I think that American is an adjective that shouldn't be used to describe a nationality. I don't think anyone can be American in that sense. America is described as a melting pot, or a salad sometimes (which I believe to be more accurate). Either way, America is made up of lots of different cultures, races and nationalities. There is no set race in America, therefore I don't think anyone should say that their nationality is American. If you're "American", you could be Italian, Polish, German, Mexican, Indian, Spanish, Korean- literally any nationality.
By calling yourself an American I think it should describe your culture. For example: eating American food like hamburgers and hot dogs and meatloaf; that is food that originated in America. It may have elements from different nationalities, but it came about in America.
Besides American culture, there are elements that are part of our Constitution or ideas that came from the first explorers that still are a part of America today. We talked about this a lot but it is really true: freedom and opportunities. America is considered the land of opportunities, the New World. Immigrants came originally to escape their homelands that had whatever problems-famine, government, warfare- whatever the reason, they came here, to America. All in all I think an American is a person who lives in America. Not necessarily from America, but who lives here and shares the American culture and ideas. If someone lives in America, then they automatically put themselves in American culture, even if they keep some of their own nationality's culture, it's impossible for them not to be exposed to American ideas.
By calling yourself an American I think it should describe your culture. For example: eating American food like hamburgers and hot dogs and meatloaf; that is food that originated in America. It may have elements from different nationalities, but it came about in America.
Besides American culture, there are elements that are part of our Constitution or ideas that came from the first explorers that still are a part of America today. We talked about this a lot but it is really true: freedom and opportunities. America is considered the land of opportunities, the New World. Immigrants came originally to escape their homelands that had whatever problems-famine, government, warfare- whatever the reason, they came here, to America. All in all I think an American is a person who lives in America. Not necessarily from America, but who lives here and shares the American culture and ideas. If someone lives in America, then they automatically put themselves in American culture, even if they keep some of their own nationality's culture, it's impossible for them not to be exposed to American ideas.
I completely agree! I also like your opening statement that it shouldn't be used to describe a nationality which is a point that i wish i included in mine. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about sharing the American culture.
ReplyDeleteI think anyone who lives and shares in American ideals should be called American.
I truly agree with your statements explaining how anyone can be considered an 'American' even without being born or your nationality being American, you can still be considered an American. Both of my parents are Polish, and although both consider themselves as Polish, they can also be viewed as American. They live the American life, in the US, speaking english, and upholding all the American traditions and holidays. I view them as a mix of both, while others may view them entirely as Polish or American. Without knowing their nationality, some may think that they were born here, and are or American heritage.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your statements that explain how many people came to America to look for a better life as they were deep in poverty, and did not have a very good life. 'famine, government, warfare' generally describe the overall reasons why most people come here, but I think that another should be family. Some people have families living in the states or abroad, and they usually tend to want to be with family, so they travel.