America is one country of many, and is home to about 326,474,013 people7. Lots of people pair America with freedom, equality, and opportunity. People, images, and quotes can all embody and represent the American spirit. The question, however, is what does it mean to be an American? Just like the country, being an American is a mixture of a lot of different things. In my eyes, what it means to be an American starts with the idea of opportunity and individuality2. America is often seen as the land of opportunity, and the people who move to America generally come because they want opportunity. Being an American means you can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do, as long as it’s legal. For example, women in the U.S. can drive or have any job that they want, unlike women in other countries that don’t get that chance. Also, people can choose whatever college they want to attend and what degree they want to pursue. Opportunity in America is endless for anybody. This opportunity gives rise to another idea of what it means to be an American, individuality. …show more content…
People can be themselves and not worry about consequences. You can look any way you want; dyed hair color or natural hair color, tattoos or no tattoos, short hair or long hair, casual clothing or nice clothing. Individuality doesn’t just end there it also applies to things like life choices, such as, what religion you identify with. In America people are allowed to have their own opinions, and they get to vote for candidates in elections. I believe being an American means you have the opportunity to be an individual. Your everyday rights that guarantee opportunity and individuality are protected by the