I am an American. I choose this word to represent me, although others may not acquiesce and won’t categorize individuals who aren’t born in this country to be Americans. In others perspective, to be an American means to have the blood of an American. But I on the other hand, don’t have the heritage and the qualifications that are expected of me to be an American but that is the word that I have chosen to describe myself regardless. The definition of what it means to be an American is debatable and varies from each person. It is more about what you are about rather than who you are. It is contributing to this country, pledging allegiance to a flag and being open to the idea of life, liberty, and equality.
Ethnicity, race and ancestry are not used to determine what it means to be an American. In the article, “The Newest Americans”,
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The Constitution of United States was signed in 1789 by delegates to the constitutional convention in Philadelphia. It addresses certain law and certain rights of the citizens; which includes certain amendments that limits the government’s power. The first amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right of freedom of speech; this allows individuals to express themselves openly. Colin Kaepernick is a great example of what it means to be an American. In the article, How Colin Kaepernick 's Protest Misfired, Peter Beinart states, “ I admire him for raising awareness about police brutality.” Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback of the San Francisco 49’ers, decided to take a knee during the National Anthem to protest the oppression inequalities of African American minorities. He is fighting a long battle of what he believes is right, although he has to make big sacrifices and might possibly lose his job. Thus, being an American means being free and to be able to exercise our rights and speak up for what we believe