The New American
The definition of what it means to be an American has changed dramatically throughout the history of our country. The founding fathers brought forth the idea of a new nation; that made sovereign the supremacy of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. America has changed drastically over the last two hundred years, and the definition of what it means to be an American has changed with it as well. In class for the last several weeks, the question was raised of what it means to be an American at the end of the twentieth century. The America of the twentieth century is not as far off from what the founding fathers intended; as some people might be led to believe.We have looked at several different works and articles that have given their perspective on what it means to be an American. Although American citizens are shown in Hollywood movies such as Kids, the film does not depict what the true meaning of being an American is. Our country was founded on the principals of there being no borders between us as a nation. Whether it be a difference of race or heritage, we as a people are all Americans. Being an American means setting aside your biases or prejudices, and living side-by-side with other religions
So what does it mean to be an American? Schlesinger's and Crvecoeur's views of what it means to be an American are essentially the same. They see and converse with a variety of people; their intercourse with mankind becomes extensive. Schlesinger states the people of the United States are going to explode and we are witnessing only the very beginning. The American as defined by Crvecoeur, is a new man who acts upon new principals; and must therefor entertain new ideas and form new opinions. " One of Schlesinger's first statements is that Americans have puled off an almost unprecedented trick. Schlesinger uses the journals of Crvecoeur, he says, "Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men. Through Crvecoeur's Letters from an American Farmer, he shows that his views of Americans are a class of individuals seeking knowledge and individuality. Crvecoeur says: Men are like plants; the goodness and flavour of the fruit proceeds from the peculiar soil and exposition in which they grow. Crvecoeur's views show a great sense of individuality among Americans. Looking at examples from movies like Kids, almost every teenager in the group was diverse in some way. Crvecoeur shows this by stating, "This renders them more bold and enterprising; this leads them to neglect the confined occupation of the land. This is one of the many things that allows people to live in relative harmony in America. People such as Europeans are satisfied with what early knowledge they acquire and the early bargains they make. It means you must be willing to set aside any prejudices you may have. Our country was created with the assistance of many different ethnic groups and a variety of cultures.
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Acceptance Essays
