We're traditionalists by nature, we can't help it.
The idea of having pride for our country is my first thought. The American flag t-shirt, the flag waving outside of our homes, and the support our troops bumper stickers show our 'support' or thoughts for what/who we are as a country.
Government, the idea of freedom with rules. Conforming, but still doing what we please..all of these things come to mind when I think about what it means to be an American. Forming a line at the movies just because it's what we've been taught to do. Driving within the lines and following the speed limits. Saying we're got all the freedom in the world, but we cannot commit murder or another crime without punishment.
Freedom of religion, speech and just thought in general also come with a price. It's defined in so many ways--what it is to be an american. Those beliefs we grow up with form our political parties, our religion, what is right and wrong, which laws to abide by..and so on. Our culture, the way we communicate, it also sets all of us apart.
Growing up in Topeka, I've encountered a popular protesting group quite often. Is that their idea of American? Showing their dislike towards someone else's freedom? So often, they stood across the street of my old high school, looking proud to show their opinion and protest the beliefs of others.
So often, we discuss politics and religion with those around us. Is that was makes us an American? How about stopping at McDonalds because we're hungry? We're also viewed as the nation that spoils ourselves, the nation that put everything in it's occupants hands. We only do it to ourselves. We're the ones to blame for being called the 'fast food nation.'
We have a voice in our media, we have a voice in our government. We can distribute movies and pictures with free right--any John Doe can be involved in this. We all have a notion of 'social liberalism' in America. But how does one person define what being an American is..? And what makes that person correct?
We pride ourselves in that social liberalism, that positive freedom, but I believe we put ourselves in situations as a country that aren't so full of pride.
Most of all, when I think about being an American, I think that you must have love for your country above all others.
But that love we may or may not have for our country can be defineable in so many ways.
