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What Makes An American

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What Makes An American
Travis Hughes

What Is an American? What do you think makes an American an American? An american is someone who was born and/or raised in America, has been influenced by American culture, who feels
“a part” of America. Its certain characteristics that set us apart from other countries.
Americans are self­reliant, competitive, and the compassion we bring to others are some, of many, American characteristics that set us apart. To have pride in your country, its history, and achievements is a true American citizen. It would be hard to get narrower on the definition, simply for the fact that America is so diverse and does not constitute a single culture, religion, race, or ethnicity.
An
American is someone who has lived here long enough that they feel a part of this country and associate with others that live here and they have some level of pride about being American. Americans have this constant drive, this desire, to be better than anyone else in so many things such as sports events, business, or even education.
Americans show their competitive side through the NBA, NFL, MLB, etc.
Competitiveness stands out more in our country than in other cultures.
Part of what makes someone an American is our legal right to question the government. Thomas Jefferson stated "that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." If we do not question and challenge our government, then we will no longer live in America as we know it. I believe if a person has lived here most of their life, knows little of their previous country, and are making something of themselves in this country, then they are

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Travis Hughes

as much American as anyone born here! An American is a person who loves the country and is willing to do anything for it. In conclusion, being an American is someones personal choice. If a person chooses not to call themselves American, but instead the ethnicity from where they originally came from, then that’s up to them. Anyone who wakes up early in the morning to go work is contributing to America by helping America expand and grow larger.
President Barack Obama said, “What makes someone an American isn't just blood or birth but allegiance to our founding principles and faith in the idea that anyone­from anywhere­can write the next chapter of our story.”

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