allows American citizens to speak out against what they believe is wrong. Clarence Darrow said that “true patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.” And unless we are doing something to change the nation, because there are many things that could be better, we are not living up to our true American potential. America is a place where we strive to allow everyone to be individualistic and an American is someone who actively supports