“What is an American?” Essay
“What is an American?” Essay
People come to America from every imaginable nook and cranny of the world. This makes it different to define an American as any one creature. According to Jean de Crevecoeur in What is an American, an American is a “new man”who is “part of the finest systems which has ever appeared. “ Although de Crevecoeur argues that ethnicity is a strong basis for a nation, modern Americans do not believe this is the case, rather, an American is anyone who is optimistic, enterprising, and pragmatic.
Above all, an American is optimistic. Though events may be going badly, though the tide comes strong against him, he remains firm in his belief that a higher Power will see him through. This notion was characteristic of the North American colonists even before they became Americans. Though the tide of the American Revolution seemed to flow in favor of the British, the colonists persevered, and it was their well spring of optimism that saw them through. Since that time, many more people have come to America seeking a better life, seeing in the country a potential to thrive and live freely. The American continuously looks forward to the future, never settling for what he has because he must always reach for what is beyond. Enterprising, the American demonstrates an entrepreneur's courage and talent in whatever field he chooses. An American's creed cries out for pride, freedom, and equality. He has pride in his country, his fellows, and in accomplishments which he has achieved on his own. Responsibility accompanies freedom, and the American learns to take accountability for his actions. Equality is essential for the continued functioning of America, for it is the birthright of every man to have a voice and to be heard.
Despite or perhaps because of his optimism, the American is pragmatic in his outlook. Although many Americans claim allegiance to a religion, they continue to strongly advocate a separation of church and state to allow everyone the same freedoms. In state, there is a future division of responsibilities and spheres of influence to allow for more efficient and reliable governing. No one branch of the government has absolute authority over the others, but instead, they check one another's power through a system of checks and balances. The American believes in choice because it prevents party rivalry which may lead to chaos and mayhem. America is still the land of freedom and new principles, but perhaps too much of the former and too little of the latter.
Ever an optimist, an American believes in the best of people and situations. Being pragmatic as well as optimistic, he tries for the middle ground and believes in experience as the one verifier of truth. The ambition of the American today has changed from what it has been in the past. The aim is now power, security, and mostly pleasure, whereas before in the hot throbbing of a new nation birthed from an aging mother all had been a flurry of rush for only power and security. Before the means, the beginning must be considered. Ethnic background is not as important as it was when de Crevecoeur wrote because the character, intelligence, and ability of a man are more closely examined than any other factors. Born with such benefits, an American “must therefore listen to new ideas with an open mind and form new opinions.”
People come to America from every imaginable nook and cranny of the world. This makes it different to define an American as any one creature. According to Jean de Crevecoeur in What is an American, an American is a “new man”who is “part of the finest systems which has ever appeared. “ Although de Crevecoeur argues that ethnicity is a strong basis for a nation, modern Americans do not believe this is the case, rather, an American is anyone who is optimistic, enterprising, and pragmatic.
Above all, an American is optimistic. Though events may be going badly, though the tide comes strong against him, he remains firm in his belief that a higher Power will see him through. This notion was characteristic of the North American colonists even before they became Americans. Though the tide of the American Revolution seemed to flow in favor of the British, the colonists persevered, and it was their well spring of optimism that saw them through. Since that time, many more people have come to America seeking a better life, seeing in the country a potential to thrive and live freely. The American continuously looks forward to the future, never settling for what he has because he must always reach for what is beyond. Enterprising, the American demonstrates an entrepreneur's courage and talent in whatever field he chooses. An American's creed cries out for pride, freedom, and equality. He has pride in his country, his fellows, and in accomplishments which he has achieved on his own. Responsibility accompanies freedom, and the American learns to take accountability for his actions. Equality is essential for the continued functioning of America, for it is the birthright of every man to have a voice and to be heard.
Despite or perhaps because of his optimism, the American is pragmatic in his outlook. Although many Americans claim allegiance to a religion, they continue to strongly advocate a separation of church and state to allow everyone the same freedoms. In state, there is a future division of responsibilities and spheres of influence to allow for more efficient and reliable governing. No one branch of the government has absolute authority over the others, but instead, they check one another's power through a system of checks and balances. The American believes in choice because it prevents party rivalry which may lead to chaos and mayhem. America is still the land of freedom and new principles, but perhaps too much of the former and too little of the latter.
Ever an optimist, an American believes in the best of people and situations. Being pragmatic as well as optimistic, he tries for the middle ground and believes in experience as the one verifier of truth. The ambition of the American today has changed from what it has been in the past. The aim is now power, security, and mostly pleasure, whereas before in the hot throbbing of a new nation birthed from an aging mother all had been a flurry of rush for only power and security. Before the means, the beginning must be considered. Ethnic background is not as important as it was when de Crevecoeur wrote because the character, intelligence, and ability of a man are more closely examined than any other factors. Born with such benefits, an American “must therefore listen to new ideas with an open mind and form new opinions.”
