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What is an American
While the term may hold different levels of significance to any individual, the dictionary definition is simple. An American is, according to Princeton University, "a native or inhabitant of the United States." On an emotional level, a true American, like any nationalist, is someone loyal enough to fight or die for his country. Alternatively, an idealistic perspective looks at an American as a "normal" individual with a white picket fence, 2.6 children, dog or cat and enough money to consistently place food on the table. To neighboring countries an American is an ignorantly self-centered, spoiled person lacking the common sense to respect his elders in the international community. Because it would be ignorant to disregard any facet of humanity, one must measure each and create his own perspective. Using this approach, an American is an honest person directly ignorant of the potential horrors of dictatorship and thus automatically better off than the majority of the world; as a result, he possesses both the will and capability of helping those in need, either physically or through monetary support. In short, the “American” doesn’t exist because it is an unattainable ideal; however, he is as close as realistically plausible.
Our elementary history books paint a picture of Americans as individual heroes willing to sacrifice themselves for their country. Unfortunately, this blanket definition requires the patriotism and innate sense of right within each and every individual inside the US; for a sadly growing population, this isn’t the case. There have been many extremely brave, highly intelligent people. General Patton, known during World War II as “Ol’ Blood and Guts,” was a genius tank commander. On the opposing end of the spectrum, the US has suffered the actions of many Americans lacking the courage to fight. In the last years of the draft institution, there were a surprising number of “draft dodgers,” or people who moved out of the country when called upon to help serve. The same men that enjoyed the freedoms of the nation refused to assist when called to duty. The American dream can not be brought to fruition unless the entirety of Americans is willing to work together, and herein lays a discrepancy. If one is forced to fight against his beliefs or will, then the purpose of the country is compromised altogether. Due to the complexity of the balance holding individual freedom against national duty, a consistent scale is simply unreasonable.
Despite common misperceptions, the United States has its own share of faults, as well as less fortunate, if not necessarily “lower class,” individuals. From the project dwellers in Cabrini Green, Chicago, to the homeless bums in the District of Columbia, there is a multitude of people within the US who daily disprove its apparent perfection. When asked why his family didn’t use new furniture supplied by the Federal government, a young CG boy answered flippantly, “Bullets…duh.” He’d meant if they moved higher [next page]