What is an American?

An American is a person who has rights, lives under a stabled government, and has the freedom of speech. Americans have the right to express themselves how ever they want; in which does not affect the lives of others for the worse. In America they don’t discriminate you by your religion or where you come from. America is a capitalist country where depending what job you work, your check can come in different sizes. In America, everyone has the right to go to college and get an education. I, myself, am a son of immigrants who came to this country looking for opportunities and a better life. Many people do not succeed and get killed trying to fulfill their dreams by making it to the other side; the US. As I walk back home I spot the numerous amounts of churches of different religions and I think to myself; freedom.

Allot has passed to get to the America in which we are now. We had to go through our independence, the civil war, reconstruction, etc. All these events lead to a place where everyone can get along having equal rights. But one major issue that contradicts our constitution, is the simple part that states the government will not choose one religion over another. Yet we seem to have a thing for Christianity. We have come to a point where we have involved god in the US currency, the pledge of allegiance, etc. On the dollar bill, we have placed the words "In God We Trust" not thinking it will hurt or contradict other religions with more than one god. In the pledge of allegiance, we placed the words "One Nation, Under God" which again can contradict other religions such as ones who don’t believe in god who are known as "Atheist". Also when the president swears over the nation, he puts his hand on the Christian bible. Which opens up the discussion of John F. Kennedy's death; was it because he was a roman catholic? I don’t think its fair for the government to favor a religion no matter how popular it is practiced in the nation. Although not many people seem to care or notice the importance of this arguement, there is still people who get offended but their thoughts and opinions are not enough.

When we come to think of it, the American dream consist of having a great life. I think the American dream is to own a nice house, a nice car, a good paying job, and ofcourse, a great family. So my perspective, on what is an American, is a person who has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.