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What Does It Mean To Be An American Essay

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What being an American technically means and some people’s definition of being an American is two completely different things. Why is that? Even though the word “American” has the definition “a native or citizen of the United States”, the definition to most people is much more personal than this. Being an American not only means that one is a native or citizen to this country, but it also means that Americans have certain freedoms and rights. Citizens have the freedom of speech, religion, the press, and assembly. It also means that we have the right to bear arms, to own one’s property, and to enjoy many other more specific freedoms. Being an American technically means that citizens can vote and share an opinion without being reprimanded and criticized. On the other hand, what it means to be an American to some is much simpler than the Bill of Rights or the Amendments. To most, is is a very personal situation. Cody S., a ten year old from Wisconsin, says “Being an American means that we are all treated equally no matter what color skin …show more content…

If you are an American you are mighty lucky because you will be free forever.” Ashley M., another ten year old from wisconsin, says “To be an American to me means that I am free. That when I grow up I can pick the job I want, what shift to work. And to have a good education. It means that I can say "The Pledge of Allegiance" and that I can vote for the President, my county clerk, and the Mayor. But to me it means most of all to be free and to be proud that I live in the United States of America here in Wisconsin.” To these young people, America is the greatest country in the world because America does not discriminate as much as the country used to, America is free, and America is centered around equality. To others, being an American simply means that they can go to almost any restaurant over the country and buy a hamburger

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